Serving and protecting the community for more than 15 years.

​Corbett Heights Neighbors (CHN) was formed in July 2004 for the purpose of providing a forum
​for the residents to discuss common issues and concerns about the neighborhood.
2021 Annual Meeting
Date: September 13, 2021
Proposed Bylaw Amendment
Board Candidate Statements
OPEN SPACE
TRIUMPH!
17th Street project
soundly defeated
 
 
Following a two-year battle, the development fight at 4300 17th street is over.  
 
At Thursday night's Planning Commission meeting, this back-yard-destroying proposal was finally put to rest.  
 
Two high-end rental units would have eliminated all the corner lot's open space.
 
The likelihood of an appeal is low as the SF Planning Commission voted to kill the project AND the city's Zoning Administrator vetoed the proposal saying it violated numerous ordinances.
 
"This was an unambiguous victory for our community and it took a huge outreach to make it happen, according to CHN President Bill Holtzman.
 
  At the virtual hearing last night, more than 20 neighbors voiced their concerns.  And in the lead-up, more than 200 community members registered their opposition.
 
To everyone's amazement, the developer received no (zero) call-in support at the hearing.
 
"CHN supports additional housing, particularly below-market housing but we need to do it logically. The developer's approach was insensitive and ham-handed...it was a nightmare for the immediate neighbors.  They would have lost light, airflow, and privacy, Holtzman added.
 
"Sapphire" finaly goes to court
 
William Eaton, AKA Sapphire, will get his/her day in court on December 10.
 
Eaton is accused of felony assault without a firearm after a late-night confrontation with a  CHN neighbor. He has been in and out of jail after repeated violations of bail terms.
 
Sapphire will appear before Superior Court, 850 Bryant Street at 9 am.
 
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Hundreds oppose 4300 17th :
Final Hearing: Thursday, Nov 18th
JOIN US!
 
 
Please support your community and oppose this back-yard destroying development. CHN has overwhelming support with more than 202 neighbors voicing their written opposition.  The Planning Commission verdict will hinge on community turnout via the telephone.
 
"CHN has been supporting the neighborhood for more than 17years and now we are asking the community to support CHN," according to Bill Holtzman, president, CHN.  "It's all about protecting our backyards, so they don't become mini real estate developments," he added.
 
To watch the hearing , you can stream via:
 
To testify , call 415-655-0001  Access Code: 2492 015 1738
 
You will be put on hold and then instructed when you are "live" and can testify. Community input will be limited to one or two minutes per caller.
 
The meeting starts at 1 pm. Our hearing is #18 (A&B), so our hearing could start closer to 2:30 pm.  We recommend that you watch the hearing countdown and then call in.
 
After two years of active community opposition, we hope to resolve this threat, once and for all!
 
Police response chart:
Who ya gonna call?
 
 
                                                                                                           Courtesy SF Police: Park Station
 
                                                                                   
 
ANATOMY OF  A 311 CALL
(For local community mess (es), it can work!)
 
 
Monday, 10:30 am:  
 
Residents on Lower Terrace discover this mess and used the 311 smartphone app to photograph and report the problem.
 
Tuesday, 2:15 pm:
 
The following day, the garbage is gone and clean swept.   Thank you DPW!
 
 
CHN officers elected for 2021-2022 term
 
At the CHN board meeting on October 31, the following members of the community were elected by a unanimous vote of the board:
 
Bill Holtzman, President
Maryann Dresner, Vice-President
Leslie Koelsch, Treasurer
Paul Allen, Secretary
 
 
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© 2020 Corbett Heights Neighbors (CHN)
 
RESISTANCE GROWS:
130+ neighbors oppose
4300 17th development
 
 
The proposed backyard-killing development at 17th and Ord Street is generating unprecedented levels of opposition.
 
The final showdown occurs on Thursday, October 14th at 1 pm. The San Francisco Planning Commission will hear this case remotely. (See below)
 
Eleven months ago, a similar proposal went before the Commission and was soundly defeated.

Then, 43 notes of opposition were recorded. Today, the "no" votes stand at 130 , a 200 percent increase.   These are on file with the San Francisco Planning Department.
 
A vast majority of these no votes are from residents less than two blocks from the proposed development.

"Clearly, we have overwhelming support from the immediate community," according to Bill Holtzman, President, Corbett Heights Neighbors, CHN.

"We appeal to all our neighbors to call in and voice their concerns. Numbers really matter," he added.

Questions? Email info@corbettneighbors.com or call us at 415-404-9960.
 
 
 
Call in, speak out at the SF Planning Commission hearing, October 14th.
 
The meeting starts at 1 p.m.  The item is near the end of the agenda (#17).  So, go online or watch on the city's dedicated TV channel (78) to follow the agenda as it heads toward #17.

For public comment dial: (415) 655-0001 and use access code: 2487 389 3596.  You will be prompted when to "hold up your hand" to speak.
 
Commission Hearing Broadcasts:
Live stream: https://sfgovtv.org/planning , or via your television on Cable Channel 78
 
 
 
 
 
 
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© 2020 Corbett Heights Neighbors (CHN)
 
 
 
RIP: Al Kovalic
Local hero passes at 100+  
 
 
Al at 22
 
Much-decorated trail gunner,  he survived 50 bomber missions during World War II.  This was an unheard of achievement as most of these crews died before reaching 25.
 
Al at 98
 
During peacetime, he created and installed many community parks including "Al's Park" which was redesigned and launched earlier this year with Al in attendance.
 
 
CELEBRATE AN INCREDIBLE LIFE
 
Al Kovalic passed away on September 15 at his home.  A celebration of his life is planned for Saturday, Oct 9th, from 3-5 PM. It will be held at 385 Corbett.
 
All Covid protocols will be followed.
 
Another way to oppose
4300 17th project
Register your opposition to 4300 17th Street: 
Add your "voice" via a smartphone, but no talking is required!

Open the camera app, scan the code add your details and you can send an email to the SF Planning Commission.  
It takes about one minute. 
 
 
 
If you prefer a more traditional approach:  You can always email The Senior Planner at the SF Planning Department:  jeffrey.horn@sfgov.org.  Make sure to reference:  4300 17th, (2019-013808CUA/VAR.)  
 
Or you can write Mr Horn at City Planning Department, 49 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94103.
 
Final deadline for receipt:  October 8, 2011.
 
 
CHN board elected & bylaw change approved
 
For the 2021/2022 term, Paul Allen, Josh Baskin, Maryann Dresner, Bill Holtzman, Maria Chambers Hutchins, Leslie Koelsch, and Casey Rando were relected to CHN's board.
 
The proposed bylaw change was also approved.  This change allows the board to appoint new board members, if it is passed by a super majority of the board.
 
Many thanks to all the members who participated.
 
 
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© 2020 Corbett Heights Neighbors (CHN)
 
Battle of the backyard (s)
Final hearing set:
October 14, 2021  
 
Resistance to the proposed development at 4300 17th (at Ord Street) is alive and growing. This three-level addition continues to  violate numerous planning codes.
 
Following an appeal from CHN and its members, the San Francisco Planning Commission pushed back the final hearing date to October 14, 2021.
 
Much of this battle continues to focus on the developer's proposal to destroy 95% of the backyard. 
 
City planning code requires 45% of a residential lot must be dedicated open space/back yard. The Corona Heights Special Use District legislation has similar restrictions.
 
In November 2020, the Planning Commission and the Planning Department soundly rejected this for-profit proposal.
 
In particular, the Commission cited design problems, destruction of the back yard and a significant reduction in neighbors' sun, light, and fresh air.
 
"The developer has made very little effort to address these core issues and the proposal needs to be rejected-- again," according to CHN President, Bill Holtzman.
 
"What if your neighbor plowed down his/her backyard and replaced it with a steel and glass structure? What if it destroyed your sunshine, light and fresh air?" he added.
 
Don't allow this development to set a dangerous precedent.  Back yards are your friends and should be protected at all costs. Covid has taught us; protect green space for health and happiness.
 
The hearing date is set for October 14, 2021, starting at 1 pm.  You can watch proceedings real-time or phone in to listen and participate.
 
 
Once meeting details are confirmed, they will be forwarded to the community.
 
This is a fight worth having...
 
Our community parks
getting better and better!
Snap shots from Merritt Park
 
 
Blooms and more blooms
 
 
$500 in new mulch
 
 
 
 
Trimmed and weeds removed
 
 
Everything clean swept
 
 
 
Please note:  Our community parks are not supported by SF Parks and Recreation.  They are managed and enhanced by Corbett Heights Neighbors (CHN).   Join the parks team:  EMAIL CHN
 
Zoom into CHN annual meeting
Monday, September 13, 7 pm

We will conduct a full review of 2020/2021 including CHN finances, local crime, homelessness and our beloved community parks.  We will also announce the results of our virtual election.  If you received an electronic ballot,
vote now , it's not too late.

Our guest speaker will be:

Rick Hall
President, Liveable California

Rick will provide details on SB-9 and SB-10 which would
have a substantial impact on urban California. Both bills are sitting on Governor Newsom's desk.

Rick will also outline a voter initiative that seeks 
to limit   state interference with local zoning.

This is breaking news.

Click here to access the meeting at 7 pm.
You can also access via telephone at 669 900 6833. The Meeting ID is: 986 3857 4353

 
 
 
 
Accused felon's, court date
delayed until September 17  
 
William Eaton (AKA Sapphire) is  accused of felony assault without a firearm.
 
The attack occurred early in the morning in the heart of Corbett Heights. He has been in and out of jail after violating the terms of his temporary release.
 
CHN will continue to follow this story.
 
 
 
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4300 17th Street development is back! 

CHN opposes 
yard-destroying project 
again!
 
Seven months ago, the Planning Commission and Planning Department rejected the first re-development proposal for 4300 17th Street. It's back and CHN remains in full opposition.
 
The design has been scaled back but it still harbors one fatal flaw.  It destroys 95% of the backyard, affecting three neighboring structures. All will lose sun, light, and airflow.
 
"Over the years, CHN has compromised with many developers, but backyards are sacred and open space is critical," according to CHN president Bill Holtzman.  
 
Our neighbors should not have to live in fear of anyone's backyard.  
 
Previously, the Planning Commission clearly ruled that backyards can not be destroyed at will. CHN also believes the latest proposal violates long-standing city code and the Corona Heights Special Use District legislation. 
 
The developer continues to talk about "progressive" plans which include below-market rents for a minority of the proposed units. In 2020, this proposal was questioned by the Planning Commission and still needs to be researched, codified, and approved.
 
  "Remember, this is a for-profit organization which is backed up by a large budget, lawyers, architects, and a registered lobbyist...it's not exactly Robinhood and his merry men," Holtzman added.
 
Don't allow this development to set a dangerous precedent.  Back yards are your friend and should be protected at all costs.
 
The tentative hearing date is set for October 14, 2021, via Zoom. Click here to see CHN's opposition letter and its submission to the Planning Commission.
 
Once the hearing date is confirmed, we will ask our neighbors to testify, via Zoom. Last time, we received significant community support.
 
 
Harvey is back!
 
Several months ago vandals removed a tribute to our late, great Supervisor, Harvey Milk.  
 
CHN commissioned a new plaque and it has been reinstalled inside Triangle Park at Ord Street and 17th Street.  It reads:
 
CORBET HEIGHTS NEIGHBORS
In honor of Harvey Milk
May 22, 1930--November 27, 1978
Beloved Supervisor of this district
 
Tree Planted January 1, 1980
By David Geisinger
 
 
 
Time of vote:  CHN elections are on!
 
All members in good standing will soon receive an electronic ballot for the election of the 2021-2022 board.  The vote also proposes a change to the CHN bylaws.
 
We urge everyone to vote. It only takes a few clicks.  
 
The election concludes at CHN's (Zoom) annual meeting on Monday, September 13 at 7 pm.  
 
Click here to access the meeting at 7 pm.  
 
You can also access via telephone at 669 900 6833.  Meeting ID is: 986 3857 4353
 
Accused felon remains in jail
 
In the Spring, William Eaton (AKA Sapphire) was accused of felony assault without a firearm after menacing a neighbor. CHN produced an electronic poster and he/she was apprehended (the first time) in less than two hours.
 
Over the summer he/she  escaped from two court-ordered "recovery" programs.  In both cases, the "electronic bracelet" failed and local citizens called the police. Eaton (tentatively) goes back before the judge on September 10.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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BUSTED AGAIN!

Picture
William Eaton AKA "Sapphire" is back behind bars
This time, not one but two members of the Dolores Heights Improvement Club (DHIC) spotted Sapphire on the stairs at 20th and Sanchez.  Two 911 calls later and the accused was behind bars.
 
Eaton was originally arrested in mid-May.  He assaulted a member of the Corbett Heights community and was charged with "assault with a deadly weapon, not a firearm."
He was held in County jail until he was released on June 14th. The terms of his release are unclear, but restrictions were put into place which included an electronic ankle tracker. He violated the terms of his release and an arrest warrant was issued.
 
Congratulations to both communities for this modern-day manhunt.
 
The open question remains:  Who let this fellow out and why?

​WANTED: AGAIN!!!!

William Eaton AKA "Sapphire" is accused of felony assault against one of our neighbors.  He was arrested in mid-May.  A member of our community saw our (first) wanted poster, spotted the accused, called 911 and Eaton was immediately arrested.
 
Eaton was held in County jail until he was released on June 14th. The terms of his release are unclear, but restrictions were put into place which included an electronic ankle tracker.  He violated the terms of his release and an arrest warrant was issued.
He frequents Corbett Heights, the Castro, and the Dolores Park neighborhood.

If you see the accused, immediately call 911. Consider him dangerous.
 
Below: three photos of William Eaton taken at different times.  

Coming Soon!
​Al’s Park Restoration

Historic Al’s Park is being restored to its previous splendor. A PDF of the below Concept Plan for the park can be viewed here. This is a volunteer project organized through CHN. If you are interested in supporting this effort, your contribution would be a welcome addition. To donate and get more information, go to: CorbettNeighbors.com.
 
Questions: Contact CHN at info@corbettneighbors.com or 415 404-9960
 
 
CHN: 15+ years of serving/protecting our neighborhood
 
 
U-Turn!
17th & Ord project
sent back to planning
 
After more than 18 months of debate and negotiations, the controversial development at 4300  17th Street remains an open question.

The developer was unable to resolve a handful of serious issues outlined by the SF Planning Department in April 2020. Without addressing these questions, the developer launched an unusual appeal to the Planning Commission.
 
Last week, the Planning Commission put this application on indefinite hold and the case was referred back to the Planning Department. These discussions will probably start with the Department's Plan Check letter  which documents many of the problem areas.
 
In particular, numerous variances need to be addressed in addition to code compliance.
 
It appears the development will have to go through extensive redesign.

“This discussion is back where it should be-- the Planning Department,” according to CHN President Bill Holtzman. “Many zoning issues and community concerns were documented at the hearing. For us, the wholesale destruction of a side yard and the impact on neighbors was unacceptable,” he added.

CHN supports the addition of two below-market housing units (ADUs) to the existing structure, as permitted by San Francisco code.
 
Many thanks to all of you who wrote letters, distributed flyers and testified via Zoom.   This made a significant difference!

More details if/when they surface.
 
 
 
Mark your calendars, Monday, December 14, 7 pm
 
SF Finances: The road ahead
 
CHN's next quarterly meeting focuses on the financial challenges that confront the city during the age of Covid.  We have invited two speakers who are focused on this vexing challenge: Ted Eagan, San Francisco's Chief Economist and Rafael Mandelman who sits on the City's Budget and Finance committee.  Their qualifications speak for themselves.
 
We will also be joined by Alex Lemberg, President of Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association, EVNA. Our neighboring community group dates back to1881, making it the oldest neighborhood organization in San Francisco.
 
Please join us at this special Zoom event. Use  this link  when it's time to log in.
 
 
 
Rafael Mandelman
Supervisor, District 8
 
 
Ted Eagan
SF Chief Economist
 
 
Covid 19 update at your finger tips
 
At CHN's last quarterly meeting, we received an engaging Covid update from Dr. Susan Philip (left), Deputy Health Officer at SF Department of Public Health. Many attendees asked for additional information. She provided this link for up-to-date Covid-19 data.
 
Corbett Slope:  CHN takes action,
invests time/money to save trees ++
 
More than a year ago, the Department of Public Works (DPW) repaired the sidewalk and fencing above the Slope.  Unfortunately, the DPW contractors lassoed a number of trees and aggressively tore off a number of mature branches.  The crew left behind tree trunks, branches and building materials.  After many outreach attempts to the contractors and DPW, no corrective action was taken.  
 
Several weeks ago, CHN hired an authorized arborist an spent more than $3,000 to repair trees and haul off tons and tons of construction trash. CHN is now petitioning the city for repayment.
 
This is part of a three-phase effort torejuvenate the Slope:
 
Phase I:  About six weeks ago, volunteers cleaned up the northern boundary of the site and distributed a large amount of mulch.
 
Phase II: Tree pruning and large-scale removal of trunks and branches are completed.
 
Phase III:  A " clean and green " day will be announced in early 2021 to remove the remaining trash.   If you would like to sign up for this volunteer effort, email CHN.
 
 
SAVING THE SLOPE IN PICTURES
 
 
 
Damage
Construction crews roped tree limps and tore them apart
 
 
 
 
More damage
Large tree trunks are shattered
 
 
 
 
The crew left behind
 Tree limbs and building materials dumped by city contractor
 
 
 
 
Saving the trees with some pruning
The chain saws were going for two full days
 
 
 
 
Tons and tons of material was removed
Many truck loads will be transformed into mulch
 
 
 
 
Bottom line: the Slope is getting better and better
One more community clean up and we are (almost) done
 
 
 
 
Telephone, telegraph, tell CHN
 
We are easy to reach at all times:
Leave a message: 415-404-9960
Send an email: Info@corbettneighbors.com
Use snail mail: P.O. Box 14493 San Francisco CA 94114
Visit us at: https://www.corbettneighbors.com/
 
 
 
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CHN vs Coronavirus

Neighborhood take out 
SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANTS

​Staying healthy
How to avoid the virus
Home delivery services
How to manage your food at home
Cleaning products that kill Corona virus
If you know of more local support groups, email CHN

Corbett Heights News

Visit our News Page to catch up on what else is going on in the neighborhood!

Park Projects

CHN cleans up and maintains neighborhood parks
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