Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Laguna Honda area clean-up to take place on Thursday, Sept. 23.

SFPUC staff will coordinate a clean-up of the Laguna Honda area.

Crews accompanied by SFPD officers will be on site at around 8:30 am.

Please contact Suzanne sgautier@sfwater.org if you have any questions.

Thanks

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

The Goats are returning to Laguna Honda. Goats will be on-site at the Laguna Honda Reservoir beginning Wed. Sept. 1, 2010 and continuing for the next several days. Additional clean-up efforts will be undertaken near 7th Ave. and Locksley.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Goats are Heading to Laguna Honda Area

Tuesday afternoon Goats-R-Us will deliver a herd of goats to SFPUC's Laguna Honda property along 7th Avenue to help trim overgrown and dried vegetation that might otherwise fuel a fire. Of course, a sheepherder will accompany the goats and they will be carefully monitored so as not to munch on any protected foliage. They should be grazing along the hillside for the remainder of the week.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Stanford Heights Reservoir Update - Summer 2010

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while we’ve been rebuilding the Stanford Heights Reservoir and Mt Davidson Pump Station.

With the seismic upgrades complete, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission/Water Department is addressing a few outstanding items this summer.

The heavy springtime rains brought some of the tallest weeds we’ve ever seen throughout San Francisco! The goats will be coming to the reservoir this summer as an environmentally-friendly way to remove the high weeds behind the reservoir fence. Watch for them soon!

The Department of Public Works will repave Agua Way between Teresita and Chaves in September or October due to two sewer repair projects that are scheduled on the street this summer. Once they complete their projects, they will repave the street as promised.

The Water Department will paint the blue valves and other equipment on Agua Way this summer. Bamboo and other plants were added this past spring.

The temporary orange fencing around the reservoir will be removed soon.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

The Goats are coming to Stanford Heights Reservoir this summer!

Those high weeds behind the fence at Stanford Heights Reservoir will soon be lunch for a herd of goats!

The popular return of the goats will take place this summer - most likely in early August. With the heavy winter and spring rains, the weeds are tall and thick this year at the reservoir.

The goats are a fun and environmentally-friendly way for the City to control weeds. Power mowers use gas and often cannot reach steep areas of weeds on our properties. Using the goats also reduces the need for herbicides to control weeds.

Watch for them at Stanford Heights Reservoir soon!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Some responses to your questions

The following Q&A was handed out at the June 8 meeting with neighbors regarding the Laguna Honda Reservoir area.
In April 2010 the SFPUC was asked to provide information about the planned use of an area at the Laguna Honda Reservoir

Provide documentation of all planned/anticipated and “emergency” activities of the SFPUC at the site:

• Frequency
• Duration
• # of staff on site at any given time
• Regularly scheduled activity outline/emergency activity described
• # and size of vehicles expected on site consistent with regular planned activity
• # and size of vehicles expected on site for “emergency” activities

• The activities will be limited to the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with usually no more than one Dive Supervisor dealing with office work. The majority of the Divers are working at dive sites throughout the city. The Dive Team has three passenger trucks, so there will never be more than that number parking there at any given time. No trucks will be left there overnight.
• Once it has been placed on the site the trailer will provide office space for a couple of diver supervisors and a small workshop to repair and maintain items such as air stations, helmets, dry suits, ROVs, cameras, power and light units, and filling air cylinders.

What were/are the criteria used by the SFPUC in selecting the Lake Honda site for these facilities and activities?
When the dive shop left Treasure Island, the City Distribution Division researched other SFPUC land to house the dive shop. The criteria for a new site included:
• Central location to quickly service a majority of reservoirs (Sunset, Merced Manor, Sutro, Summit, Twin Peaks, Mount Davidson & Forest Hill tanks that are close to this location).
• Unobtrusive location; the actual site is below street level and below the driveway.
• Secure; behind locked gates (two gates).
• Location to water test gear, if necessary.The dive office may or may not be purchased and installed this year, it all depends on the available funding and the cost of the trailer. In the meantime, existing facilities will continue to be used. The generator will be removed once the transformer installation and connections are complete.

Can it be said that there will be no additional facilities, structures or activities at this site?
• After the trailer is placed in this location, other activities would be limited to placement of lattice screens/fences to obscure the structure from view and other plantings..

• The pad and green house covers SFPUC owned switchgear that would not produce any noticeable noise. The transformer is actually on the existing PG&E pole.

Can neighbors be assured that no one but authorized personnel will be accessing the site? Why were their reports of late night access to the site but no record of it by the Water Dept.?

• Aside from keys for beekeepers, only authorized Water Department personnel have access to this property. On the occasion referenced, a dept. staff person may have had to access this site but that is highly unusual and not a regular occurrence.

Community asked for copy of the WEISS natural areas study. It could be posted at sfwater.org/natural areas.
We have scanned in the old report however since it is dated, the agency plans to have the study redone this fall or spring.

SFPUC staff will pursue the following landscaping and property upgrades at Lake Honda/Laguna Honda:
1. Obscure as much of the fencing as possible, both the fence along Clarendon and the interior fence with vines and other greenery. Place green fabric on interior fence gate as nothing can be planted near it. Also, since it is within the exterior fence, graffiti would not be a problem.

2. Extend the fence screen along the fire access road to obscure the bee boxes.

3. Coordinate with our Landscape Supervisor about planting more native plants for the area inside of the fences. Garden Project could be a resource here.

4. Staff is considering recommending that SFPUC Real Estate revoke the beekeeper’s permit in this area as they are extending beyond their restricted area.

4. Work together to minimize the impact of the sand and gravel mounds – we are proposing to relocate the gravel and sand to an area within the inner fence

5. Consider a screen for the gate on Clarendon, taking into consideration the potential for graffiti on any surface (could we get a gate with tighter weave?).

6. Notify SFPUC Communications of any change in the “regular operations” hours at the site so that the neighbors can be notified in advance.

Contact us at feedback@sfwater.org

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Laguna Honda Comments

Following a meeting at Clarendon School last night with neighbors, SFPUC was asked to research and post previous comments regarding this area that had not been published. Digging into Blogger, we found 5 comments that are now linked to the May 14 posting. Below is a new comment that we received today.

For response and further discussion, look for the SFPUC handout from the June 8 meeting. At the meeting, neighbors asked the SFPUC to verify the zoning for this property. While we do that, Kevin Barry, City Distribution Manager, promised that the SFPUC dive and operations staff will not pursue any further activities at the site.


Peter Cook and a fellow beekeeper also reported to the group. Peter is working to consolidate the bee hives within his allotted 125 sq. feet and will try to make the hives more asethetically pleasing.


New Comment:
My husband and I are not very happy with the construction site posted up (seemingly permanently) at the bottom of Clarendon Street at Laguna Honda Lake area. That is an area that we were told would turn back to it's natural green state. It is important for wildlife, dog walkers and the trails within the area should be restored for recreational purposes.

There was the hidden away water pump station which wasn't done very green and eliminated a lot of forest and now this. Please help our community by moving PUC to another area.

Thanks,
Brooke Spilberg


Monday, June 7, 2010

Celebration on Mt Davidson

Friends and neighbors gathered under bright sunshine on Saturday morning, June 5th on top of Mt Davidson to celebrate the completion of three large Water System Improvement Program (WSIP) projects and rededicate a new plaque to the woman who helped preserve Mt Davidson as a park back in 1926.




Supervisor Sean Elsbernd opened the ceremonies by recognizing people from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Rec & Park Natural Areas Program and the many organizations and volunteers who worked with the City to ensure the critical water construction projects took place in harmony with native plants and natural habitats on the mountain.




The Mt Davidson Tank & Pipeline, Mt Davidson Pump Station and the Stanford Heights Reservoir are now updated, renovated and will help ensure water delivery and fire protection in the event of a major earthquake or other disaster.



Jacquie Proctor, local author, historian and co-founder of the Friends of Mt Davidson Conservancy, shared her vast knowledge of Mt Davidson's unique history. She shared historic photos of Mrs. Edmund "Madie" Brown, a courageous woman who in 1926, organized to prevent Mt Davidson from development so it could be enjoyed by the public as a park.





The new plaque in honor of Madie Brown.










Wednesday, May 26, 2010

June 8th Community Meeting: Updates at Laguna Honda Reservoir

Neighbors of Laguna Honda Reservoir:

A community meeting with the SFPUC will take place on Tuesday June 8, 2010. The meeting will be held in the Auditorium at Clarendon School, 500 Clarendon, and will begin at 6:00pm.

SFPUC staff will provide updates on the improvements to the small area near the Clarendon Gate that were discussed and proposed in April. We will have updated illustrations of proposed changes to the site.

When: Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 at 6pm

Where: Auditorium at Clarendon School, 500 Clarendon

Construction at the Clarendon Gate is pictured here.

We hope you are able to join us on June 8th, we look forward to hearing from you.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Celebrate Mt Davidson on Saturday, June 5th

Celebrating SFPUC Water Projects and Honoring Mt Davidson History

Join us to celebrate the completion of critical SFPUC water system upgrade projects and the dedication of a plaque honoring “Madie” Brown.

Saturday, June 5th, 2010
10:30am
Top of Mt Davidson
Light breakfast served • Rain or shine
asinclair@sfwater.org


Mrs. Edmund N. “Madie” Brown,
a courageous woman who in 1926
organized to preserve Mt Davidson as
a public park for San Francisco.


Volunteer with the Natural
Areas Program before the event!
Meet at 9am at Landsdale &
Dalewood. Closed-toe shoes,
long pants & layers suggested.
415-831-6331

Historical Photo Credit: Jacquie Proctor

Friday, May 14, 2010

Laguna Honda


The SFPUC City Distribution Division will continue to use an area of the property at the Laguna Honda Reservoir. This area is just inside of the gate on Clarendon Ave. Activities and facilities for the site were the topic of a community meeting held on April 20, 2010. Below are some of the highlights of that community meeting:

With respect to the ongoing and regular use of the site by our Dive Team, here are the current plans:
• Regular activities at this site will be limited to the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with usually no more than one Diver Supervisor dealing with office work. The majority of the Divers are working at dive sites throughout the city. The Dive Team has three passenger trucks, so there will never be more than that number parking there at any given time.
• Once it has been placed on the site the trailer will provide office space for a couple of diver supervisors and a small work shop to repair and maintain items such as air stations, helmets, dry suits, ROVs, cameras, power and light units, and filling air cylinders.
• Construction related to the trailer will be limited to placement of lattice screens/fences to obscure the structure from view.

A pad and structure have been installed close to the fence and gate on Clarendon Ave.

• The PG&E equipment referred to on the pad is a transformer with switch gear. It makes no sound and hence no reportable decibels. The structure surrounding the transformer is 8 feet tall by 3 feet deep by 7 feet long.
• Once the transformer is fully operational, the temporary generator will be removed.

We are planning a follow up with the community on Tuesday June 8th, stay tuned for more details.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

San Andreas Pipeline No. 3 Update

Temporary Road Closure

In order to safely make upgrades to our water delivery system, the SAPL3 project team is closing Eucalyptus Drive between Ocean Ave. and 19th Ave. today and Friday (April 29th and 30th). The 2-day closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Iris Martin Lopez in SFPUC Communications at: (415) 554-3222 or ilopez@sfwater.org.

Monday, April 26, 2010

SF Water Dept Water Service Shutdowns for April 27th

The SF Water Department is scheduling water service shutoffs on Tuesday, April 27th at 11pm to service our pipelines. Water is expected to be back on within several hours.

Here are the San Francisco locations:

Eucalyptus Dr, 19th ave to Melba
19th ave, Ocean to Eucalyptus
East side 20th ave, Ocean to Eucalyptus
S/W Eucalyptus & 20th
S/E Eucalyptus & 22nd ave
S/E Eucalyptus & Melba

Thursday, March 11, 2010

New Mt Davidson Pump Station Nears Completion

The Mt Davidson Pump Station project team are making the final touches on the new, modern and efficient water pumping station located on Agua Way at La Bica.

The new building was designed to look like homes in the neighborhood and its new pumps and electrical equipment are modern and more energy efficient.

New landscaping is beginning to grow and bloom on the La Bica Path and surrounding the upgraded Stanford Heights Reservoir. New plants will be added in front of the pump station building soon.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Update: Eucalyptus and 19th Avenue in San Francisco

A contractor’s crew is beginning to dig a trench to install 36” diameter steel water pipe just west of the existing bore pit located at the intersection of Eucalyptus and 19th Avenue in San Francisco. The crew will be heading westbound along Eucalyptus to 22nd Avenue to install the water pipe. Later this spring, the installation will turn northbound up 22nd Avenue, terminating near Sloat Blvd. at the Merced Manor Reservoir.

Neighbors can expect some parking limitations, with 72 hours notification before any removal of parking. Iris Martin Lopez has been working with the nearby schools and the YMCA to ensure that daily routines are not obstructed. She can be reached at (415) 554-3222 or via email: ilopez@sfwater.org.

Rain temporarily halted work on Junipero Serra and Holloway, but workers will return this week as weather improves. Weather permitting, the contractor plans to complete work at that location by early April.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Public Comment Welcome on Agua Way Bamboo Plan


Our landscape folks have created a proposed planting plan for the area near the blue valves and chlorine building along Agua Way near Teresita. The plan includes beautiful clumping bamboo and blooming flowers that will create a 'green screen' that neighbors can enjoy instead of viewing the valves and other equipment.
You can view the drawings near the valves on Agua Way.
Please provide comments by noon on Thursday, March 11th via email to asinclair@sfwater.org.
We will soon be painting the chlorine building, DPW will repave Agua Way this Spring and then we can plant proposed bamboo and flowers. Bamboo can grow between 12 and 16 feet in height and will fill out over time.
Thank you to the many Agua Way neighbors who suggested bamboo as a good option for everyone.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Junipero Serra and Holloway Update

As weather permits, construction crews are continuing open trench work to install a water pipeline along Junipero Serra Blvd. at Holloway in San Francisco. Currently, the south-bound lane on the left-hand side of the boulevard is closed to traffic, but well placed markings and traffic signage have kept cars moving smoothly.

Regular work hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We welcome your input on how we can minimize inconvenience and disruption near your home or business. Please contact Iris Martin Lopez at SFPUC Communications at (415) 554-3222 or ilopez@sfwater.org. In addition to subscribing to this blog for updates, you can follow the progress of the San Andreas Pipeline #3 replacement on Twitter at www.twitter/SAPL3.

Wildflowers Coming This Spring near Palo Alto Ave


This Spring, watch for colorful ,beautiful wildflowers on the Water Dept property near the intersection of Palo Alto Ave and Marview in the Twin Peaks area.




The area was recently "hydroseeded" as part of a restoration project requested by neighbors after the completion of the Palo Alto Pump Station. Hydroseeding often looks like paint at first - it is usually bright green or blue - and the concentrated seed mix germinates and blooms with rain or moisture.




We would love to see some photos from neighbors posted on this blog!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Construction Update on Junipero Serra and Holloway Avenue in San Francisco

In anticipation of more rain this Friday, the construction crew at Junipero Serra and Holloway Avenue will finish securing and plating the trench today and will re-open the westbound lane of Holloway Avenue to traffic.

The team will resume work on the trench beginning Tuesday, February 16th, and for safety reasons must close the western-most (southbound) lane of Junipero Serra Blvd. until the work is completed. The SFPUC contractor will work extended hours on Tuesday and Wednesday in order to minimize the number of evenings that drivers will be inconvenienced along Junipero Serra.

We will post frequent updates to keep neighbors and commuters informed throughout the project. Please subscribe to this blog or sign up to follow us on twitter at www.twitter/SAPL3 for regular construction updates in your neighborhood.

If you have any comments or questions about the project, please contact Iris Martin Lopez at SFPUC Communications at (415) 554-3222.

Iris Martin Lopez
Communications Liaison, San Andreas Pipeline No. 3
415-554-3222
Email: ilopez@sfwater.org
24 hours: (415) 334-4007

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Emergency Repairs at Junipero Serra and Holloway

A construction crew will be working through the night to reinforce the street at the intersection of Junipero Serra Boulevard and Holloway Avenue. To avoid a potential safety hazard for both motorists and pedestrians, crews will work on this area until it is safely repaired.

Additional police will be assigned to direct traffic at the intersection, and the westbound lane of Holloway Avenue has been closed to motorists until further notice. The SFPUC contractor is completing a drinking water pipeline installation and backfilling the trench at this location.

Please subscribe to this blog for regular construction updates in your neighborhood. If you have any comments or questions about the project, please contact Iris Martin Lopez at SFPUC Communications at (415) 554-3222.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Snow Fence Added to Protect Plants at Stanford Heights Reservoir


Residents may notice snow fencing around the perimeter of Stanford Heights Reservoir this week. The temporary fence was added in order to protect the new landscaping recently installed and allow it to grow.
The fence will remain in place until the new plants and flowers have a chance to grow. It will be removed once the landscape team feel the plants are safe from damage.

Tragic Earthquake in Haiti a Shocking Reminder to Store Water and Be Prepared

The devastating and tragic 7.0 earthquake in Haiti on January 12th is a shocking reminder for all of us to be prepared for a major earthquake to strike the San Francisco Bay Area at any time.

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least three days after a major disaster. Store additional water for houseguests and pets. Store water away from sunlight and heat and replace every six months. Learn more about getting prepared by visiting http://www.72hours.org/.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Watch for Wildflowers this Spring at Summit Reservoir

Watch for wildflowers at Summit Reservoir, located near the intersection of Palo Alto Ave and Marview in the Twin Peaks area. Our SFPUC gardener recently cast a mix of colorful wildflowers along the hillside near Palo Alto Ave.

The SFPUC also plans to "hydroseed" the area this Spring as part of a restoration project requested by neighbors after the completion of the Palo Alto Pump Station. Hydroseeding often looks like paint at first - it is usually bright green or blue - and the concentrated seed mix germinates and blooms with rain or moisture. Watch for the hydroseeding this Spring.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Read our new Digital Currents!


Digital Currents, the SFPUC’s new electronic magazine, launches today! Preview it now! http://www.sfwater.org/digitalcurrents5
Subscribe today!
http://sfwater.org/newsletterform2.cfm/MC_ID/18/MSC_ID/429

Thursday, January 7, 2010

4.1 Earthquake a Good Reminder to Prepare for the Big One

The 4.1 earthquake on January 7th was a good reminder to San Francisco residents that it is not a matter of if but WHEN the next big earthquake will strike. We all must prepare.

One of the best and easiest things residents can do is store tap water for emergency use. After a big earthquake, water mains may break and homes may be without water for several days. We are upgrading our pipelines, reservoirs, pumping stations and other facilities to prepare for the earthquake.

Store at least one gallon of tap water per person per day to last at least three days. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight and change water every six months (pour water on a plant and refill bottle). You can reuse 2 liter soda bottles or use other food grade plastic or metal bottles for storing water.

Learn more at www.72hours.org

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Construction resumes in the Merced Manor Neighborhood





Mountain Cascade, Inc. contractor working for the SFPUC on the San Andreas Piepline No. 3 will begin the 36" water pipeline installation on Eucalyptus Drive. Construction will be ongoing throughout January.

The installation will continue in February along Eucalyptus Drive through 22nd Avenue to Sloat Boulevard.

Work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more information on this project, please visit www.sfwater.org/sanandreas3