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WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 12. Letter from Mezes Neighborhood Association relating to police problems (1302 -02 Mezes) There being no objection, Mayor Britschgi stated that Item No. 12 will be heard out of order at this time. Judy Buchan, 1126 Allerton, Secretary of the Mezes Neighborhood Association, referred to the subject letter, stating the Association has been working with Neighborhood Boards who helped organize them last year and progress has been noted in the area recently with regard to overcoming problems there, but more enforcement is needed. Darlene Presotto, 221 Howland, resident adjacent to Whipple Lodge, a source of the problem, displayed photographs of the unhealthful and undesirable conditions existing there, stating she cannot believe it is legal for such conditions to exist in the City. Kim Schoephoerster, 1028 Arguello Street, stated that Mezes Park is unsafe for children and said she had witnessed drinking and prostitution there and suspected drug activity also takes place. She urged that all laws regulating such activities be strictly enforced so that neighborhood children and families can enjoy the park. In response to question, Miss Buchan said that commitments have been made by the son of the Whipple Lodge owner at Neighborhood Board meetings, but they are never honored. City Attorney Schricker said that many actions have been filed against the _ Whipple Lodge owner and have been successfully prosecuted with fines imposed, but it remains a continuing problem. Mr. Schricker noted the importance of adequate evidence to sustain convictions and suggested some private civil remedies may exist also. City Manager Smith observed that the City can deal with criminal activity, but cannot become involved in civil actions. In response to questions, Deputy Police Chief Hamilton said that the Police Department is presently planning an enforcement program which should improve the situation, but he cannot provide details at this time. He noted that when publicity is given to prostitution arrests, the problem usually increases. Park and Recreation Director Griffiths reported that his department is working with the Legal Department in connection with an ordinance to limit drinking in parks, and Mr. Schricker noted that such an ordinance will affect all parks in the City equally. CONSENSUS: Mayor Britschgi determined it to be the consensus of Council to request a report from the City Manager on the status of the Mezes Park situation be placed on the Agenda for the next City Council meeting on March 18, 1985. MEMO 3/14 Reg. Mt g. 3/11/85 Page 3 MINUTE BOOK NO. 45 Page No. 298