Transcripts For SFGTV SFGovTV Presents 20220728

So like any good listening back then, i played softball and a friend on the team said, the Fire Department is recruiting women. I took the test in 88 and 89 i got hired. And i always say this, it was like a perfect career, it was like social work, i love that connecting and helping people aspect and physical. So i was like a social worker with an ax basically. And i just thought, this is like, this is it, i hit the jackpot. Part of my story is, i grew up across the street from a fire station and as a young girl, i use today love going in there and would go in there whenever my parents voted, they the old fashion voting machines. Sxifs in awe of the place but i never saw anybody that looked anything like me. It was all men, it was all white men and so, i never knew that i could do that. This was in the 70s. And i worked in several Different Things and i was at the pride parade in 1991. And the chief of the department, she i did give her courtesy card to come in, i remember it to this day, june 30th. The hand and hand together and i was with a friend of mine and fire fighter named anita prattly came up to me and we had a mutual friend and we didnt meet. And she came by the table and as soon as i looked at her, i said hi o to my friend, i could see she was super athletic. And she knew my friend and she said hey, do you want to be a fire fighter, heres an interest card, join us. There was something about her that could roll with the punches and also give a few punches. She would be great and i just knew it. I did give her the courtesy card. It was my greatest achievement. And it was something i saw myself, yeah, i love a good crisis. And im good in crisis and im good on thinking on my feet. And im you know, super fit and physical, maybe i can do this awesome. But just in terms of pride in general, being able to go to pride and be who we are and be who i am, its like the sense of digity and equality and inclusion. I was always incredibly proud to represent the community and to be doing service for the community, because thats what i love doing. Coming to San Francisco for me, was really key because i love the city. The city is so vibrant and diversity is really, its one of its treasures. So being part of a department that represents diversity is huge and so important to me that we welcome everyone. And not just face value, truly to integrate to have diversity, have representation not just on the fire fighter level but all levels in this department, all ranks up and down the chain of command. Its huge and its, stepping in as a woman of color as part of the Lgbtq Community, means more than just myself, right. I represent more than just myself. But as a leader, other people in this department, other people in the community that are looking at me and seeing that there is space for them. And so that is really creating space for everyone. When i first joined the military, it was still under dont ask dont tell. I had to be super cautious about what i was doing. I was still figuring out what i was doing. I joined when i was 19, i knew i was part of the community i was not accepting yet. My first duty station was officer guam and thats where i got to explore who i was. And being under the umbrella of dont ask dont tell, and having a friend being separated because he was gay. It was very rule. Had you to make sure that you were following the rules you needed to do everything you need today do. I was fortunate to be there when dont ask dont tell was repealed. You find people who are making a big deal about it, the next day everybody went to work like nothing happened. We were accepted and nobody made a big deal about it. Work performance was even better because you didnt have to hide something and worry about hiding. The transition from that world into this one is basically the exact same. I was able to just jump in and just you know, not even test the waters. I grew up with firefighters, my uncle and cuss infor a volunteer department in canada. Here its quite different, bigger department, a lot of different people. You know, just working with San Francisco i really enjoy having all the different personalities, background, experiences, im a pro lead rhyme now. Im a year into my probation and im already finished. And i felt like everybody has brought me in and show me what they know. And regardless of my sexuality, my gender, my race, i was 28 when i decided to change my career and go any different direction. Im 35 now just starting out in a whole different field. San francisco has a Large Population of Lgbtq Community in general and our department is reflective on that. The one thing i love about the San Francisco Fire Department, is we do look like the community we serve and were making every strife to reflect that. So even in our out reach, recruitment efforts, were trying to make sure that every Single Person including the Lgbtq Community has an opportunity to become a member of our department. Soz a subpoena officer, its important to make sure that i welcome my crew. That includes every Single Member that is on my apparatus, i feel we can do a better job. My dad was a football coach and he taught me to persevere and be committed and im showing that im doing that. Im very proud to say that i get to start my career off as a fire fighter for the San Francisco Fire Department. And im proud to be who i am, proud to be all the colors that i represent, proud to be, you know, i love being a woman in the department and to feel comfortable with who i am and very secure and excited to come to work. You know, one thing my mom also en grained anything we set our heart to and anything we wanted to do, the only thing stopping us was us. Its my dream to be a Fire Department member and im here, being changed because of who i was and now being able to out and proud of who i am, its, i feel it should mean something. Its important as a San Francisco fire fighter, that we understand the community that we serve. Its important that our department is made up of different genders, different ethnicities, different sexual orientations, because the community that we serve need to reflect the apparatus. Ive seen, ive seen the evolution of this department, ive seen it change through the years. Were in a better place than we were many years ago. I think we continue to evolve. Im really hopeful for this next generation of leaders who do smart, determined, lead with heart and im hopeful for our future for this Department Going forward. Were your department. Were here for you. Were you and that, and i really believe that San Francisco really embodies that. I tell you, it was the greatest decision i ever made. I kept thinking, my gosh if i didnt play softball i wonder if i would have heard about it. Its funny you plan in life and gu to college and you plan your next steps, but the most profound decision nz life, is how you meet people are random. I was meant to be i think and it was such a great fit being that social worker with the ax, thats it. So i see San Francisco and San Francisco leadership and government as a beacon for the entire country. Because we are so up front about what we believe in, were really up front about inclusivity and i know that, others look at us, many look to us. Weve had other departments, contact us in terms of how do you, how do you do this . How do you create a diverse equitable and inclusive workforce . And so, but i would be lying if i said that we dont have any problems in california or in San Francisco or in the department. We are out liars, sure . Are we doing our best again to address those things with implicit bias training . With changing the culture, our department has made huge huge leaps as has the city and i really feel like San Francisco is part of the solution to moving forward in a better way. People are individuals, there are a lot of different types of people in this world and celebrating our differences is what pride is all about. Im currently an h2 firefighter for the San Francisco Fire Department. I served active duty in the navy. I wanted something that was going to be in the medical field, but not necessarily stay in a hospital setting and i didnt want to stay in an office and this job kind of combines everything i was looking for. Everydays different. Theres always something new and to learn. And my first introduction to the department was being surrounded by people of the Lgbtq Community. And so we were able to get, you know, it just made things a little more comfortable that you could talk to people about things that people necessarily wouldnt understand. Ive had to hide myself. Able to come out. Being able to understand many his and being able to do things in had that sense, its very liberating to be able to speak like this, this city in particular, its a mecca for the Lgbtq Community. You know, theres so much history behind it and being part of this community that now accepting us for who we are and what we do, were able to just be ourselves. Any time somebody finds out i am a member of the gay community, i dont get anybody talking about me, nothing at all. Its just oh, cool. You have a partner . Like yes, i do. They start asking about that and how my life is. You become part of the family and here in the San Francisco Fire Department it really is just one big family. You know, it was my dream to be a San Francisco Fire Department member and im here. Hello, my name is jamie harper. In this episode, we are featuring the park locations in your very own backyard. This is your chance to find your heart in San Francisco with someone special. Golden gate parks largest body of water is this lake, a popular spot for strolling and paddling around in boats, which can be rented. Created in 1893, it was designed foreboding and for boating. It is named for the wild strawberries that once flores. A pleasant trail follows the perimeter past huntington falls, 110 foot waterfall. Two bridges connect the trail to the island. The climb to the hills summit, the highest point in Golden Gate Park at more than four hundred feet. You can get quinces of the western side of the city through glimpes of the western side of city through a thick trees. The lake is ada accessible. It has a peaceful atmosphere where you can enjoy a warm day. Walk along the lake and watched many ducks, and swans, and seagulls. It is a tranquil spot to stroll, enjoy each others company, and sail away. Many couples come here to take a ride around the lake, floating under the bridges, past the pavilion and waterfall. For a quiet getaway, it makes for a memorable and magical experience. Located on 19th avenue, this grove is the place to wear your hiking boots, bring your family, and bring the dog because it has so much to offer you and your loved ones. It is a truly hidden gem in the city. The part is rich with eucalyptus trees. Long paths allow you to meander, perfect for dog walking in a wooded environment. I enjoy this base and the history behind it. The diversity that exists in such an urban city, the concrete, the streets, cars, we have this oasis of a natural environment. It reminds us of what San Francisco initially was. This is a section for dogs and plenty of parking. Transit is available to get you there easily. And the part is ada park is ada accessible. There is also a natural lake. This is your chance to stroll and let the kids run free. It also has many birds to watch. It is the place to find some solitude from the city and appreciate what you share with a wonderful breath of fresh air. , an experienced this park and enjoy the peoples, picnics, and sunshine. This is a lovely place to take a stroll with your loved one hand in hand. Located in the middle of Pacific Heights on top of a hill, Lafayette Park offers a great square a of a peaceful beauty. Large trees border greenery. It features tables and benches, a playground, restaurants, and tennis courts. There are plenty of areas for football, frisbee, and picnics. It is very much a couples part and there are a multitude of experiences you can have together. Bring your dog and watch the mean go with the community or just picnic at one of the many tables and enjoy all of the park has to offer. Many couples find this is the Perfect Place to put down a blanket and soak up the sun. It is a majestic place you can share with someone you cherish. It is located along the 1 and 10 buses and is accessed from the 47 and 90 buses. It is ada accessible. For more information about reserving one of these locations, call 8315500. This number is best for special events, weddings, picnics, and the county fair building. For any athletic fields and neighborhood parks, 8315510. You can also write us. Or walking in and say hello at old lock cabin, Golden Gate Park. And of course you can find more information and reach us at sfrecpark. Org. It was an outdoor stadium for track and field, motorcycle and auto and rugby and cricket located in Golden Gate Park, home to professional football, lacross and soccer. Adjacent to the indoor arena. Built in the 1920s. The San Francisco Park Commission accepted a 100,000 gift from the estate to build a memorial in honor of pioneers in the area. The city and county of San Francisco contributed an additional 200,000 and the stadium was built in a year. In the 1930s it was home to several colleges such as usf, santa clara and st. Marys for competition and sporting. In 1946 it became home to the San Francisco 49ers where they played nearly 25 years. The stayed de yam sat 60,000 fans. Many caught game the rooftops and houses. The niners played the last game against the Dallas Cowboys january 3, 1971 before moving to candlestick park. The stadium hosted other events before demolition in 1989. It suffered damages from the earthquake. It was reconstructed to seat 10,000 fans with an all weather track, soccer field and scoreboards. It hosts many Northern California football championship games. Local high schools sacred heart and Mission High School used the field for home games. The rivalry Football Games are sometimes played here. Today it is a huge Free Standing element, similar to the original featuring tall pink columns at the entrance. The field is surrounded by the track and used by high school and College Football and soccer. It is open for public use as well. [crowd noise] [music] as a city we do a lot of parades and celebrations. Public work system in the middle of things, doing inspections and cleanings and organizing our crews so we are used to creating something it is something we know how to do. This is managed by city workers. They are out here doing the jobs to make sure our city looks good in our city time. We are also routing for the warriors whether we work. It was thrilling when they won and we had to get to work to plan for the parade and to make sure that everybody in the city everybody that come to the city is safe and taken care of. A lot went everwent in 100 hours of planning with the warrior and Mayors Office and City Partners it took a team to make today possible. Important this the department has the presence, seeing the priority and vehicles makes everyone feel safe we value our commute and serve it, it is important. The giant crowds we are to bring out our specialized equipment. We have small response united staffed by a paramedic and mt the small golf cart devices have a gender and he get in and out of crowds. Im here to help people get to where they need to go and figure out the bus routes and navigate things temperature is important we take care of safety and make sure everyone gets to where they need to so everyone can celebrate the warrior and be out on parade day. How is or ems book when we have been able to do is set up mobile command posts. And we partnered with the private sector with verizon to provide priority communication so we can run our entire Emergency Response on that network for our First Responders. We know they will work even though we are getting thousands of people all competing for the same network to send photos and e maild and texts and video our First Responders are able to do the same amongst the large crowd. Get out here at 5 30 a. M. And saw employees cleaning the street its takes a team to build a champion. I love it and bum when he left im glad he is back no matter how much he plays or does not play that mans heart and spirit he carries everyone along and really mentor people and mentoring is so important whether in basketball or the fire service or ems. Mentoring is huge and having a presence like that around is huge. My favorite player is jordan i like he is a role player and come out as a starter i feel similar to the city i like a structure and plan when there is an opportunity to lead i like that, also. The player i like lisa. He is similar to me all there and game is in the pretty but gets the job done. Every time he scores all right. My man is back. Happy with seth currys wife strong. She is a leader and she just really puts on a great face for females and being strong and in the face of challenge and negativity. [music] [crowd noise] they were tons and tons and tons of blue and yellow confetti. Every wrchl the end we picked up 38 tons of trash. Mostly confetti. In terms of for our crews we were ready. After we had been data break and done carnival in may. Our team was prepped to do the work and they felt tremendous pride in part of the huge celebration and tremendous pride in the coordination we did with the Mayors Office, the Police Department issue Public Health and the city agencies that got together and put on a party for the bay area. Put on the party for the nation. [crowd noise] [music] welcome to our wednesday july 20, 2022 meeting. Please rise for the pledge of