We reported on Robert Leon’s passing in the April issue of the Voice (https://www.hanc-sf.org/24-home/610-in-memory-of-robert-m-leon ). Robert’s sister, Elsie provided us with this report:
A heartfelt farewell was held for Robert Leon over the 4th of July weekend by family and friends. A memorial was held at Angel Island from the flagship boat of the Oakland A’s. May Robert rest in peace.
Thank you San Francisco.
By Calvin Welch, HANC Board
While technophiles eagerly await the full operation of corporate-owned driverless electric taxis, the concern of some that these vehicles may prove an alluring alternative to public transit for cash-strapped urban transit managers and their elected official bosses may be working itself on San Francisco streets.
At the September 9th HANC general meeting featuring SFMTA, WAYMO and other driverless car companies, Supervisor Mar’s office has been invited to share with us the background to the recent announcement by WAYMO that it will operate throughout District 4, presented by Mar at the Board of Supervisors. In an August 25th piece appearing on 48 Hills (https://48hills.org/2021/08/waymo-and-the-invasion-of-the-corporate-body-snatchers/), Herb Mintz reports that Mar’s office learned that the area was selected as “a result of an SFMTA study” of the district . While the study results were “apparently” shared with WAYMO, SFMTA “did no outreach. Not to the residents, and not even to our office,” Mar staffer Ralph Lane told Mintz. Mintz asked SFMTA for a comment but none was forthcoming. Perhaps HANC can get some answers.
It is perhaps a coincidence that SFMTA did a study on intersections layout in the Sunset and WAYMO chose the same area to start its driverless operations. Equally it may also be a coincidence that the three remaining major transit lines still suspended –the 6 the 21 and the L- all serve the same area that WAYMO will begin its driverless operations. Join us at HANC on Thursday, September 9th, 7 pm to get answers to these and other questions.