Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee www.sfpsac.

com

The Board of Supervisors finds and declares that it is in the public interest to officially recognize walking as an important component of our transportation system, and as a key component to creating livable and suitable communities. Therefore the Board of Supervisors established the Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee. This Advisory Committee, composed of concerned and informed residents, will provide a source of expertise on issues concerning pedestrian safety, convenience, ambiance, and planning. Committee Members Zack Marks Chairman John Alex Lowell Howard Strassner Kevin Clark Thomas Rogers Robin Brasso R. Gary McCoy Chris Coghlan Howard Bloomberg Morgan Fitzgibbons Jon Winston Christina Tang Becky Hogue Anyan Cheng Devin Silvernail Sonja Kos Trevor McNeil Alex Reese Kevin Stull Pi Ra

April 8, 2014 To Whom It May Concern: The San Francisco Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) strongly recommends approval of the creation of a dedicated unit as proposed in the District Attorneys Office budget for the 2014-2015 year to handle vehicular manslaughter cases. Among California cities, San Francisco has historically had one of the highest per capita vehicle pedestrian injury collision rates. In 2013, San Francisco reached an unprecedented number of pedestrians and bicyclists dying on our streets, which represents the highest number of fatalities in the past six years. Last year, automobiles hit more than 1,000 pedestrians, and the number continues to grow. With the alarming number of collisions, the investigation and prosecution of these cases must be handled appropriately, effectively and in a timely fashion. These cases are some of the most serious matters the District Attorneys Office handles, and the cases require extensive investigation and attention. With a dedicated unit, the District Attorneys office can devote the necessary resources to ensure appropriate investigation, charging, prosecution, and case management that these incidents so desperately need. We anticipate that the prosecutor will handle all felony vehicular manslaughter cases, serve as a liaison with advocacy groups and law enforcement partners, and assist the Major Traffic Investigation Unit on the scene of incidents. The investigator will conduct the required work to ensure the cases are handled with the care they deserve, and the paralegal will assist with case management, data collection, and work with the victims family as well as the other witnesses on the cases. San Francisco is experiencing a record number of serious incidents, and it is crucial to make sure this unit is created and supported. We strongly urge the Board of Supervisors to approve this budget request for the next fiscal year. Sincerely,

San Francisco City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett (Polk Street) Room 400

Zack Marks