[Nfbsf] revised draft.

[Mary Willows]

Hello Eric:
I have given this issue much thought and find that there is no harm in 
supporting your letter.  However, I must say that I have never heard of this 
unit and really don't see the purpose.  Can you give a little more history 
on when it was formed and some of the situations it resolved?  I would 
appreciate any additional information you can provide.

Best,


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eric Holm" <ericholm at att.net>
To: <nfbsf at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 11:52 AM
Subject: [Nfbsf] revised draft.


Greetings and thank you for your thoughts and support on this important 
issue.
Below is a revised DRAFT of my letter to Mayor Newsom, Please note this is 
not for release.

I'd appreciate the ability to include CAGDU, NAGDU, NFBC, among others as 
supporters to this opposition letter.    Please let me know your thoughts.

Eric

DRAFT    NOT FOR GENERAL RELEASE


RE: Oppose - Elimination of Vicious and Dangerous Animals Unit

Dear Mayor Newsom:

I greatly appreciate our long standing friendship and our work together.  I 
recognize, and commend, your administration’s actions in leading the way on 
many issues relating to the rights of people with disabilities. I am writing 
today on behalf of a coalition of blind Californians and organizations that 
provide travel training to the blind. Accordingly, we wish to bring to your 
attention a risk to the public at large and the blind community 
specifically.

The National Federation of the Blind of San Francisco writes in opposition 
to the elimination of the Vicious and Dangerous Animals Unit (Unit) within 
the San Francisco Police Department.  Blind travelers who use guide dogs as 
their means of mobility are reliant upon the freedom to travel safely 
through their environment, without the interference of vicious and dangerous 
dogs. A dog attack is a vital issue in our community.  The emotional and 
physical results of an attack are devastating, and can result in serious 
injuries to handlers and/or the death of a guide dog or force the $60,000 
guide dog into early retirement.  Referring these crimes to animal care & 
control sends the wrong message and improperly defers criminal enforcement 
to an inappropriate agency. Interfering with the work of a guide dog team is 
indeed a violation of state and federal law; and should be addressed by law 
enforcement.

San Francisco has served as a model for other jurisdictions by having such a 
unit in its organization. The officers in this unit have repeatedly gone 
above and beyond the call of duty – partnering with Guide Dogs for the Blind 
Inc. to create educational materials on the dangers of attacks on guide dogs 
and have repeatedly made themselves available for public speaking 
opportunities to educate people on the services and protections that the 
Vicious and Dangerous Dog Unit provides all residents and visitors of San 
Francisco. Information on this unit, and the protection it provides, has 
traveled throughout the blind community, and doubtless plays a significant 
role in the decisions of blind Californians to travel to San Francisco. 
Other organizations also in opposition to the dissolution of the Unit 
include:  (_________)

We recognize the fiscal constraints facing the police department. However, 
the elimination of this program compromises the safety of all guide dog 
users that live, work, and visit San Francisco. As our nation celebrates the 
20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, taking such a 
significant step backwards in the protection of the blind is unacceptable. 
We therefore respectfully call upon you to reverse the dangerous decision of 
the Police Department’s abolishment of the Unit and reinstate its officers 
accordingly.

I formally request a meeting with you and a small group of concerned 
Californians to further discuss this issue. My schedule is at your disposal.

Respectfully yours,







ERIC HOLM, JD
President
NFBSF
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