Since my election in January as DTNA's new President I have come to appreciate the amount of time this position requires and would like to thank outgoing President Peter Albert for his dedication and commitment overthe past two years. I'm so pleased that Supervisor Bevan Dufty recog- nized Peter's commitment with letters of appreciation from Mayor Gavin Newsom.

I have been impressed with the support that local neighborhood associations provide to each other Shortly after I assumed office, the Department of Parking & Traffic announced its plans to convert 14th Street between Market and Dolores into a one-way street eastbound Thanks to the quick action of nearby neighborhood (CAPA) and merchant(MUMC) associations and the efficiency of e-mail, the community groups successfully won the delay of DPTs preliminary hearing to allow for community input As of press-time, this meeting was scheduled for Feb. 23 I plan to post the results of this meeting on the DTNA Web site (www.dtna.org -- you are here).

Neighborhood association cooperation has had a long history. For the past several years, DTNA has worked with the Buena Vista Neighborhood Association (BVNA) on a joint task force that has been providing community input on California Pacific Medical Center's plans for a new medical office building at its Davies campus.

DTNA is just beginning its involvement with the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA) about the planned development of the UC Extension site into an apartment complex.

Truly, we are not an isolated island (well, triangle) in the middle of the City. We are mutually dependent on our adjoining neighborhoods for each other's support on critical city issues.

We will soon have an interactive "exchange forum" on the DTNA Web site * for residents to share their likes, dislikes and concerns. I encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas for improvements to the neighbor- hood.

I also want to call your attention the new DTNA phone number: 267-1821.

Please consider becoming involved in local neighborhood activities. If interested, please give us a call with your areas of interest.

* The exchange forum will not actually be on this website. Details will be announced later this year. -- Webmaster.