Current Activities

Francisco Reservoir/Francisco Park

Since 1947, when RHIA raised the funds to transfer the first parcel to the Parks Department, we have led the effort to convert this abandoned city reservoir into a public park. Seven decades later, with the entire reservoir property now under Recreation and Parks jurisdiction and having helped privately raise over $20m for park design and construction, construction on the new park began in Fall 2019.

Please go to www.francicopark.org for more information.

Lombard Street Traffic

Long a part of Russian Hill life, Lombard Street visitors’ numbers have soared in recent years leading to automobile gridlock on most weekends and summer days. Although only an inconvenience to some, this lack of access is a life safety issue for many of the area’s senior citizens and has led to thousands of car break-ins as people park and walk to Lombard instead of sitting in hours of traffic.

RHIA has been working with our Supervisor and the SF Metropolitan Transportation Association (“MTA”) to facilitate traffic flow and improve enforcement and safety as a long-term solution is sought. Proposals range from traffic education programs to infrastructure improvements and closing the street, but a reservation and toll system is the option currently being pursued.

Traffic at Lombard and Larkin intersection.

Car Break-Ins

Whether the car of tourists visiting Lombard Street or that of a Russian Hill resident, our neighborhood has become one of the hotspots in SF for auto break-ins and theft. Starting with our local police Captain and Supervisor, we have secured additional police presence and continue efforts to coordinate an increasing number of residents installing cameras for security. Proposals for community monitoring have been sought and are being considered.