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SF Rec And Park Officials Feel The Heat At City Hall After Death In Park

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - A hearing was held Thursday at San Francisco City Hall to examine the Recreation and Park Department's safety policies and procedures, in the wake of last month's tragic death of a 35-year-old mother who was allegedly run over by a Rec and Park employee while she was lounging in Holly Park. The employee was said to be driving an official department vehicle at the time of the accident.

SF Rec and Park Officials In the Hot Seat at City Hall

Supervisor David Campos called for the hearing. He represents Bernal Heights, where the accident occurred.

"I think it is important for us as a city to have a discussion about the policies and procedures that ensure the safety of the people of the City and County of San Francisco and recreational spaces," he explained.

"My hope is that we can have this tragedy lead to something constructive and positive and that, whatever happens, that we make sure that something like this can never happen again," he added.

Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg sought to reassure city leaders that he and his staff were moved by what happened.

"Learn from what happened on September 5 and to try to continue our journey of creating a culture of safety and an injury-free environment," he described the department's goals in the wake of the accident. "From how to use equipment to how to drive a vehicle to how to care for plants, how to be safe from wildlife and animals, we are an organization that actually engages in continuous training."

Discussion carried on for so long that it had to be continued to a future date.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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