South San Francisco, CA October 20, 2013 Submitted by a neighbor

EPIC FAIL

“What is wrong with this city? I moved here 12 years ago from the Santa Cruz Mountains. We always helped our neighbors even if we didn’t always get along. I have never seen such callous disregard for your neighbor.”

I happened to be home today when an elderly lady across the street started yelling for help. At first I thought it was the kids next door playing but the yelling continued. It took me a little longer to get to her because I had to get dressed, but there were people walking by with their dogs or strollers, workers on the house next door and on the street behind her, and no one went to see if they could help her or call anyone for help.

Shame on you “neighbors”. Who will look out for your parents or family members when they get in their 80s or 90s if not for neighbors?

I don’t care how annoying they are, if they park in your driveway, if their garbage cans are in “your parking spot”, you need to look out for everyone in your neighborhood. United we can make this a beautiful city. Divided, we stand to loose everything.”
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 ESC: We have learned it appears the elderly neighbor was hospitalized and is doing better, 

thanks to the neighbor who checked in and wrote the above post. 

How do we let this happen in our city?

UPDATE

Some of the responses from our friends on Facebook

Rebeccamarie MignoneSalaiz This is good to hear I am always worried about my Mom since I am way up here..

Charles Esqueda so true.people are rude .they rather walk over you then help.

Brandi Magner Glad u went to help!

Phil Fioresi Sr. It’s amazing that people just walk by, I always go out of my way to help elderly people and feel good after doing it. Anyone who can let a person scream for help and just walk by is a loser

Sheryl Lopez-Farragher Wow! People are something else. ~ We were just worried about a neighbor last week, simply because he is alone, geriatric and left his window open for two days and his cars were there. So we checked by knocking and calling. Finally he appeared and we were grateful. We were about to call the police. ~ Yes, we as neighbors will annoy each other a little from time to time with parking, cans, parties or whatever. But true, human decency steps in when someone is in need. We all have our faults and empathy is a great trait here. ~ Well I’m a proud SSF raised gal and things use to be different there. Everyone, would know about your comings and goings and illnesses and parties and borrowed things and brought them back and stopped in for a drink or a laugh. I miss them days.

Jason Bustos Essentially, many humans are wired for self preservation and the preservations of their fanily members. As such, helping in these situations is directly opposed to that. Only when someone takes leadership and sets the onus on them does that then override that brain function because the injured persons health becomes a matter of personal responsibility. Its an interesting phonomenon called the “Kitty Genovese” syndrome. When presented with a threat, everyone thinks someone else will handle it. Which is why, when I teach my emergency preparedness courses with the Red Cross, I have to teach that when you tell someone to call 911, you have to specifically put it on someone (ie “You! With the blue shirt! Go call 911 then come back and tell me what they say!”) Otherwise, people will assume that someone else will make the call.

Kathy Rogers Just one of the reasons I moved away. never thought I would leave South City, but . . . When I moved to Reno, it was like living in South City in the 60s. Neighbors outside gathering/talking, drivers giving you the right-of-way, doors being held open, unfortunately now it’s getting bad everywhere. Something has to be done!

Marie Smith WOW! I can’t believe that this poor lady was yelling for help and no one helped her that was walking by??!! REALLY??!! WTH?? I am so glad that someone came to her rescue! I have no problem helping others regardless! I just don’t understand why people are so selfish and don’t want to “Get involved” ugh…very frustrating! I wonder what neighborhood this was in??

Juliette Dominique Juilly-Drolon Part of the reason why I moved away from SSF and SF.

Angelique Presidente We aren’t all that way, but yes ALOT of people who have moved into SSF act that way. I see a BIG difference in my neighbors from when I was growing up (I only moved 1 street over) but I do look out for my neighbors, and have knocked on doors for car lights left on or garage doors left open, I do care and I’ve lived here for 34 years! If I ever was encountered with that situation I wouldn’t hesitate to act and try to help, as I do not hesitate to pull over if I see an accident or emergency situation that needs help (obviously before EMS has arrived). We are the only ones who can make a change, whether it be by our own actions, or advocating for others or speaking your mind as you did to try to invoke change by others.

Raquel Cordon-Curtis More good neighbors than bad I’d like to think, most of us would help, SSF has the best community and people at heart…….your awesome for helping, good example you are, thank you.

Ryan Rogers Sad times. What happened to tight knit neighborhoods where everyone looked out for each other to make it a safer place. These days it seems less and less people are taking the time to get to know their neighbors and foster this sense of community. I am glad I live in a community of SSF where we all know each other and look out for each other, like good neighbors do.

Sandra Bortoli-Copado You are right Phil…. By the way long time no see.

Kathy Rogers

William Gipe It’s nothing new. I remember 30 yrs. ago, an elderly person fell from a torn tendon. This was near a busy Westborough bus stop. Nobody at the adjacent business bothered. A stranger stopped her car, and helped.

Alexandra Luna That’s why I’m in Pacifica now. My neighbors and I watch out for each other.

Amanda Kesner-Hays We’ve only been in our new ‘hood a few weeks, but there’s a much more palpable sense of community here than our previous one. We are so glad we ended up buying where we did!! (Doesn’t hurt that 100% of the neighbors we’ve met to date have lived here >20 years!)