Gavin Newsom's SUV Parked By Fire Hydrant Outside Tennis Club

• Do you have the ability to escape from a crowded and potentially obstructed parking lot in several seconds by car? No. Did you know that citizens are also allowed to be next to hydrants on the condition they stay in their vehicle and move it when asked? Probably not. Did you know that any vehicle containing the mayor automatically becomes an on-duty emergency vehicle? Probably, but you also probably ignored that. These smear pieces are so pathetic they go down to complaining about car mileage instead of talking about the man himself.

• It is considered an on-duty official/emergency vehicle. Even if it were not, it is generally OK to be at a hydrant if the veh is attended (presumabaly by someone who can drive) who would be able to move it at a moment's notice. The PCO or cop would either ignore it if it's occupied or just advise the driver to move it if a complaint was received. I'm no fan of Newsome either, but this is a non-issue. However, they shouldn't park blocking the handicapped ramps at all.

• Why is everyone picking on Gavin, the first gay California lieutenant governor?

• Miguel --- I don't believe it's an "on duty emergency vehicle" An inquiry to the Mayors office reveals that this is Newsoms own personal vehicle, however his security detail is paid for by the City. Furthermore, smacking a tennis ball around at the SF Tennis Club, is not, under any set of circumstances, official business.

• I can see the Mayor's staff is working hard today. It's not a cheap shot to point out that as always, Newsom tells us all to do something but doesn't do it himself. That means he's a hypocrite. Telling people to "buy local" when in fact the city he is in charge of does not, is that. Same goes for his bullshit about recycling, when he in fact doesn't do so at his own home. Hey, but at least all those folks in tbe bullpen can look busy while Outgoing Mayor Newsom runs around in a gas guzzler SUV, parking illegally and laughing at the rest of SF citizens because once again the Prince has gotten away with his many many crimes.

• Miguel -- The closest proximity to the mayor would have been in the parking lot of the tennis club where he was playing ball, not in the red zone in front of the hydrant. Best, JE

• This is an on duty emergency vehicle that is required to stay in the closest proximity to the mayor at all times. The vehicle contains fire/police dispatch radios and are monitored at all times. Lastly, the vehicle, like all city vehicles are procured through the city's fleet manager, notthe Mayor's Office. In summary, what is the point of this Dan Noyes-esque tabloid piece other than a cheap smear-shot?

• Seriously? If there's someone IN THE FRONT SEAT, would anyone be getting their panties in a bunch if this weren't Newsom? Sheesh.

• It's a cop car, Really. Those guys in the front seat are his body guards. Mayor's detail used to come from narcotics, don't know now. Funniest thing on the SUV was when it was brand new and he rode in it to a small business district in SF to give a speech about the importance of buying from local merchants. A reporter asked how he could say that when he'd just bought the SUV in Daly City (maybe, Colma?)and he could have bought it in the City. Newsom got angry and said that was a cheap shot. I thought it was a beautiful 3-pointer. Anyway, the Mayor's vehicle is essentially an unmarked cop car and cop cars can park anywhere they want. Go Niners! h.

• According to the DMV, it is illegal to stop, stand *or* park at a red curb: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/parking.htm

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