Joseph Taeotui, far right - rest in peace - we love you.
It has been five years since our good friend - father to Jodie, his only child - his beloved wife Mollie, his relatives, and many friends and supporters - gathered to remember JUNGLE - on the fifth anniversary of his death - held at the office of Street Violence Intervention Program (SVIP) - 150 Executive Park in San Francisco.
Some prominent members of his family, others with whom he worked and was good friends - expressed their sentiments - each in their own way - praising Joseph Taeotui's (Jungle's) stellar -attributes.
A coward shot him in the head - very near his home - and even though Law Enforcement knew who committed this dastardly crime - without verifying his state after the shooting - Law Enforcement declared him dead.
Jungle was taken to San Francisco General Hospital and died 10 days later.
Hundreds of us - had a vigil - outside SF General Hospital - and the love shown by those who came to visit Jungle - will be remembered for years.
Thousands came to Kezar Pavillion to pay their respects to Joseph Taeotui (Jungle). It was here his body lay - to satisfy the customs and rituals of the Samoan community,
Thousands more came to pay their respect on the day he was buried at the cemetery.
This great man - was my good friend - and his love for everyone - knew no bounds. We often sat down and discussed many issues related to quality of life.
I clearly remember the day - the calls I received about his shooting - and was totally taken aback - why would anyone - commit such an atrocious act? Very near his home - and twenty feet away from an SF Police substation - attached to a gym.
Paradoxically - Law Enforcement knew who did it.
Some months later, the same person - killed another person - was arrested and is now in jail. The initials of the culprit - first name and last name - AW.
The San Francisco Police Department offered a measly $25,000 reward, mocking this grave incident and murder.
We, in unison, will not forget Jungle - and that means we must remind those who purport - to uphold the law - and do not - their feet should be held to the fire.
At one time - we had a healthy Community Policing in San Francisco - then came the Developers - and all hell broke loose.
Those who took it upon themselves to impose " gang injunction " did this to help large Developers - and very corrupt - politicians. One developer who encouraged gang injunction - Lennar, a rogue developer.
Before the Street Violence Intervention Program was formed, we had an organization, Community Response Network.
At one time, we had the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice.
Mayor Ed Lee deactivated the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice - and outsourced what the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice performed to HealthRight360, headquartered in Los Angeles.
At one time, those working for Community Response Network (CRN) did not receive health benefits - and what is more, did not have any office with amenities - refrigerator, microwave oven, printers, good computers - (CRN) did their best - until Street Violence Intervention Program (SVIP) was created.
I - Francisco Da Costa, invited Mayor Ed Lee, the Mayor of San Francisco, and many others to give some quality input to the Mayor - to better address the pressing issues - in the Bayview Hunters Point Area.
Mayor Ed Lee and Mitch Salazar are here no more and are in a better place. I am here - and what can I say - the times are changing.
We did our best to accommodate those working with Violence Issues - and did not have a decent office and amenities - and made that possible.
Working with the Mayor's Office - the point person for HealthRight360 Arturo Carrillo - we leased space at Executive Park, 5 Thomas Mellon - and for the first time - the Street Violence Intervention Program - could stabilize the SVIP program.
SVIP has moved to 150 Executive Park - still trying its best to address the pressing issues in the streets, schools, and the community - and still addressing critical issues.
Today, the San Francisco Health Department funds the Street Violence Intervention Program.
Some of us advocates fought for reasonable benefits for those who put their lives in harm's way.
Jungle and I would talk about the many pressing issues - in our schools, in the hoods, and in the Polynesian Community; early on, we created AIGAI - meaning family or community - embracing the Polynesian community that JUNGLE belonged to.
Many prominent Street Violence Intervention Program members are Polynesians, among them Elder Joseph Kaulave, my good friend who was the Master of Ceremonies - at the event we held at 150 Executive Park - to honor Jungle.
For all the talk, the City and County of San Francisco have not invested in the Polynesian community - in a manner - where opportunities are created - helping the Polynesians get career jobs.
In the many years I have been associated with the Polynesian community - I have provided many good jobs - if I am needed to help the Polynesian community - I will do my best to deliver.
My good friends Cedro, Sam Keresoma Twit, David Siataga, Pastor Sweetie, Pastor Alex, Mark, Simi Iulio, Elder Joseph Kaulave, John Nauer, Big Shaun, Patsy, Mollie, Nana, Gaynor, Ann Nauer - others too many to name are dear to my heart.
My deep relationship began when I worked for the Sixth U.S. Army and Presidio of San Francisco.
The Polynesian women and men have served the United States well - and many have received top awards for their service.
San Francisco has been very slow to understand the culture of the Polynesians - often using Pacific Islanders - to give large grants to the Chinese, Japanese, and others - and this must be ratified.
Polynesians must receive scholarships - they all are intelligent enough to pursue higher education.
It is time - we build a center for the Polynesians in San Francisco - the City and County must foster good relations with the Polynesians, and good actions - count.
Joseph Taeotui (Jungle) was a man of few words and many good actions.
We love you, Jungle, and thanks for your service to the community.
It was nice to hear from Elder Joseph, your family Matai, Pastor Jeff Branner, Arturo Carrillo, and Twit - remind us how much we love you. Rest in Peace.
Jodie is a big girl now - the love and joy of your heart. I saw Mollie, and she is doing well - Mollie is a kind person - both of you - meant for each other - it takes two to tango.
I keep in touch with Big Shaun - he does well as a father - and his daughter and sons - are all doing well.
I keep in touch with Twit - we miss Mavis; she is there with you. God loves you all. Twit is doing well - he takes care of his family - Twit has lost weight and looks good.
When we BBQ, we miss you - even as we joke with Simi, Elder Joseph Kaulave, John Nauer, Twit, Cedro, and all those you hanged with - reminiscent of the good old days.
You Jungle are deep in our hearts.
It has been five years since your departure to a better place.
Stay with us in our hearts - let us make good stuff - happen - USO.
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