Today we learned that Safeway will not close in January as previously announced, but will instead close on or about February 7, 2025. 

I oppose the “Resource Alignment Initiative” plan and urge the Board of Education to reject it.

I’m deeply concerned about the recent revelations regarding the Human Rights Commission (HRC) and its former Executive Director, Dr. Sheryl Davis. The Controller's Office and the City Attorney have launched an inquiry. It is essential to determine the facts, take appropriate corrective action, protect whistleblowers, and restore the public trust.

Yesterday morning, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) voted to remove the long-planned and widely supported $20 billion regional affordable housing bond (BAHFA) measure from the November 2024 ballot. San Francisco alone would have received $2.4 billion for affordable housing units. A bond of this size could have made a dramatic difference in housing affordability and homelessness. 

Over the last week, Governor Newsom and Mayor Breed have ramped up rhetoric calling for aggressive use of the new power granted to local governments under the Grants Pass decision of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruling stripped away constitutional rights of the unhoused, and allows criminal enforcement against homeless people for sleeping outside even if they are not offered anywhere to go.

Homelessness is a tragic reality for many San Franciscans– and none of us are ok with a system where people are sleeping on our streets or in their cars. Today, the right-wing Supreme Court ruled that cities can criminally punish unhoused people for sleeping in public, even if there is no available shelter for them to go to. Here’s my full statement.

After extensive conversations with stakeholders, I’m pleased to report that we have negotiated an agreement regarding the Mayor’s legislation to shut down retail establishments in the Tenderloin at midnight. We believe that these changes will allow the City to pilot this approach and work to address conditions in the Tenderloin while also protecting valued small businesses that are not doing anything wrong.

Many of you will recall the case of Rosemarie Benter, an 82-year-old who has lived in her home in the Haight for the past 26 years. A predatory scheme involving a refinancing loan resulted in her beautiful, turn-of-the-century Edwardian home being sold at a foreclosure auction in February for $13,000—less than 1% of its value. We are pleased to share wonderful news: Rosemarie’s case was resolved, and her ownership was re-established.

Today a horrific fire burned the Williams family home on Grove Street. This comes after weeks of racial terror and threats directed at this family. The cause of the fire is under investigation. We extend our appreciation to those who called 911, and the EMS workers and firefighters who contained the fire and carried out a rescue, including a senior who was transported to the hospital and is in stable condition. The quick response saved lives. Supervisor Preston was on scene to support the family and neighbors. We are working with the Mayor’s Office to find temporary housing and ensure continued support for the family.

On May 10th, a 2-alarm fire displaced all 62 residents in a 51-unit senior residence at 1727 Fillmore Street. The fire was contained, but there was extensive water damage throughout the building, utilities were shut off, and residents are unable to return to their homes for at least two weeks until repairs are made. Any building fire is extremely traumatic for residents, but even more so for residents of a senior living facility.

I stand in solidarity with those peacefully protesting at campuses across the nation and reject the use of force to silence peaceful protest. As repressive tactics by university administrations continue to escalate, I felt it was important to voice my support and solidarity with this growing student movement.

Earlier this week, the Mayor announced legislation to impose a curfew on Tenderloin businesses, forcing any business that sells “pre-packaged food items and/or produce” to close from midnight to 5:00 am for the next two years. The Mayor’s office did not discuss the ordinance with our office. We learned about it from media coverage. We immediately requested a copy of the legislation and a list of all impacted businesses. Yesterday, I visited Tenderloin shop owners, including corner stores that have served the community for decades. Most are immigrant-owned businesses. None we spoke with had been consulted about the legislation and they were understandably alarmed. Small businesses in the Tenderloin are struggling and deserve to be at the table for decisions impacting them.

Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate, acknowledge, and reflect on the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, while also honoring the legacies and achievements of generations past, acknowledging centuries of injustice, and confronting both the past and ongoing injustices that continue to exist today. As we celebrate, we must also continue to support the ongoing struggle to achieve and ensure racial and economic justice.

Our office received your email on Thursday, January 4, 2023, that Safeway intends to close the Webster Street grocery store “on or around early March. “ We are extremely concerned with the potential loss of this grocery store in the heart of the Fillmore, and especially the possibility of losing it as soon as March. This is an essential site for neighbors to buy groceries, and to access a pharmacy and banking services. Closure, especially on less than 60 days notice, would impose severe hardship, particularly on seniors who rely on this store.

Colleagues, today I am introducing a resolution calling for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages, and condemning antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian hate. I believe this resolution is compelled by the moment, and offers an opportunity for us to come together in defense of human life.

Yesterday, my office welcomed the news that the Mayor’s office has selected an applicant to reopen and operate the Fillmore Heritage Center, located at Fillmore and Eddy in the Western Addition. This is a crucial institution in the heart of the Fillmore, and its preservation and activation has been a top priority for our office. The announcement marks a major step forward toward reactivation and ensuring that the building will be maintained for the benefit of the community for generations to come.

I’m writing to register my objection to the SFMTA staff recommendation to eliminate two days of the three-day weekend closure to private vehicle traffic on Hayes Street, item 10.2.A on the agenda for the SFMTA Board meeting of Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

I wanted to provide some additional clarity on my views on the violence escalating in the Middle East.

I’m heartbroken by the recent violence and mourn the hundreds of Israelis and Palestinians killed this weekend. I reject the targeting of unarmed people, apartment buildings, and other nonmilitary targets, which are clear violations of international law.