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.

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.