By John Ferrannini

Monthanus Ratanapakdee is challenging Stephen Sherrill for his seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, representing District 2, an area that includes the Presidio, Laurel Heights and a chunk of the Richmond District.

Ratanapakdee, an immigrant from Thailand, has two teenage sons and lives with her husband in the Terra Vista neighborhood. Her father, Vicha Ratanapakdee, was killed on his morning walk in 2021, a tragedy she said changed her life and compelled her into public service.

“Why am I running? I love San Francisco, my kids were born here,” Ratanapakdee said. “My father’s death changed my life forever, but I didn’t want his story only to be about tragedy, about being a victim. I want his legacy to be about helping people.”

To that end, the Justice for Vicha Foundation helps to support victims of violence, seniors and long-term San Francisco residents.

Her father was killed when 19-year-old Antoine Watson shoved him to the ground, and the case helped propel the Stop Asian Hate movement to global attention. Watson was found not guilty of murder and elder abuse, but was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and assault, after having waited in custody in jail for five years.

Watson was sentenced to eight years in prison in March, but his sentence was suspended and he was released on probation due to California’s two-for-one pretrial credit rule, which counted Watson’s pre-trial detention double.

“I did not get justice,” Ratanapakdee said, flatly. “I saw the prosecutors and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) working a lot to arrest one criminal, but it failed. We should do something for strong laws, for residents to stay safe on the street.”

Ratanapakdee received 15 votes as a write-in candidate in the June primary against Sherrill and opponent Lori Brooke. Ratanapakdee has served as an immigrant rights commissioner, and said she talked with then S.F. Mayor London Breed about being appointed to the District 2 seat when it was vacated by now-assemblymember Catherine Stefani (D-San Francisco).

Breed appointed Sherill, who was subsequently elected by the voters in June with major backing by Breed’s successor S.F. Mayor Daniel Lurie. Ratanapakdee said if she were on the board last year, she would have supported Lurie’s family zoning legislation, and that she’s concerned that housing construction be done responsibly. The mayor’s plan raised height limits around major transit hubs and corridors, including on the west side.

For example, Ratanapakdee joins a chorus of District 2 residents upset about a plan to develop the Marina Safeway site into a two-tower high rise.

“I’m not anti-housing, but I’m not supporting that because 25 stories is not fit for that area,” she said. “The smart way would be only seven stories. … I’m concerned about public safety and traffic, and people don’t like it.”

Ratanapakdee also supports more designations for affordable units, at or below market rates.

“I supported family zoning, but you should put the housing close to small business corridors,” she said, but without more affordable housing, “You’re not supporting tenants, low-income San Franciscans. Workers cannot rent in our City.”

But Ratanapakdee’s main focus is public safety. She said she would work on legislation to put metal detectors at school entrances, citing a recent incident in which Lowell High School in the Sunset was evacuated after a bomb threat.

A supporter of Ratanapakdee is Ai Lin Morten, who lives in District 4. She said she’s known Ratanapakdee “for several years through business associates.”

“She has long advocated for residents, immigrants, families, seniors and local businesses, with a strong focus on public safety and community well-being,” Morten stated. “She takes the time to listen and personally connect with business owners and residents. At times many residents feel unheard by City Hall officials. I believe Monthanus will be a thoughtful, accessible and effective leader for our community and City.”

Ratanapakdee said she feels she is doing the right thing even if she does not win in the end.

“I am running for District 2 supervisor because I want safer streets, responsible housing, stronger neighborhoods and a City Hall that listens to residents,” she stated. “What I would do differently from Supervisor Sherrill is bring a more independent, neighborhood-focused voice to City Hall. I would: prioritize public safety and victims; support stronger school safety, including random weapons screening or security gates at middle and high schools when appropriate, with coordination between SFUSD and SFPD; support small businesses by reducing unnecessary City mandates and costs; take vandalism and property crime seriously and improve accountability and support responsible housing while protecting the character and needs of District 2 neighborhoods.”

Mail-in ballots will be distributed to voters in early October. The last day to vote is Nov. 3.