I first took office as District 1 supervisor in 2021, first became a member of the Board of Supervisors’ Budget Committee in 2022 and became the Committee chair in 2023. Since then, I have overseen three fiscal years of the City’s budget during some of the most volatile times in San Francisco – from COVID-19 recovery through the attacks and funding cuts from the Trump Administration.
There is nowhere in San Francisco quite like the Sunset District. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean, Stern Grove and Golden Gate Park, it’s the kind of place where fog softens the mornings, small businesses know their customers by name and neighbors look out for one another. This is a community built by working families – immigrants and longtime San Franciscans alike – who put down roots and stay.
You have all heard me say it before, but small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods. They are where we find community and gather for celebrations. We rely on them for everyday essentials, delicious meals, special treats, local artisan products and so much more. Which is why I have been working to find ways to both protect and support our small businesses and neighborhood commercial corridors.
Last month, Marc Benioff, the billionaire owner of Salesforce, decided to put his own wealth above the residents of San Francisco and declare that the Trump administration should send the National Guard to San Francisco, creating chaos and jeopardizing our immigrant community. He has since walked back his comments, but at what cost to our City?
When I gave the commencement speech for political science graduates at San Francisco State University last year, I told the class:
“You are charged with analyzing and navigating some of the world’s most intractable issues. But if you want to practice your skills for the State Department or the United Nations, go to any neighborhood association meeting in San Francisco and ask the following questions: ‘Should the Great Highway be a highway for cars or a park for people? Where should we build housing? How high can the buildings be?’”
Last month the San Francisco Planning Commission voted to advance Mayor Daniel Lurie’s upzoning plan with a 4-3 vote. This split vote shows that there are clearly concerns with the plan and reinforces what we have heard from community, housing advocates and stakeholders throughout the last year – that we must do more to protect our tenants, aging homeowners and small businesses from displacement while advancing legislation to support more housing.
Last month the San Francisco Planning Commission voted to advance Mayor Daniel Lurie’s upzoning plan with a 4-3 vote. This split vote shows that there are clearly concerns with the plan…
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s housing and upzoning plan is getting a lot of attention. The SF Planning Commission will consider it this month, and the SF Board of Supervisors will vote on it later this fall.
We have legislation to establish further protections for small businesses as well as empowering workers to engage with their employer when a business is up for sale. In the Richmond, we are lucky to have the most amazing neighborhood commercial corridors, filled with legacy businesses, outstanding restaurants, unique shops and vital services. The Richmond is defined by shops like Green Apple Books, Toy Boat, Tantrum, New May Wah Supermarket, New World Market, Cinderella, Schubert’s, the Balboa Theatre and too many more independent businesses to name.
I’m excited to announce $1.5 million in new state and city funding to revitalize the Sunset Boulevard green space corridor.
Since May, my team and I have dedicated our time to deliver the City’s budget.
San Francisco City Hall just completed its budget cycle. I was appointed to serve on the two most critical fiscal committees: budget and finance along with budget and appropriations.
This summer on the west side of the City, the Recreation and Park Department plans to host three concerts at the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park.
San Francisco has a famously large budget, which is approaching $16 billion. We also face a historic deficit of more than $800 million. June is budget season at City Hall, where the mayor and the Board of Supervisors finalize what to cut and spend.
Our city government budget is a statement of San Francisco’s values, and it has never been more important than at this moment – a moment when we face fascist attacks from our federal government.
Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon 