July 26, 2024
A Message From Supervisor Ahsha Safaí:

San Francisco summertime is in full swing, and I hope you and your family are enjoying this time together. If you're spending time together in the city this weekend, here's a friendly reminder that the San Francisco Marathon is this Sunday, July 28. The marathon is not just a major event for our city but also a celebration of our community, attracting large crowds to cheer on the runners. While it's always a fun event, if you're planning to drive or take public transit, please be aware of the road closures caused by the race.

The marathon route runs roughly around the perimeter of the city, starting at the Embarcadero, continuing over the Golden Gate Bridge, through the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, and eventually making its way back to the Embarcadero. Roads along the runner's route will be closed from 5:00AM until 1:00PM.

SFMTA will have detours for Muni routes. You can find the marathon's route map, road closures, and detours by visiting this website. For more information about the event, visit thesfmarathon.com.

Enjoy the marathon and stay safe!

As always, my office is available by email: safaistaff@sfgov.org or by phone 415-554-6975 (leave a message and we will call you back).  

Sincerely,

ON THE NOVEMBER 5 BALLOT: ADDRESSING FIRST RESPONDERS STAFFING SHORTAGES

I'm excited to announce that the San Francisco Board of Supervisors has approved my charter amendment to address the severe staffing crisis for nurses and 911 dispatchers. This amendment, which I introduced in May 2024, will now be on the November 5 election as a ballot measure. 

If approved by the voters, the ballot measure will allow full-time registered nurses employed by the City and County of San Francisco to buy back previous time worked as temporary nurses, counting these periods toward their city retirement plan. Additionally, it provides 911 dispatchers with the same safety retirement benefits as other first responders.

This measure is crucial for improving public safety, reducing excessive overtime costs, and providing the necessary support and benefits to our dedicated first responders and nurses.

Please support our efforts to ensure the well-being and safety of our community by voting in favor of this ballot measure on November 5, 2024.

TACKLING DANGEROUS SIDESHOWS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY

Dangerous sideshows continue to threaten our city's public safety. My office has been relentless in requesting speed humps to address this issue in District 11.

The Public Works Department and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)  have installed speed humps and other traffic calming devices in some problem areas. However, I believe there is a pressing need for more enforcement and impoundment of vehicles participating in reckless behaviors to effectively address this issue.

As a community, we can combat this issue. To enhance penalties for offenders, I authored legislation in 2020 to increase towing penalties for drivers caught recklessly burning rubber on our streets. A first-time offender could have their car impounded for 14 days, while a second offense would result in a 28-day impoundment.

I requested data from the San Francisco Police Department on the number of vehicles impounded since the legislation took effect. In 2023, the SFPD impounded six vehicles; year-to-date, they have impounded five. I have urged the SFPD to ramp up the use of this legislation. It's a powerful tool to message that we will not tolerate sideshows and stunt driving in San Francisco.

These penalties, along with our collective efforts, play a crucial role in discouraging reckless behaviors. I encourage you to report any instances of reckless driving to the local authorities. Your vigilance can make a difference in our city's safety.

McLAREN TRAILS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

The McLaren Trails Improvement Project is an exciting initiative transforming John McLaren Park into an even more vibrant and sustainable green space. As part of this project, San Francisco's Rec and Park's Natural Resources Division will prune and remove some trees in four priority areas: Upper Reservoir, Shelley Inner Core, University Hill, and Visitacion Avenue. Tree removal is happening for three main reasons: safety, habitat enhancement, and trail work.

Rec and Park crews are not clear-cutting the area but selectively removing trees based on arborist assessments to enhance the health of the McLaren ecosystem. By removing sick and aging trees, Rec and Park will ensure the safety of park visitors.

Between 220 and 250 trees will be removed, but they are committed to planting more than one tree for each removed. This means a net gain in tree coverage, contributing to a greener and more sustainable environment.

The tree work will last throughout 2024 and 2025, with careful coordination to protect nesting birds and roosting bats and minimize disruptions to park activities. For more information and updates, click here.

 VANDALISM OF DISTRICT 11 TREES

I'm deeply disheartened to report that newly planted trees on an entire block of Rolph Street in District 11 were recently found cut down. This discovery is a significant setback for our urban greening efforts.
 
The Friends of the Urban Forest and inspectors from the Department of Public Works (DPW) are visiting sites where trees have been vandalized to share information about the benefits of urban greening and the consequences for vandals. DPW inspectors can fine vandals up to $1,000 for damaging trees.
 
The Friends of the Urban Forest, a nonprofit organization, works to enhance the urban environment, promote environmental sustainability, and improve the quality of life in San Francisco through community-based tree planting and stewardship programs. They have planted over 60,000 trees and partnered with residents to plant street trees on sidewalks in neighborhoods with sparse tree coverage.

STOREFRONT VANDALISM RELIEF GRANT

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) is still accepting Vandalism grant applications.  

If you own a business or know someone who owns a business impacted by vandalism, this exclusive program offers either $1,000 or $2,000 financial relief (depending on the total cost of repairs). This is a first-come, first-serve grant, giving you the opportunity to secure your relief. Businesses can submit two claims within a 1-year period. The applicant must be a business owner.
 

For more information or to apply now, click here: Get a grant for vandalism-related costs for your small business storefront.

HONORING A COMMUNITY CHAMPION

I was honored to present Maribel Ramirez with a Certificate of Honor from the Board of Supervisors for her outstanding work as Executive Director of Excelsior Action Group (EAG). Maribel has reimagined the organization and uplifted small businesses and the District 11 community in many ways.

She was instrumental in establishing the Excelsior Community Benefits District and has organized numerous street fairs, block parties, and the first-ever Pride Excelsior celebration. Her efforts have helped small businesses thrive and attract more businesses to the Excelsior/Outer Mission.

Maribel is known for always getting the job done with a warm and welcoming presence. While we are happy for her new endeavors, we are sad to see her leave this role. Thank you, Maribel, for all you have done for the community!

ART EXHIBITION SHOWCASES DISTRICT 11'S HIDDEN GEMS

CLEAN CORRIDORS INITIATIVE

On Thursday, August 15, at 8 AM, San Francisco Public Works will clean Mission Street from Geneva to Silver and Excelsior Street from Mission to Paris.

It's part of the Clean Corridors SF initiative to clean major commercial routes. This program will improve our community's cleanliness and educate residents and merchants about their roles in keeping our environment safe and clean.

To view this year's cleaning schedule, click here.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has several funding opportunities available to the Bay Area non-profit and small business community - eligibility and deadlines vary. 

Nonprofit community organizations that empower youth in underserved communities within the Bay Area are invited to apply for grant funding through the Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program.

Grants from $25,000 to $100,000 are available to support a range of programs for young people, including health and wellness, education and life skills support, mentoring, and career development.

Applications are due by September 30, 2024.

LISC and the DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation recently announced a second round of Game On-Community Places to Play. The initiative provides funding and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations that are working to create and/or renovate multi-use athletic spaces for youth ages 6-24 in under-resourced communities across the country. 

Grant awards range from $50,000-$100,000 and will require 1:1 match funding.

Applications must be submitted by September 5, 2024.

Funds will be awarded to outdoor and indoor facilities for all organized youth sports, including but not limited to basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, football, tennis, lacrosse, and volleyball.

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