Merchant Walk Spotlight

Legislation Update

I am thrilled to introduce a new piece of legislation, the Residential Tenant Protections Ordinance.

This ordinance offers proactive strategies to expand the rights of tenants who face displacement when a developer or landlord pursues the demolition of a tenant-occupied property in order to build new housing.

It comes at a critical juncture in San Francisco. Developers now have a host of new tools and incentives to advance projects, from density bonuses, streamlining provisions, and increasing developmental potential through proposed rezoning, not to mention state laws which enable the demolition of existing rent controlled and tenant-occupied housing.

My legislation establishes common sense rules for developers and common sense protections for tenants such as our elderly neighbors, who are reliant on their support networks in existing rent controlled housing— including grocery stores, doctors, transit, and neighbors who support them— and are terrified of the disruption to this network if they are displaced from their homes when landlords choose to redevelop, as well as the real fears of tenants who are forced to absorb unmanageable rent increases on the private market when their landlords choose to redevelop their buildings and displace tenants through no fault of their own.

This legislation establishes:

• Extensive and accessible tenant notification at all steps of entitlement, from application submittal to permit approval
• Relocation assistance for all displaced tenants, with additional assistance to low income tenants
• A relocation plan and specialist to facilitate the implementation of required protections
• A right for tenants to remain in their homes for at least six months with time-specific notification
• A right to return at prior rental rate if demolition does not proceed and units are returned to the rental market
• A right of refusal for lower income tenants to move into newly developed units at prior rent or an affordable rent, whichever is lower
• Replacement of all "protected units" in buildings that will be demolished with a combination of rent controlled and below market rate units
• Additional tools for tenants to stop tenant harassment before they are displaced before landlords have to comply with the provisions of this ordinance

Community Updates

• 🚌 SFMTA is proposing changes along the 29 Sunset bus route as part of the 29 Sunset Improvement Project – Phase Two. The 29 bus runs along Ocean Avenue then along Persia Avenue in the Excelsior. See the written proposal summary and details here and an 8-minute presentation about the proposals here. Share your feedback by September 30 in this community survey

• ✍️ The San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) is conducting an assessment to help determine the level of funding for city services for disabled and elder residents. It is vitally important that the widest demographic complete the 2025-26 Dignity Fund Community Needs Assessment. Please complete their online survey by September 30, available in several languages: English, Spanish (Español), and Chinese (中文) . Please see the website for more information in multiple languages.

• 🧹🧼 DPW (Department of Public Works) conducts weekly special cleaning operations in various commercial corridors throughout SF. Known as CleanCorridorsSF, DPW street cleaners crews go to a commercial district to power wash, sweep sidewalk, flush down roadway, and wipe out graffiti. The latest CleanCorridorsSF operation in D11 was on September 18th, on Broad from Plymouth to Orizaba and on Randolph from Orizaba to 19th. The next D11 cleaning will be on November 6 on Geneva from Naples to Mission and on Mission from Geneva to Silver.

• 🛣️ Plan your commute–- Caltrans is launching the U.S. 101 (Hospital Curve) Rehabilitation Project. Work is anticipated to begin by October 22, with the project completion projected in 2028. This project will include the re-paving of freeway on- and off- ramps, new signage, striping, and safety devices with the intent to improve the highway on U.S. 101 between Candlestick Point Recreation Area and the Mission District in SF. For more information visit here.
  • Major Delays: Motorists should plan for full time narrowed lanes, reduced speed through the work zone, frequent night work with closed lanes, and, starting in late 2026 through mid-2027, occasional full freeway weekend closures.
  • Construction will take place mostly during nighttime hours when traffic congestion is less
  • Noise: Pavement and barrier rail demolition is necessary to complete the work.  Caltrans is working with the Contractor to mitigate noise as much as possible.
  • Plan Ahead: Up-to-date schedules will be posted at www.sfhighwayprojects.com.
  • Avoid the Work Zone: Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid the corridor during nighttime and weekend work.
  • Use Public Transportation: San Francisco remains open for business-as-usual.  Transit is the best option to bypass closures

Events

• RSVP on Eventbrite to attend the Night Market and you will be eligible for a raffle to win a pack of gift certificates for neighborhood businesses worth up to $200 in prizes.
• Know a local vendor or performer? Have them apply to participate. There is no fee to vend and entertainers can be compensated.

🥮 Saturday, October 11 is the 4th annual OMI Mid Autumn Festival from 10am - 1pm, located between Head Street and Brotherhood Way. Enjoy live music from the SF Guzheng Music Society, mooncakes,teas, lantern making, and more!
 

• Community-based organizations, performers, agencies, and advocates can apply to be an exhibitor  at the Excelsior Sunday Streets, and local businesses can apply to be a vendor and showcase their products.
• If you’re looking for ways for you and your family to connect with the community in meaningful ways, sign up to become a volunteer! From outreach, setup and breakdown, to safety support, there are many opportunities to plug in to help make the magic of Sunday Streets possible.

🌾🥕Alemany Farm is celebrating nourishment and connection at their 20th annual Harvest Festival on October 25 from 11am - 3pm. Learn how to plant, take a tour of the farm, and enjoy a free community barbeque. Interested in volunteering and learning more about food security? Sign up to be a volunteer here.

🕯️ Celebrate Diwali with your Mission Terrace neighbors on Saturday, October 26 from 1pm - 4pm on Otsego Avenue next to the Check-In Lounge. The festival of lights will feature henna, Indian food trucks, music, dance, crafts and candle lighting. Find more information about the event here.

Resources

🥵 Stay safe this summer and fall as the potential for extreme heat and wildfire smoke hazards increase. Learn about the steps you can take to prepare yourself and your family for extreme heat and a range of other hazards at SF.gov/ReadySF . A map of all cooling centers, public pools, and public water fountains in San Francisco with links to operating hours is available at www.sf.gov/heat.
 

💭 How does the City respond during an extreme heat event?

The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management and Department of Public Health consistently monitor National Weather Service forecasts and coordinate a citywide response when forecasts show extended heat events. This coordination includes activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), initiating public messaging through the Joint Information Center (JIC) to highlight resources including cooling centers and public pools, and implementing additional life safety protocols across departments as necessary.

💭 How is the City preparing for a hotter and smokier future?

The Heat and Air Quality Resilience (HAQR) Project coordinates between City government, non-profits, and universities to increase San Francisco’s resilience to extreme heat and wildfire smoke with a focus on communities that face the greatest health burdens. Some efforts to support seasonal emergency response include tree planting and urban greening, especially in southeastern neighborhoods, upgrading HVAC in City facilities, especially community health facilities, connecting community-based organizations to equipment and services, and supporting home electrification and heat pumps that provide heating and cooling.

🚴🏽 Bicis Del Pueblo , a community-based bike project that promotes environmental justice and transportation equity particularly within low-income communities of color, hosts weekly shop nights at their Balboa Park and Mission District locations.

• Do you have a bicycle that needs some TLC? The team offers guided hands-on support to do repairs and maintenance
• Do you need a bicycle? You can earn one by participating in two hands-on workshops to learn about how a bike works and how to ride safely in the city
• Twice a month community bike rides are announced via instagram