Dear Neighbor,
I firmly believe that City Hall should work for the people and that as an elected official, it is my duty to do all I can to bring our government into the 21st century and make it run smarter to better serve you.
That’s why I am introducing legislation today to tackle cumbersome bureaucracy that prevents key departments from accessing data and information subscriptions that benefit their work. With co-sponsorship from Board President Mandelman and support from the City Attorney, City Administrator, Assessor-Recorder, Treasurer, and City Librarian, the legislation peels back unnecessary approval layers and lengthy procedures that have delayed city departments from securing the essential, digital subscriptions needed to ensure city operations run smoothly.
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This legislation provides simple software access for city departments and empowers them to save time, access more vendors, and ultimately serve San Franciscans better. The code this legislation is amending was written in the ‘90s when physical book manuals were in vogue. As a result, certain departments like the Treasurer and Assessor Recorder are delayed for months every year in purchasing the software they need, while others like the City Librarian have had to provide outdated paper manuals instead of digital content subscriptions.
The current contracting bureaucracy is so cumbersome for vendors that some tech companies won’t even bother selling their product to the City, putting our government at a very serious disadvantage — this legislation is simply table stakes if we want to bring our city government into the 21st century.
And this is just the beginning. With a new administration in City Hall, we are making strides to improve government efficiency, modernize archaic code and foster collaborative, forward–thinking solutions.
In service, |
In the Heart of the Community |
This week, I had the honor of congratulating Mr. Green Chang and Mrs. Angie Noh on the opening night of their new restaurant, Irodori, a Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant.
This new venture is a testament to not only their success as a couple, but as business partners who continue to cultivate joy and community in our neighborhoods. In fact, Mr. Chang is known locally as the “Happiest Man in Japantown” and I certainly agree! If you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to check them out.
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I had the honor of joining residents at the Cadillac Hotel to celebrate Black History Month with a meal. It was a pleasure connecting with residents and staff alike, thank you for the warm welcome!
The Cadillac Hotel is a Curry Senior Center, which provides wrap-around services for residents, including mental health and substance abuse support.
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Japan is hosting the 2025 World Expo but if you can’t make it across the Pacific, don’t worry! Japanteena in Japan Center Malls is hosting a Pop-up Experience to bring the Expo to SF. This year’s theme is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives."
It was wonderful to participate in the ribbon cutting for this Pop-up. Thank you to the Consulate of Japan, the Japantown Cultural District, Japan Center East and West Mall, and Japan Center Garages for organizing this Osaka Expo! Stop by the weekend of February 28-March 2, March 8-9 and March 15-16 for a cultural experience.
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This weekend, I joined the Alamo Square Neighborhood Association and SF Recreation & Parks for volunteer gardening at Alamo Square Park, where we pulled weeds and added mulch to the landscaping.
These gardening sessions are scheduled for every first Saturday of the month, be sure to join the next one!
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Neighborhood Beautification Day |
On Saturday, March 8, the annual Arbor Day Fair and monthly Love Our City: Neighborhood Beautification Day volunteer event are planned for District 5 with the kickoff location starting at Civic Center Secondary School yard (650 McAllister St).
Neighborhood Beautification Day is formerly known as Community Clean Team Day — SF Public Works’ longest running volunteer program which had been placed on hold due to the COVID19 pandemic. This year, the revamped program is back for a 4th year with more of the rewarding “civic pride satisfaction” to benefit all communities throughout the district!
The Goal: Plant 100 trees throughout District 5 (and District 6), turning the Tenderloin into the first fully street-tree stocked district in the City’s history.
Volunteer to join the effort: D5 Neighborhood Beautification Day sign up
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SFPUC crews are making nighttime water system improvements on Oak Street between Webster and Buchanan streets. There may be noticeable noise, vibration, dust, parking and traffic impacts in the work zone.
When: Weekdays February 24 – March 7, 2025*; 8pm - 6am
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SF ShinesSF Shines Grant Program is back! The program provides funds to help businesses with interior improvements and equipment purchases.
Get up to $10,000 in reimbursements for interior upgrades for your storefront.
Apply for a small business improvement grant through SF Shines here: sf.gov/apply-reimbursement-your-small-business-storefront
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Green Infrastructure Grant ProgramSFPUC Green Infrastructure Grant Program (GISP) is now open!
In the Fall 2024 cycle, the SFPUC awarded two new green infrastructure projects in San Francisco. The GIGP is now accepting applications for the Spring 2025 cycle! Eligible projects can receive up to $2.5M in funding per project. Applications are due Monday, June 2, 2025.
Sign up for a grant workshop on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 12-1 PM for an overview of the program and information on how to apply. Staff will facilitate a Q&A session to answer questions from prospective applicants.
Additionally, prepare for the Spring 2025 application by scheduling a site visit with the SFPUC’s Technical Assistance team by contacting gigrants@sfwater.org. Schedule your site visits with the SFPUC team as soon as possible—don't wait for the workshop!
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Mercy Housing WaitlistI am excited to share that Mercy Housing has officially opened the waitlist for Mercy Family Plaza, a newly renovated affordable housing complex in District 5, located near the historic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. This is a great opportunity for families and individuals seeking quality, low-income housing in a vibrant community.
Key Details:
🗓 Application Period: February 27 – March 30, 2025 (Deadline: 5:00 p.m.)
📍 Location: 333 Baker Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
🔗 Apply Through DAHLIA: housing.sfgov.org
🎟 Virtual Lottery Date: April 2, 2025 (Results posted by April 9, 2025)
🏠 Available Units: Studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments
Open House: 📅 Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Stop by 333 Baker Street to tour the property and learn more.
Eligibility & Rent Information
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Preference is given to applicants with a Certificate of Preference (COP), Displaced Tenant Housing Preference (DTHP), and those who live or work in San Francisco.
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Veterans receive priority within each preference category.
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Income limits apply (see full details on DAHLIA).
🔑 Apartment Features & Amenities:
✅ On-site parking (limited)
✅ Community room & on-site resident services
✅ Laundry facilities
✅ Steps from Target, Lucky’s, and restaurants
✅ Close to Alamo Square, Buena Vista Park, and public transit
This is a significant opportunity to secure affordable housing in the heart of San Francisco.
For full details, visit housing.sfgov.org.
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Exciting news! San Francisco is taking a significant step toward safer streets with the introduction of speed safety cameras. These cameras will enforce the posted speed limit and help prevent traffic-related fatalities, creating safer and more livable communities for everyone.
Here’s what you need to know:
Timeline: Cameras were installed throughout January and February, with testing and activation scheduled for March 2025.
Where:
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Two-way speed camera on Geary Blvd (Webster to Buchanan St), enforcing 30 MPH posted speed limit
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Two-way speed camera on Turk St (Van Ness Ave to Polk St), enforcing 20 MPH posted speed limit
How They Help: By encouraging drivers to slow down, these cameras will make high-traffic and high-risk areas safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.
Community Impact: This initiative focuses on protecting our most vulnerable road users while promoting equitable safety measures across the city.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the program, visit SFMTA.com/SpeedCameras. Let’s work together to make San Francisco’s streets safer for all residents and visitors.
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I started Saturday morning off with our first official Community Coffee Chat! In these 15 minute one on one sit downs, I met with neighbors from the Haight to the Tenderloin to discuss issues that matter most to them. Thank you to all who took the time to meet and for the engaging conversations.
These chats will be hosted every first Saturday of the month, stay tuned to sign up for the next one.
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For this week's win of the week, I'd like to highlight our neighbor Michael. When Tenderloin resident Michael reached out to my office about his elevator acting like it had a mind of its own—skipping stops, ignoring requests, and generally refusing to cooperate—my team knew it was time to step in. A broken elevator isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a real barrier to daily life.
Thanks to Michael’s persistence, the responsiveness of property management, and collaboration with city agencies, progress is finally on the rise—a repair work order has been placed, and a technician is on the way.
This is proof that when we work together, things start moving in the right direction.
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Don’t hesitate to reach out at MahmoodStaff@sfgov.org. We’re here to help!
Let’s work together to make District 5 a better place for all.
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