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The District 8 team--staff, volunteers and interns!
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Homelessness update: In response to a previous newsletter, a constituent asked if our office is still actively working on addressing issues related to homeless in our neighborhoods. Rest assured, this is an issue we work on each and every day. Here is an update on our recent efforts:
- Prioritizing investments in solutions to homelessness: As a member of the Budget & Finance Committee of the Board of Supervisors, I helped make sure our city's budget reflected our deep commitment to changing the conditions on our streets, including 70 new behavioral health respite beds, 30 new dual diagnosis beds, and 5 new staff positions for our city's Emergency Medical Response team. Additionally, we allocated an additional $4 million to the budget of the Healthy Streets Operations Center.
- Conservatorship Report : Last fall, I requested a Budget and Legislative Analyst report on the City’s use of Lanterman-Petris-Short conservatorships. That report was released in late July, and I have requested a hearing on the report so that we can better understand the city’s use of these conservatorships. The report shows that, despite the number of sick and vulnerable people languishing without intervention on our streets, San Francisco's referrals to the LPS conservatorship program have dropped by 50% since 2012, and remain well below that of other California cities. I believe we need to do more to get sick and mentally ill people off the streets and into care, and that is why I worked hard to pass the expanded SB1045 conservatorship program, and why I am continuing to make sure the pilot program is implemented successfully.
- Meth Task Force: We know an important factor to what's happening Meth Task Force with Mayor Breed that held its third meeting in July and will be issuing recommendations in October to guide the city’s efforts to address the meth crisis that is exacerbating problems on our streets.
- Mental Health Reform: Our office encouraged Mayor Breed to hire a Director of Mental Health Reform which she did earlier this year. That director, Dr. Anton Nigusse Bland, will be releasing his recommendations on improvements to our behavioral health system in the beginning of 2020.
- Monthly Meetings: On a more neighborhood-focused level, we have been holding monthly meetings with neighbors and city agencies since last September to coordinate the city’s efforts to address encampments around Dolores Park and in Upper Market.
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Standing with Gig Workers : The recent and rapid success of the gig economy has had a profound effect on daily life in San Francisco over the past decade. Last month, Supervisor Mar and I held a hearing at the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on the issue of employee classification in the gig economy. Dozens of gig workers came out to share their stories about their struggles to make ends meet without a living minimum wage, healthcare access, workers compensation, or any of the basic protections they would be afforded if they were classified as employees. During nearly two hours of public testimony, many workers asked this Board to stand with gig workers across the City and state by declaring our support for Assembly Bill 5, a state bill that resets the test for employment status in California. Following this hearing, I introduced a resolution in support of AB 5, which was unanimously passed on July 16.
Climate Emergency Hearing: As part of our City’s Climate Emergency efforts, my office requested that the Department of the Environment produce a technical report on ways to accelerate progress toward emission reductions goals. In July, the Focus 2030: A Pathway to Net Zero Emissions report was published, and in conjunction with the release, I held a hearing at City Hall. The hearing was an opportunity to take stock of the progress the city has already made, as well as the work yet to be done, and especially to hone in on strategies and legislative or policy proposals to inform San Francisco’s Climate Action Strategy update in 2020. I am also co-sponsoring legislation with Supervisor Vallie Brown and Mayor Breed to ban natural gas in all new municipal buildings.
Transit Improvement Working Group: On July 26, we had a productive initial conversation at the first meeting of the Transit Improvement Working Group. This group brings together national transit leaders and local experts to address MUNI’s immediate performance issues as well as the long term challenges in our transit system. This is a once in a decade, if not lifetime, opportunity to take on these challenges, and I am glad that we got off to a strong start.
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22 Beaver Street Landmark Designation: On July 24, I joined Mayor London Breed and Planning Commissioner Dennis Richards to celebrate the historic landmark designation for 22 Beaver Street, known as the Benedict-Gieling House. The house was built in 1870, survived the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906 and is one of the oldest properties in Duboce Triangle. It was an occasion to commemorate the historic building, but also an opportunity to recognize the home’s long-time owner, Imogene “Tex” Gieling, who has lived at 22 Beaver Street since 1966. |
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Grand View Avenue improvements: Earlier this spring, my office coordinated a site visit in Corbett Heights with neighbors and City departments, to address encampments in the area along the Grand View Avenue overpass. We worked with the Public Utilities Commission to complete a lighting assessment on Grand View from 22nd to Clipper, which resulted in the replacement of all existing streetlights with brighter, newer light bulbs, as well as the installation of a new streetlight at the intersection of 23rd St. and Grand View. Thank you to all the neighbors who organized to demand the City’s support! |
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Diamond Heights Boulevard Median Project: Last month, my office learned that a community-led project years in the making – the Diamond Heights Boulevard Median Project – was in danger of losing its Community Challenge Grant funding. With the support of neighborhood leaders Betsy Eddy and Paul Matalucci, my office worked with the City Administrator and the Department of Public Works to save the Median Project’s funding, ensuring that an irrigation system will soon be installed and a planting project can proceed. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming volunteer days to beautify the Diamond Heights Boulevard Median! |
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| The Detour opening: Congratulations to Shawn Vergara and The Detour team on opening this exciting new business in Upper Market! We held our bi-monthly Drink Well with Rafael event on July 26 and had an amazing time--make sure to check out The Detour! |
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RESERVE YOUR BLOCK PARTY!
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Sign up for a Neighborfest Block Party: The Neighborhood Empowerment Network, in partnership with the Department of Emergency Management, Public Works and Livable City, has launched the Neighborfest program city-wide. This initiative provides community members with resources and tools to host the world’s greatest block party, teaches vital organizing capabilities and creates a fun way to get to know the neighbors on your block.
This year we invite you to host a block party on your street. The 2019 Neighborfest application period is now open but only 10 spots are still available.
Click here to learn more about hosting a Neighborfest Block Party or email Neighborfest@LivableCity.org. |
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Join SFPD and your neighbors for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6th!
Every year, SFPD hosts an evening of community building, comradery and fun with the goal of creating stronger and safer neighborhoods. Stop by one of the block parties in your area from 5:00 - 7:00pm for music, food, contests, activities for the young ones, and visits from emergency personnel. I'll be at Mission Playground, hope to see you there!
- Mission (Mission, Noe Valley): Mission Playground, Valencia between 19th and 20th Sts
- Ingleside (Glen Park, Diamond Heights, Mission Terrace): Crocker Amazon Clubhouse, 799 Moscow Ave.
- Park (Duboce Triangle, Corona Heights, Buena Vista, Corbett Heights): Duboce Park, 50 Scott St.
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District 8 Community
Office Hours
Coming soon to a cafe near you!
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Sunday, August 25th
Maxfield’s House of Caffeine
398 Dolores Street
11:00am-1:00pm
Saturday, September 21st
Duboce Park Cafe
2 Sanchez Street
11:00am-1:00pm
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Castro Rotary welcomes
Manny!
Wednesday, August 7th
Hamburger Mary's San Francisco 531 Castro Street
6:30-8:00pm
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The Castro Rotary meets for the purpose of spreading goodwill and building friendship, and this August, Castro Rotary is thrilled to welcome Manny Yekutiel, founder of Manny's, a civic gathering space at the corner of 16th and Valencia.
Click here for more information
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Panel Discussion Rainbow Rice: Justice for LGBTQ Asian and Pacific Islander Americans
Friday, August 9th
The GLBT Historical Society Museum 4127 18th St.,
7:00-9:00pm
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A panel of Bay Area LGBTQ APIA leaders and activists will consider the particular challenges in the LGBTQ APIA community and discuss their efforts to promote, defend and extend the rights of queer APIA people. This program is cosponsored by the Human Rights Program at Southern Methodist University.
Click here for more information |
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EVNA New and Old Members Mixer
Saturday, August 10th
Sparks Art Gallery 4229 18th Street
10:00-11:30am
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The second new member’s mixer is being combined with the regular member’s mixer at the Spark Arts Gallery at 4229 18th Street. Join for coffee and pastries, see a cool art exhibit, and meet some old and new friends!
Click here for more information |
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2nd Annual Noe Valley AnimalFAIR
Sunday, August 11th
Noe Valley Town Square
1:00 - 4:30pm
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At the 2nd Annual Noe Valley AnimalFAIR at the Noe Valley Town Square, there will be 8 Bay Area animal rescue non-profits, along with Lilou the therapy pig. There will also be 7 Noe Valley-based businesses represented, including Russo's Music, Little Artistas, Charlie' Corner, Rabbit Hole Theater, and Terra Mia.
Click here for more information
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DTNA General Meeting
Monday, August 12th
PMC Davies Hospital, Conference Center, South Tower, Level B, Castro St. and Duboce Ave.
7:00- 9:00pm
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The Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association (DTNA) General Meeting- represents residents, businesses and property owners in San Francisco's Duboce Triangle neighborhood.
Click here for more information |
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Noe Valley Book Discussion
Wednesday, August 21
Noe Valley Library, 451 Jersey Street
7:00- 8:30pm
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Noe Valley Wine Walk
Thursday, August 22nd
Noe Valley Town Square
4:00-8:00pm
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Celebrate sunshine, togetherness, and fun! With over 17 unique local and international wines, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass that is yours to keep!
Click here for more information |
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GAPA Foundation's annual drag competition and entertainment extravaganza
Thursday, August 24th
Herbst Theatre
7:00-11:00pm
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Watch contestants vie for the titles of Mr. GAPA and Miss GAPA 2019 through an exciting series of fashion, talent, and Q&A before a panel of API & LGBTQ+ community leader judges. Returning as co-hosts are Mr. GAPA 2013 Nguyen "Sir Whitney Queers" Pham and Miss GAPA 2012 Jezebel Patel.This year’s theme for Runway 31 is Cirque du Runway, come one, come all, to the greatest show on earth!
Click here for more information |
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WHY ARE MORE MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE WANDERING SF STREETS? REPORT GIVES ANSWERS
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| “It’s completely inhumane,” Mandelman said. “If you have known a friend or a loved one and seen that person in psychosis and seen how far that psychotic individual is from their true self, you cannot believe keeping that person in that state is somehow honoring their autonomy.” (San Francisco Chronicle, July 30) |
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SUPERVISORS PASS LEGISLATION PROMOTING RESTAURANT AND ARTS USES FOR UPPER MARKET RETAIL SPACES
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| Says Mandelman in an announcement, "It shouldn’t take years to open a small business in San Francisco.” He adds, “The legislation won’t be a silver bullet for all of Upper Market’s vacancy concerns but it’s a meaningful attempt to help small businesses succeed in a neighborhood where we desperately need them to succeed.” (SFist, July 30) |
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‘IN THE NAME OF CLIMATE SANITY’
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| Sup. Rafael Mandelman, who called the hearing, told me afterward that “In the name of climate sanity” the city needs to be able to limit the number of ride-hail and delivery vehicles. ( 48Hills, July 22) |
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SUPERVISORS TO INTRODUCE MUNICIPAL BUILDING NATURAL GAS BAN
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| Two of San Francisco's supervisors will introduce legislation that would eliminate natural gas in all new municipal construction and major renovations, according to District 5 Supervisor Vallie Brown's office. This comes after Berkeley this month passed a similar ordinance that bans the installation of natural gas lines in new buildings, becoming the first city to pass a rule of this kind. Brown and primary cosponsor District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman will introduce the legislation in September in hopes it can become effective by Jan. 1. (SFGate , July 22) |
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| THE FUTURE OF THE GIG ECONOMY IS IN CALIFORNIA'S HANDS |
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| “Our city has fostered the growth of numerous gig industry giants, and is home to more than 100 gig companies,” [Mandelman] said. “The prospect of AB 5’s passage poses significant implications for the thousands of residents and visitors those companies employ, and San Francisco should be fully engaged in protecting the rights of gig workers.” (SFWeekly, July 10) |
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| SUPERVISOR SLAMS PLAN FOR 'BOUTIQUE LIVING SERVICE' AT CHURCH AND MARKET |
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| “San Francisco neighborhoods never signed up for corporate hotels masquerading as rental housing. Since learning about the developer’s plans to operate 2100 Market as an extended stay hotel earlier this week, my office has been in contact with the Planning Department and the City Attorney’s office to determine whether these units are allowed under existing law. If they are, we need to change the law and close this loophole.” (SFWeekly, July 25) |
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