Dear District 8 residents and friends,
Five months into 2025, the year is flying by. Mayor Lurie hit his 100 days in office this last month, and I remain cautiously optimistic about the possibilities for San Francisco under his leadership. The collaborative approach of his administration and the new Board of Supervisors has changed the tone at City Hall. Let’s hope that spirit survives as we move into budget season facing a deficit of approximately $1 billion over the next two years.
Mayor Lurie has been singularly and correctly focused on ridding some of San Francisco’s most challenged neighborhoods of the open-air drug scenes that have taken hold there. However, it has seemed to me, and I have heard from many of you, that that focus seems to have been accompanied by displacement of some problematic street behavior to other neighborhoods, including the Mission and Castro. I have raised these concerns with the Mayor and his team and my office will continue to work every day with our partners in the Police Department, Healthy Streets Operations Center and Department of Public Health to try to respond to the acute needs we are seeing on too many sidewalks and plazas in the District.
For more on what we were up to last month, read on.
You can always reach us at mandelmanstaff@sfgov.org and (415) 554-6968, or you can stop by to visit us in our new office, Room 268 of City Hall.
See you in the District!
Cheers,
Rafael |
|
WHAT WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON |
|
EV Curbside Charging Hearing:
With the State of California requiring that all new cars sold in California be electric by 2030, I have long been concerned that San Francisco was falling behind other cities in allowing the installation of EV chargers on our streets to serve EV owners who might not have an easily accessible garage in which to charge their cars. To that end, in summer 2023, I asked the Department of the Environment and SFMTA to collaborate on an actionable feasibility study and scalable pilot program to get chargers on sidewalks. The feasibility study has been completed, and the pilot has kicked off with the installation last week of two curbside chargers in Duboce Triangle. On Tuesday I requested a hearing on the EV charging study and pilot to allow the Board and public an
opportunity to better understand next steps and challenges to building out effective and affordable EV charging infrastructure in San Francisco. With transportation responsible for nearly 40% of San Francisco’s greenhouse gas emissions, investing in EV infrastructure (of course along with investing in robust, safe, and reliable public transit) will be an important element of meeting our climate goals. The hearing is currently calendared for June 2nd at 1:30 pm at the Board’s Land Use and Transportation Committee.
The Open For Business Contract Streamlining Act of 2025
has been described to us as the most comprehensive contract reform package in decades. The legislation, which I introduced on February 25th, will go in front of the Budget and Finance Committee on May 21st. This legislation has been a long time coming. Anyone who has attempted to contract with the City of San Francisco is well aware that our contracts are long and convoluted even for small dollar contracts, and processing times can vary from weeks to YEARS! By judiciously streamlining various requirements that have been added over many decades, we hope to allow City staff to process contracts more efficiently, free up staff time, and attract more small businesses to do business with the City.
Castro Entertainment Zone Passes Unanimously: The Castro Entertainment Zone legislation, which I introduced back in March, was passed on April 15th. Now, Castro merchants can sell to-go alcohol within the confinements of the zone during activations like Night Markets and the Castro Street Fair. We had previously passed legislation to allow a Cole Valley Entertainment Zone, which the Night Market there is already putting to good use. I am excited to see the Castro Entertainment Zone activated.
Castro Cultural District Expansion: In April, I introduced legislation to expand the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District to include neighboring Duboce Triangle, recognizing the Triangle’s historical ties to the Castro’s LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood played a key role in the community’s post-Summer of Love migration from the Haight, was home to early LGBTQ residents like Harvey Milk, and housed landmark businesses such as Scott’s Pit, the City’s first lesbian biker bar.
Update on the Mission Dolores Historic District Designations:
In March, I introduced legislation to establish two historic districts in the Mission Dolores neighborhood; Alert Alley and Chula-Abbey early residential historic districts. This legislation went to the Land Use Committee on April 28th and was passed unanimously. These historic designations will help preserve 53 properties that reflect the neighborhood’s development before and shortly after the 1906 Earthquake and Fires, even as we revise our zoning rules and approval processes to allow more housing every neighborhood. |
|
|
|
|
|
JOIN US FOR PRIDE!
We would love to have you march with Supervisor Mandelman and the District 8 office for San Francisco Pride! Every year the Pride parade is a great way to connect with community and enjoy everything San Francisco has to offer. This is a family and dog friendly event! RSVP Here: http://bit.ly/2025PrideD8 |
|
|
UPCOMING DISTRICT 8 EVENTS
-
Wednesdays, 3-7pm: Castro Farmers’ Market, Noe & Market Street
-
Friday, May 16, 5-9pm: Castro Night Market
-
Saturday, May 17, 10am-4pm: Noe Valley Garden Tour 2025
-
Tuesday, May 27, 3-7pm: Noe Valley Night Market, Noe Valley Town Square
|
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR CITY! |
|
Join the Civil Grand Jury: The San Francisco Superior Court is recruiting individuals who desire to play a role in improving their community as a Civil Grand Juror. In this role you will help to identify issues with city government that could be a catalyst for reforms and improvements in San Francisco City affairs. This is an interesting and unique opportunity to actively make a difference in our diverse city.
The application deadline is May 2, 2025. More information is available on the Civil Grand Jury websites, https://www.sf.gov/departments--civil-grand-jury and https://sf.courts.ca.gov/general-information/civil-grand-jury.
|
|
Give Input on San Francisco’s Inspector General: The Controller’s Office is reaching out to seek input from stakeholders and the public on establishing San Francisco’s Inspector General.
San Francisco voters passed Proposition C in November 2024 which creates the role of Inspector General within the Controller’s Office. The Inspector General will lead investigations into fraud, waste and abuse, report on public integrity, and make policy recommendations. Informed by best practices, the Inspector General will contribute to the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of City government.
We invite you to fill out this survey, open through May 20, 2025. |
|
Join a Commission: San Francisco has 100+ committees and commissions that advise City Departments on how to administer the City’s services and revenues. From advising on how the City distributes its Sugary Drink Tax revenue to ensuring the success of San Francisco’s City College, these commissions are a great way to use your background and expertise in service to the City of San Francisco.
Follow this link to see the current vacancies and instructions on how to apply. Notify Melanie, melanie.mathewson@sfgov.org, once you’ve applied!
|
|
Apply for an SF Shines Grant: The SF Shines Facade Improvement Program provides financial assistance to small businesses that want to enhance the exterior appearance of their storefronts. This initiative aims to help local businesses that will increase the vibrancy of the neighborhood. The program will fund up to $20,000 for comprehensive exterior improvements that will transform the storefront. |
|
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!
District 8 is home to many active neighborhood groups that organize events for the community, lead projects to keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and beautiful, and connect neighbors with City leaders to advocate for neighborhood priorities. Join an association or go to an upcoming local event - it’s a great way to get involved, make new friends, and change your community for the better!
Learn more about how to get involved in your neighborhood here!
-
Bernal Cut Project has monthly work days along the east and west sides of San Jose Ave, join the newsletter to find out what's going on and to plant, weed or mulch.
-
-
Buena Vista Neighborhood Association: To learn more, visit BVNA’s website here.
-
-
Castro Art Mart is a monthly street fair on Noe Street between Market and Beaver the first Sunday of every month from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, featuring LGBTQ art from local artists, live music, comedy and drag shows, and more.
-
-
Castro Art Walk is a monthly community-driven event where local businesses host special events to share art with the neighborhood! Check out their website to learn which businesses are participating and head out to the Castro each month on the first Friday, from 5-8pm!
-
Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association: Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every other month from 7:00 – 8:00 pm, in the Ballroom of the Harvey Milk Recreation Center for the Arts, lobby level, and preceded by a community social from 6:30 – 7:00 pm.
-
Dolores Heights Improvement Club: Green Gardens group holds monthly clean-ups on the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 – 10:30 am. DHIC Board meets on the second Monday of every other month. Meetings are held via Zoom from 7pm – 8pm. Email info@doloresheights.org to obtain the Zoom meeting link.
-
Upper Noe Neighbors meets every other month on the third Wednesday at the Upper Noe Recreation Center.
Don’t see your neighborhood group but want your information added to our newsletter? Email Melanie Mathewson at melanie.mathewson@sfgov.org
|
|
SFPD STATION CAPTAINS’ MEETINGS
Curious about safety in your neighborhood or have questions for SFPD? Attending your Station Captains’ Meetings is a great way to learn about what’s going on. Captains’ Meetings are at the following times:
-
Park Station (1899 Waller): Fourth Wednesdays at 5PM on Zoom
-
Neighborhoods: Cole Valley, Duboce Triangle, and Twin Peaks
-
Mission Station (630 Valencia): Last Tuesdays at 5PM at Mission Station
-
Neighborhoods: Castro, Mission Dolores, and Noe Valley
-
Ingleside Station (1 Sgt. John V. Young): Third Tuesdays at 6PM at Ingleside Station
-
Neighborhoods: Diamond Heights, Glen Park, and Upper Noe
|
|
CITY HALL POP-UP SHOP
Take in the splendor of City Hall all while shopping for your friends, family, and yourself! The annual Small Business Week City Hall pop-up shop is a great place to find a gift, or a tasty treat. Featuring goods from 45 local makers! More info at sf.gov/small-business-pop-up-shop
Where: San Francisco City Hall, North Light Court
When: Tuesday May 6th, 2025 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
|
|
FACES IN THE CROWD: NATE BOURG |
|
Welcome to Faces in the Crowd, written by Marshall Kilduff, accomplished journalist and long time volunteer with our District 8 Office. Marshall tells the stories of District 8 community members who are going above and beyond to contribute to San Francisco!
|
|
The Castro may be at a pivot point. There are store vacancies, hang out characters and a worrisome atmosphere bought on by Washington’s anti-LGBT mood. Can the heart of the city’s--and maybe the country’s--human rights movement rise from a low point?
Nate Bourg, the newly chosen head of the Castro District Merchants, has another view. The Castro Theater is moving ahead with renovations, possibly re-opening by year’s end. The Rainbow Flag plaza is taking shape adjacent to the Harvey Milk Muni station. A trans owned nightspot has opened and a women's sports bar is primed to debut. A historic neighborhood is showing fresh life.
These are the mixed signals that he weighs. “We are not super troubled, but we’re not thriving either,” he says. “We’ve been a beacon of strength and tolerance. It’s critical” that the Castro survives, he added.
His small business group, totaling 150 members, is a case in point. Older buildings can be hard to remodel for new uses, adding to start up costs. Street incidents and homeless encounters can chase away visitors. Empty storefronts plastered with fraying posters are another distraction. “When you're a small business owner, you dread opening the mailbox and finding another invoice or fee. The pressure is always there,’’ he says.
He is pushing for a change. More sidewalk police patrols are one answer. But he wants a more considered public view of the Castro. Crime and nuisance reports are overblown, he believes. Business life is ever so slowly bouncing back from a Covid-era crash.
Bourg is the co-founder of the Academy, a Market street social club, where members gather for drinks, food and a social schedule that offers book clubs, arts talks and election season forums. Founded in 2017, it’s grown to 500 members with guests invited to attend as well.
For a neighborhood on the rebound, Bourg could be the right fit. His calm-and-considered manner avoids the divisiveness often found in city politics. “Every problem we see comes with complications, be it homelessness or building codes. I like to think things through,” he says.
The summer ahead could be a test of the Castro’s appeal, he thinks. Visitors may want to travel here to a stronghold of LGBT rights, or they could stay away, soured by a hard-right mood brought on by the White House. Locally, he hopes San Francisco won’t forget what the neighborhood has to offer as a dining and shopping spot. “I don’t ever want this place to go away,’’ he says.
|
|
|
|
On April 4th, I joined many Castro merchants and neighbors to celebrate the return of the Castro Farmers’ Market!
|
On April 10th I joined State Treasurer Fiona Ma and the San Francisco Farm Bureau for their Sip & Learn event at the Castro's newest bar, Bar 49!
|
On April 15th we celebrated National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week at the Board of Supervisors. We honored Cathy Osorio and Nicole Workman, two 911 dispatchers who work tirelessly to connect San Franciscans to the help they need.
|
Also on April 15th, we gave an in-memoriam to Scott Nielson, a longtime member of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club who spent the later half of his career serving our City through non-profits and the arts.
|
On April 19th, I stopped by Yerba Buena Gardens for an Earth Day Festival and Green Business Expo to learn about the many businesses and City Departments working to reduce waste and conserve energy.
|
On Saturday April 19th, I joined the Transbay Joint Powers Authority and the East Cut CBD at Salesforce Park for their 3rd annual Spring Fling!
|
On April 20th, we participated in the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Parade from Civic Center Plaza to Japantown!
|
From April 21st - 27th we celebrated Lesbian Visibility Week at City Hall and across District 8. On April 25th, we raised the lesbian flag and enjoyed a reception on the Mayor’s balcony. On the 27th, City Hall was lit up in purple, white, orange and pink to celebrate the lesbian flag.
|
On April 22nd, we gave a special commendation to Franco Stevens, founder of Curve Magazine and leader in the lesbian community, for her service to San Francisco.
|
On April 25th we unveiled San Francisco's EV curbside chargers at 55 Fillmore St. in Duboce Triangle, moving closer to our goal of adding over 600 new EV chargers by 2030.
|
On April 27th, I attended the painting of the Elk Street Mural and was able to present a special commendation to Amanda Barrows, an incredible SF Park Ranger. Read more about her in this SF Standard profile.
|
LGBTQ historic sites among bevy that could be landmarked in District 8
The Bay Area Reporter, April 3
Mandelman said that he wants to recognize what should be preserved as more development comes to town now that restrictions on new housing are being eased on both the state and local levels. |
|
SF Mayor Lurie pledges ‘relentless’ focus on public safety goals to Castro on edge
The Bay Area Reporter, April 3
Mandelman conceded, “I don’t think you can solve it with just the mayor and his detail breaking up these things.” Therefore, the SFPD will be making its presence known in the Castro in the coming weeks, sending in plainclothes and undercover officers, SFPD Sergeant Stephen Tacchini said. |
|
|
|
SF supervisors approve Castro Entertainment Zone
The Bay Area Reporter, April 8
Mandelman, who represents the Castro as the District 8 supervisor, stated that he is "grateful to my colleagues for their unanimous support of the Castro Upper Market Entertainment Zone. The EZ should be a significant benefit for neighborhood bars and restaurants, especially during night market events and this fall at the Castro Street Fair. Now more than ever we need to support our local businesses and show the world that our gayborhood remains the best in the world." |
|
San Francisco politicians decry IRS sharing tax info with immigration authorities
KALW Public Media, April 15
Here’s Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman: “This is not just a threat to undocumented immigrants. This is a threat to people with status, to people who have been here for decades and longer, to people who have green cards, to people who are applying for citizenship." |
|
SF to learn fate of state funding for more treatment beds
San Francisco Examiner, April 22nd
“There may be an additional funding round for public-health beds, and there also may be a funding round for more homeless beds,” he said. “So conceivably there could be more Prop. 1 dollars.” |
|
San Francisco pushes forward with another move to encourage office conversions
CoStar, April 23
The special tax district “is one element of the city’s broader strategy to unleash the potential of underused buildings,” said Mandelman in a statement. |
|
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie Proposes Legislation to Transform Office Spaces into Housing in Downtown Revitalization Bid
San Francisco Hoodline, April 23
In a move aiming to breathe new life into San Francisco's downtown areas, Mayor Daniel Lurie and Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman have introduced legislation for establishing a downtown revitalization financing district. |
|
SF leaders slowly responding to growing Trump anger
San Francisco Examiner, April 24
“As I say frequently, the most important thing a city like San Francisco can do for the progressive cause is show that a blue city can be run effectively,” said Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman. “Also, the actions of the federal administration are impacting our people, and are causing fear and anxiety and are potentially threatening our programs and services, and it’s going to be untenable to not stand up for our values.” |
|
SF Unveils New Curbside EV charging
EV Report, April 28
“The chargers address the growing demand for EV infrastructure, with one-third of recent car sales in San Francisco being electric. The city has already expanded to 1,152 public charging ports, a 470% increase since 2019. This pilot program explores curbside charging as a complement to existing options like garage and off-street charging.” |
|
Dozens of Mission homes could gain historic preservation protections
SF Examiner, April 29
“Monday’s resolution, sponsored by Board President Rafael Mandelman, is part of a decades-long campaign to preserve buildings within the Mission Dolores neighborhood, the historical core of the broader Mission district with roots tracing all the way back to the 18th-century Spanish settlement that sprung up around the still-standing Mission Dolores adobe chapel that now gives the neighborhood its name." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
