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Dear District 8 residents and friends,
Spring is here, and with it comes a renewed energy for the work we’re doing together in District 8.
This month, we’re focused on street safety, supporting small business, and public transportation improvements. I also hope you’ll join me at upcoming community events including the Castro, Cole Valley and Noe Valley night markets where we can enjoy all District 8 has to offer.
We've had some change in the office over the last few months and I want to thank Adam Thongsavat and Henry DeRuff for their work and dedication to District 8. While I am sad to see them go, I am excited to welcome Melanie Mathewson and Bradley Phelps to the team!
As always, my office is here to help—please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for being engaged in the future of our district.
Looking forward to seeing you around the neighborhood!
Want to learn more or share your thoughts? Get in touch. You can email us at mandelmanstaff@sfgov.org or come to office hours - see below!
Cheers,
Rafael
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WHAT WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON
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Street Safety: There are a number of street safety initiatives and improvements our office has been a part of in the last few months:
- In Duboce Triangle, a District 8-funded study will explore opportunities for a safer, more robust north-south bicycle connection through the neighborhood. The study will examine the feasibility of adding a Slow Street on Sanchez and Steiner Streets between Market and Waller Streets to supplement or replace the existing Noe Slow Street, which isn’t meeting the SFMTA Board-set vehicle volume target. The study will examine potential changes to traffic circulation, such as vehicle turn restrictions at key intersections, to help manage traffic more effectively around the neighborhood.
- Also in Duboce Triangle, speed cushions will be installed between Henry and 14th Streets and between Beaver and 15th Streets to slow vehicle speeds. Painted safety zones and intersection daylighting to improve visibility at intersections will be completed this Spring.
- The intersection of Church and Market, one of the most important hubs in the Muni system, will be getting a new transit plaza by mid-2026. This is the final step in a set of ongoing improvements to make this transit hub safer for residents and provide support for surrounding small businesses. Final concepts for this plaza were shared with the community in late 2024.
- Across San Francisco, 33 new speed safety cameras launched on Thursday, March 20th. These cameras will automatically ticket drivers using license plate reaching technology if the driver is exceeding the speed limit by 10+ mph. The District 8 office worked closely with SFMTA and District 8 neighbors to strategically place cameras where drivers are consistently speeding and I’m grateful for the efforts of everyone involved. To learn more, check-out the SFMTA’s website.
Reworking the Accessible Business Entrance Program - San Francisco’s Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) Program was created in 2016 to ensure local businesses comply with federal and state accessibility laws. In the Fall of 2024, Supervisor Mandelman introduced legislation to sunset the enforcement of the ABE program and launch a new, collaborative initiative called Beyond the Front Door. Earlier this month, it passed unanimously at the Board of Supervisors. This initiative focuses on supporting businesses in meeting accessibility requirements through education, resources, and best practices, rather than burdensome fines and fees. While property owners will still need to comply with federal and state laws, this legislation will reduce unnecessary local burdens and allow City departments to focus on more pressing priorities, like housing and permit efficiency. Ultimately, Beyond the Front Door aims to promote accessibility through collaboration, not punishment—helping businesses survive while ensuring everyone in the community has equal access.
Streamlining City Contracts: In February, Supervisor Mandelman introduced the Open for Business Contract Streamlining Act of 2025, a set of sensible contracting reforms to simplify the City’s procurement processes, reduce the burden of contracting regulations on small businesses, nonprofits, and the City, and encourage more competition for City contracts. Over the years, the City’s procurement rules have become increasingly complex, creating unnecessary hurdles for small businesses, nonprofits, and City staff. After reviewing a 2024 report by City Administrator Carmen Chu, it became clear that San Francisco is spending far too much time and effort on low-dollar contracts—which make up 59% of the City’s contract volume but only 1.8% of total spending—using the same cumbersome process required for multimillion-dollar contracts. This legislation simplifies procurement rules, reduces administrative burdens, and promotes greater competition by standardizing contract terms, streamlining processes, and making it easier for local businesses to work with the City. This is just the beginning—there’s much more to be done—but the District 8 office is committed to creating a more efficient, equitable, and business-friendly contracting system for San Francisco.
Entertainment Zones: On Thursday, March 11th, the District 8 office attended the first Cole Valley Night Market since Cole Valley’s commercial corridor became an Entertainment Zone. This is the fourth Entertainment Zone in the City and the first located outside of Downtown. Over the last three months, Supervisor Mandelman and staff worked with merchants in Cole Valley and now the Castro to bring District 8 its first Entertainment Zones. These EZ’s were allowed by legislation introduced by Senator Scott Wiener to help bars and restaurants attract more customers. From Front Street to Thrive City, Cole Valley, and soon the Castro, we've worked with merchant associations, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and community partners to make these EZs a reality. These zones are also driving foot traffic, supporting small businesses, and making our neighborhoods more vibrant and welcoming. The District 8 office is excited to continue building on this success and looking forward to the first Castro Entertainment Zone Activation.
Department of Building Inspection Audit Amnesty: Last month, I introduced legislation to help property owners unknowingly affected by the fraudulent actions of former building engineer Rodrigo Santos and former DBI inspector Bernie Curran. Both were convicted of corruption-related crimes, including fraud and illegal construction approvals. As a result, the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) audited nearly 5,500 properties associated with them. While no immediate safety hazards were found, about 2% of properties had unauthorized work requiring costly corrections for the property owners. Many property owners were unaware of the unpermitted work when purchasing their homes and now face unexpected expenses. This legislation creates an amnesty program for the property owners who unknowingly engaged with Santos and Curran, providing financial and procedural relief to these residents. A special thank you to the District 8 residents who reached out to the District 8 office and the city staff who helped move this legislation forward.
Historic District Designation: Last month, I introduced resolutions to initiate the historic landmark district designation of the Chula-Abbey and Alert Alley Early Residential Historic Districts in the Mission Dolores neighborhood. These districts, identified through the 2022 Mission Dolores Context Statement and Survey, reflect two key historical periods: the Early Neighborhood Development era (1864-1906) and the 1906 Earthquake and Reconstruction era (1906-1915). Together, they include 53 properties that showcase the neighborhood’s working-class roots and post-earthquake growth, featuring architectural styles like Italianate, Stick-Eastlake, Classical Revival, and Queen Anne. As we continue to encourage housing development, it’s important that we also preserve the architectural heritage that makes San Francisco unique. These landmark designations will help ensure that the special character of these historic properties is considered before they are altered or demolished. I want to extend a special thank you to the Mission Dolores Neighborhood Association for their work to make these historic designations happen.
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MEET YOUR SUPERVISOR: APRIL OFFICE HOURS
VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS: Join me on Zoom on Saturday, April 5th, from 10AM-12PM! Reach out to mandelmanstaff@sfgov.org to book a slot.
IN-PERSON OFFICE HOURS: Join me in-person at Duboce Park Cafe on Saturday, April 26th, from 10AM-12PM! Reach out to mandelmanstaff@sfgov.org to book a slot.
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UPCOMING NOE VALLEY TOWN SQUARE EVENTS
Thursday April 10th, 4-7pm: Noe Valley Wine Walk. Get your tickets here.
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APPLY FOR SF SHINES FACADE IMPROVEMENTS 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.
Eligible Facade Improvements
- Exterior Lighting
- Window Replacement/Anti-Graffiti Film
- Door Replacement
- Exterior Tile
- Neon sign restoration
- Awnings & Signage
- Exterior Painting
- Murals (Arts Commission approval required)
- Planters
A detailed description of the program can be found here: https://www.sf.gov/apply-for-a-grant-to-beautify-your-storefront-facade
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2025 IMMIGRANT EMERGING LEADER PROGRAM
Are you a Transgender, Gender Diverse, or LGBTQIA+ immigrant or asylee looking to strengthen your leadership, employment readiness, and community advocacy skills? The Center for Immigrant Protection (CIP) is excited to invite you to apply for the Immigrant Emerging Leadership Program (IELP)—a 10-week fellowship designed to empower and support LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse immigrants and asylees in California.
- Duration: 10 Weeks
- Location: Virtual (sessions in English and Spanish)
- Stipend: $1,500 upon program completion
How to Apply:
Application Link: https://tinyurl.com/IELP2025
Deadline for Spring 2025 Cohort:
Cohort #2 (Spanish): Apply by 11.59PM, May 1, 2025 (Start Date: May 15)
Deadline for Fall 2025 Cohorts:
Cohort #3 (English): Apply by 11.59PM, September 1, 2025 (Start Date: September 9)
Cohort #4 (Spanish): Apply by 11.59PM, October 1, 2025 (Start Date: October 16)
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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.
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- Buena Vista Neighborhood Association: To learn more, visit BVNA’s website here.
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- 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.
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- 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
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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
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COMMUNITY FORUM ON LANDMARK DESIGNATIONS
Join District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and San Francisco Planning for a community forum about potential individual landmark designations in District 8. San Francisco Planning staff will discuss the landmark designation process, associated preservation incentives and responsibilities, and opportunities for public participation.
- In-Person: Wednesday April 2, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm
- Location: Eureka Valley Recreation Center, Multi-Purpose Room, 100 Collingwood Street. Between 18th and 19th Streets
- Virtual: Thursday April 3rd, 2025 5:00pm - 6:30pm
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On March 23, Supervisor Mandelman along with Senator Scott Wiener and Director of SF Pride Suzanne Ford threw out the ceremonial first pitch at San Francisco’s Gay Softball League home opener!
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On March 20, the D8 office attended the first Castro Night Market of the year! Night Markets showcase the best the City has to offer and I’m proud of the work my office has done along with many small business owners, neighborhood groups and the Civic Joy Fund to bring more night markets to SF.
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On March 19, I visited Boy Scout Troop 88, one of San Francisco’s oldest packs!
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On March 18, Supervisor Mandelman gave a special commendation to Betsy Eddy, a longtime District 8 resident and steward of the Diamond Heights Neighborhood! Betsy is stepping down after 16 years serving as the President of the Diamond Heights Neighborhood Association. Betsy, thank you for your service!
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On March 15, I participated in San Francisco’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade! People in green lined up all over Market Street and the Civic Center to celebrate on a beautiful day in San Francisco. Thank you to the United Irish Societies of San Francisco for hosting.
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On March 13, I attended the Cole Valley Night Market and celebrated the launch of our new Cole Valley Entertainment Zone along with many business owners, the Cole Valley Merchant Association and the Mayor!
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On March 7, Mayor Daniel Lurie visited the Castro to visit merchants and neighbors. My staff and I showed him around the commercial corridor and were accompanied by SFPD Mission Station, the Castro Merchants Association, and the Castro CBD.
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On March 3, I swore in a new Tenant Council at 363 Noe Street! Tenant councils help keep housing affordable by improving communication between residents and owners like Mission Housing.
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Joe Chavez, co-founder of Castro Village Wine passed away on February 1. He helped start the lavender wave in the Castro and was a beloved member of the community. I was proud to read his In Memoriam at the February 25 Board of Supervisors meeting and adjourn the meeting in his honor.
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On February 25, to close out Black History Month, my office provided a Special Commendation to Rodney Earl Jackson Jr., the Artistic Director and co-founder of the San Francisco Bay Area Theater Company (SFBATCO). Rodney is a San Francisco native who has been on Broadway and started SFBATCO to represent voices in theatre that have been historically excluded. We are so proud to have him as a District 8 resident!
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SF leaders considering congestion pricing even though downtown recovery continues
ABC 7News, March 27th
"This was a strategy that we were very much looking at before the pandemic," Supervisor Rafael Mandelman said. "Right now we would like to see more congestion and folks going downtown."
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As LGBTQ Nonprofits Fear Targeted Attacks, SF Will Consider Easing Disclosure Rules
KQED, March 24th
"“As the mood of the country changed, and organizations, particularly queer organizations, found themselves under increasing and often violent threat, folks approached me about potentially amending that legislation to provide some protection for those LGBTQ-serving organizations.”
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SF Mayor Lurie talks streets conditions, priorities on Castro walk
Bay Area Reporter, March 12th
Outgoing Castro Merchants Association President Terry Asten Bennett accompanied San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie along with Board Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman on a March 7 visit to the city’s LGBTQ neighborhood.
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Bathhouses are returning to San Francisco
GayCities, March 11th
“I’ve been involved in San Francisco politics and queer community politics for a couple of decades, and all through that period, there were folks in the queer community, older folks who remembered the bathhouses and either felt that it had been a mistake to close them in the first place or felt that it was time to get them reopened.”
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Why SF red-tape cutting has ‘kicked up a few notches’
SF Examiner, March 5th
“We’re going to need to keep working on procurement, so I introduced my legislation last week [a measure that intended to streamline San Francisco’s contracting processes]. I see that as a first step, not the last step, and I’m hoping that my colleagues will have more in additional contributions. We just need to keep finding new opportunities to streamline procurement contracting for goods and services to do the work of the people."
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San Francisco looks into streamlining ‘overwhelming’ contracting process for small businesses
ABC7 News, February 26
Mandelman states it is obvious some of these requirements have nothing to do with the goods and services small businesses provide. “Generally, we’re focusing on the lower dollar value contracts, because although the dollar value may be low, those accounts, for well more than half the contract we enter into, suck up a huge amount of city staff and time in processing them. Make San Francisco work,” he stated.
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