Supervisor Melgar 02062024 Newsletter

Dear Neighbors,

Lunar New Year is upon us! The Year of the Wood Dragon symbolizes determination, courage, abundance, and boldness. We will need to tap into that spirit as we enter this year to overcome many of the challenges our city faces and to set a new foundation for a stronger future. This is an opportunity for us to think creatively about transformational ways to improve the quality of life for daily San Franciscans – that means a City that works effectively: basic services, cleaner streets, safety, economic revitalization. I hope to celebrate with you at the annual Ocean Avenue Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 17th!

Last month, I was appointed to join the Board of Supervisors’ Budget & Finance Committee. It is an honor to join this committee and take a leading role in crafting the budget priorities we have for the City. This year will be a challenging one as we face a nearly $800M deficit. This will impact jobs, services, and what we prioritize with our shrinking public dollars. As your Supervisor, I am dedicated to championing more services on the West side, public safety, and accountability for all San Franciscans.

I want to hear from you: what should I be fighting for in this year’s budget?

Sincerely,

Myrna Melgar

TABLE OF NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

Legislative and Project Updates
Upcoming Events
News and Resources

LEGISLATIVE AND PROJECT UPDATES

Participatory Budgeting Application Opens February 12th

District 7: Participatory Budgeting Website

Participatory Budgeting is back! Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process in which community members propose projects and collectively decide how to spend part of a public budget. Last year, we funded 17 community projects ranging from murals in the Inner Sunset to emergency preparedness training.

This year, the application for your proposals will open from February 12th until March 29th. On March 11th, you will have the opportunity to troubleshoot your ideas with Emma Heiken who manages the Participatory Budgeting process and will be present to answer questions and provide clarity on possible proposal submissions. You can RSVP for this information session here.

Feel free to send any questions to Emma.Heiken@sfgov.org.

More MUNI Service Added to District 7!

Last month, MUNI implemented new service changes in order to address issues of crowding and pass-ups during morning commute times. District 7 will see frequency increases on select weekdays for the 29 Sunset, 44 O’Shaughnessy, and the 48 Quintara. Additionally, District 7 will see frequency increases on the weekends for the 28 19th Avenue. The 58 Lake Merced stop at Sunset Boulevard and Lake Merced Boulevard will be removed in both directions to improve reliability and travel time.

You can find a full list of the changes here:
MUNI Service Changes

Police Department Recruitment Levels Increase

Police academy graduates are back to pre-pandemic levels and the City is adding new classes to keep up with demand. The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) is implementing several changes to enhance recruitment and officer pay. These include increasing the starting pay for SFPD officers to one of the highest in the Bay Area and among the top in the nation. The hiring process is being streamlined by conducting physical, oral, and written tests in a single day, potentially reducing the process by up to three months. Free testing events on college campuses, along with test preparation resources, are being extended across Northern and Southern California. Additionally, the lateral hiring process is being optimized to hire candidates immediately upon completion. Supervisor Melgar has been instrumental in recruitment efforts, especially in supporting the SFPD to meet their 30 x 30 goals, aiming for a 30% representation of women recruits by 2030 to increase gender diversity within the department. This Thursday, Supervisor Melgar will join the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee for a hearing she sponsored on police recruitment efforts and how we can support more women to join the force and have successful law enforcement careers. The hearing will explore family-friendly benefits and recruitment tools for SFPD. Tune in Thursday at 10AM here.

San Francisco continues to experience lower rates of violent crime compared to other cities, and both violent and property crime levels remain below those observed before the pandemic. The San Francisco Police Department consistently maintains a homicide clearance rate that significantly exceeds the national average. The next Police Academy class will begin later this spring and recruitment numbers have steadily increased after the pandemic low. For more information on career opportunities with SFPD, visit this website.

Over 1,500 People Move Into Shelters

In 2023, the Healthy Streets Operations Center (HSOC) was able to successfully place over 1,500 people in shelters throughout San Francisco. Their approach involved spending time in an encampment area and offering shelter, secure sleeping sites, and other services to the people within them. Furthermore, San Francisco saw a 17% reduction in tents – from 609 tents in July 2023 to 508 tents in November 2023. The city currently shelters around 3,600 people per night and continues to expand safe sleeping sites. Centers like HSOC are projected to continue their work throughout 2024 and work alongside the city to tackle encampments.

You can find more information about the city’s outreach efforts here.

New License Plate Readers to Combat Organized Retail Theft

Mayor London Breed recently signed new legislation allowing the San Francisco Police Department to install 400 Automated License Plate Readers at 100 intersections across the City. These cameras aim to address public safety concerns, particularly organized retail theft and motor vehicle theft. The legislation, funded by a $17.3 million state retail theft grant, facilitates the deployment of these cameras, enhancing law enforcement efforts in combating crime. Supervisor Melgar advocated for these readers to also be deployed in areas on the Westside, with a high priority for Panoramic Avenue leading up to Twin Peaks.

Read more about the decrease in theft here:
https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-enforcement-and-activations-lead-decrease-theft-citywide-increase-visitors

Housing Element - Rezoning

The Planning Department has been soliciting input on a rezoning proposal that is part of implementing San Francisco's Housing Element, which was approved last year to plan for the City's anticipated housing needs.

The Planning Commission held an informational hearing last Thursday to review the latest rezoning proposal (you can rewatch it here ). The proposal is meant to target height increases along major transit routes, commercial streets, and other major thoroughfares in neighborhoods that have traditionally not seen much housing development which includes the west side of the City. We heard concerns from our residents about certain areas being included in the proposal that might not be suitable based on their criteria. This process is still ongoing as there will be more changes to the proposal before it is introduced as legislation by the Planning Department. Once introduced, the legislation will go before the Board of Supervisors' Land Use & Transportation Committee. We anticipate many more deliberations over the coming months. If you have any questions, please e-mail sf.housing.choice@sfgov.org.

PG&E RECURRENT OUTAGES

Our office has been fielding calls and e-mails from concerned neighbors about recurrent Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) power outages over the past several weeks. We understand how frustrating and unsettling it is to have unreliable power especially when rates went up significantly this year.

With this week's tumultuous weather, the sluggish response from PG&E is disconcerting. Parts of District 7 and other neighborhoods are facing prolonged power outages and significant disruptions, exacerbating the challenges posed by the severe storm conditions.

This situation underscores the critical need for PG&E to reassess its emergency response strategies and prioritize the implementation of more efficient and effective measures to handle such crises. The residents deserve a utility service that is both reliable and responsive, especially in times of natural disasters. It's high time PG&E steps up its game to fulfill this fundamental obligation. Supervisor Melgar is exploring options to ensure there is accountability for consumers. If you have an experience you want to share and would like to stay updated on this issue, please e-mail our office at MelgarStaff@sfgov.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join Supervisor Myrna Melgar and her team for an art reception at City Hall. All District 7 residents, businesses, and friends are welcome. Art from our new District 7 legacy business, San Francisco Women Artists, will be featured alongside refreshments and small bites. RSVP HERE.

Join Supervisor Melgar for the annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Ocean Avenue! Come enjoy a traditional lion dance, multicultural performances, kids activities, vendors, and a resource fair. The first 400 people will receive a complimentary lunch from a local restaurant.

Saturday, February 17, 2024
Unity Plaza (off Ocean Avenue)
12pm to 3pm.

GET YOUR KIDS SIGNED UP FOR SUMMER ACTIVITIES

The San Francisco Summer Resource Fair is an event where families can plan their summer activities. Featuring representatives from 100 different summer camps, classes, and programs for children and youth in grades K-8, the fair offers options ranging from all-day camps to arts, science, and sports programs, as well as traditional sleepaway summer camps. The event will take place on February 24, 2024, at the County Fair Building from 11am to 2pm, and no sign-up or registration is required. In addition to the resource fair, there will be a Kid Zone with family-friendly games and activities hosted by the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department, a book giveaway by the San Francisco Public Library, and exhibitors providing engaging activities. Read more here.

VISIT THE DRAGONS ON PARADE

The world-famous San Francisco Chinese New Year and Parade takes place on Saturday, February 24, 2024 starting off at 2nd Street & Market Street. From now until March 2, 2024, you can explore the city and visit five Wooden Dragon statues featuring different artists.

We have a lucky dragon in District 7 at the Stonestown Galleria (in front of Target) designed by Donna Lau Learn more about this year's Chinese New Year festivities and locate all five Dragon statues here.

NEWS AND RESOURCES

Free Tax Prep Assistance for Low-Income Filers

The free tax preparation program is available to everyone who qualifies , including but not limited to those with incomes under $64,000 in 2023, older adults, those with limited English proficiency, and people with disabilities who require assistance. IRS-certified tax experts prepare returns, answer questions, and determine if filers qualify for tax credits, such as federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), Child Tax Credits, and the WFC.

Find out more HERE!

CORO District 7 Youth Leadership Academy

We are looking for high school students who live or attend school in District 7 who are interested in making a positive change in their communities! Come take part in the CORO District Youth Leadership Academy which helps grow your leadership skills and networks, gain an understanding of community issues, and get paid $500 for program completion!

Please submit applications here. Applications are due by Friday, 11:59 pm, February 9, 2024.

It is officially election season! Last week, many ballots were sent in the mail. San Franciscans have the opportunity to vote for the Presidential Primary, U.S. Senate, local judges, several local and state propositions, and the County Central Committee. Register to vote here and make sure your voice is heard!

Beginning this week, local voters can begin visiting San Francisco’s City Hall Voting Center to participate in the March 5, 2024, Consolidated Presidential Primary Election. Between Monday, February 5 and Monday, March 4, the City Hall Voting Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except on February 19, which is Presidents’ Day). The Voting Center will also be open on two weekends, February 24-25 and March 2-3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Finally, the Voting Center will be open on Election Day, March 5, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., along with 501 local polling places.

Board of Supervisors | District 7 | Myrna Melgar
District 7 Homepage

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 260
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-6516 | Fax: (415) 554-6516
melgarstaff@sfgov.org

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