Supervisor Melgar with the Marine's band on West Portal during Fleet Week.
November is a time for reflection: we acknowledge the more challenging parts of our nation’s history, we spend time with our families, and we vote.
This year, I am reflecting on my gratitude for the San Francisco Department of Elections which runs one of the best election systems in the country and serves as a role model for the nation's democracy. Whether through ranked-choice voting, or increasing access to voters registration and polling places, San Francisco continues to pave the way for expanded voting rights, embodying what it means to defend our democracy. Through vote-by-mail, early and poll voting, nearly 250,000 San Franciscans cast their votes this election cycle. San Francisco has higher voter turnout than other major cities across the country, demonstrating our commitment to representation and the democratic process. Hundreds of San Franciscans volunteered to be poll workers to ensure a swift and fair election process. While we are seeing countless threats to democracy across our country, I am thankful that our City’s public servants, advocates, and voters continue to fight for the future of democracy and the future of San Francisco.
I am also thankful for Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s many years of service to our City and our country. Speaker Pelosi has gracefully and courageously led Congressional Democrats through countless challenges, including a global pandemic and attempted insurrection in just the last few years. She has been formidable as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and will continue this work with Congress having stepped down.
As a lifelong public servant, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (pictured above) established herself as a leader on healthcare, immigration, and gun violence prevention. We were so honored to welcome her to City Hall earlier this month and thank her for her work. These two powerhouses are an inspiration to women and girls around the world and I am so grateful for their service to the City & County of San Francisco.
And finally, as we near Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day, I had the privilege to honor Dr. Betty Parent at a recent Board of Supervisors ceremony. Dr. Parent, of the Athabascan and Yupik people, was the first professor in American Indian Studies at San Francisco State. She was also the first Native American to be on the editorial board of the Harvard Educational Review, the first Alaskan Native woman to earn a Ph.D, and to obtain tenure as a full professor. District 7’s San Francisco State recognized Dr. Parent’s tireless work on behalf of indigenous communities with the establishment of the Betty Parent Achievement Award, which provides financial support to exceptional students making similar strides in their academic progress and service to American Indian communities.
I hope you have a restful holiday. Our office would love to hear from you what you are grateful for in your neighborhood!
Sideshow Enforcement
The board recently passed a resolution to urge the State Legislature to impose harsher penalties for automotive side shows and stunt driving. Supervisor Melgar supported the resolution.
Renaming Stow Lake
Additionally, Supervisor Melgar authored a resolution urging the Recreation and Park Commission to remove the name Stow from the Lake to be replaced by a name that reflects San Francisco’s expressed values of celebrating diversity. The current namesake was outspokenly antisemitic throughout his career.
Hearing on the Housing Element
On November 15, Supervisor Melgar co-sponsored a hearing on the Housing Element , a comprehensive plan to add 82,000 new housing units in San Francisco that is required by the state. Many residents from across San Francisco (including District 7) came to share their thoughts and concerns on what this new housing plan should look like. Supervisor Melgar is focused on the effort to pass a compliant Housing Element so San Francisco can continue to receive crucial state funding for housing and maintain local control over where and how additional housing is built. The Board of Supervisors will vote to approve or reject the Housing Element on January 24, 2023.
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HOLIDAY EVENTS
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ANNUAL TURKEY DRIVE
The 11th annual SF Turkey Drive helps feed the most affected community of San Francisco! The goal is to PROVIDE MEALS WITH A SMILE to the diners at St. Anthony’s Dining Room which serves over 2,600 meals on the day.Â
The SF Turkey Drive in the Ingleside District was started to connect local neighbors to volunteer opportunities. Last year alone, the Ingleside contributed 1,392 turkeys (actual and virtual turkeys).
On November 19, donors can bring turkeys (preferably frozen) or boxes of fresh vegetables to the drop-off site, and on December 17, hams, turkeys or boxes of fresh veggies. Drop off site: 350 De Montfort Avenue (at Ashton). More information at: www.sfturkeydrive.com/
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UNION SQ HOLIDAY ICE RINK Thursday, November 24th
333 Post Street
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General admission is $20. $15 for children 8 and under. Skate rental included.
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ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Thursday, December 1, 4:00-8:00p
@JFK Promenade, Golden Gate Park
Annual, family-friend holiday tree lighting event. It will begin in front of McLaren Lodge with a brief speaking program from City leaders, followed by activities, rides, food trucks, live performances and even snow!
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Supervisor Melgar with the Marine's band on West Portal during Fleet Week.
November is a time for reflection: we acknowledge the more challenging parts of our nation’s history, we spend time with our families, and we vote.
This year, I am reflecting on my gratitude for the San Francisco Department of Elections which runs one of the best election systems in the country and serves as a role model for the nation's democracy. Whether through ranked-choice voting, or increasing access to voters registration and polling places, San Francisco continues to pave the way for expanded voting rights, embodying what it means to defend our democracy. Through vote-by-mail, early and poll voting, nearly 250,000 San Franciscans cast their votes this election cycle. San Francisco has higher voter turnout than other major cities across the country, demonstrating our commitment to representation and the democratic process. Hundreds of San Franciscans volunteered to be poll workers to ensure a swift and fair election process.
While we are seeing countless threats to democracy across our country, I am thankful that our City’s public servants, advocates, and voters continue to fight for the future of democracy and the future of San Francisco.
I am also thankful for Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s many years of service to our City and our country. Speaker Pelosi has gracefully and courageously led Congressional Democrats through countless challenges, including a global pandemic and attempted insurrection in just the last few years. She has been formidable as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and will continue this work with Congress having stepped down.
As a lifelong public servant, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (pictured above) established herself as a leader on healthcare, immigration, and gun violence prevention. We were so honored to welcome her to City Hall earlier this month and thank her for her work. These two powerhouses are an inspiration to women and girls around the world and I am so grateful for their service to the City & County of San Francisco.
And finally, as we near Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day, I had the privilege to honor Dr. Betty Parent at a recent Board of Supervisors ceremony. Dr. Parent, of the Athabascan and Yupik people, was the first professor in American Indian Studies at San Francisco State. She was also the first Native American to be on the editorial board of the Harvard Educational Review, the first Alaskan Native woman to earn a Ph.D, and to obtain tenure as a full professor. District 7’s San Francisco State recognized Dr. Parent’s tireless work on behalf of indigenous communities with the establishment of the Betty Parent Achievement Award, which provides financial support to exceptional students making similar strides in their academic progress and service to American Indian
communities.
I hope you have a restful holiday. Our office would love to hear from you what you are grateful for in your neighborhood!
Sideshow Enforcement
The board recently passed a resolution to urge the State Legislature to impose harsher penalties for automotive side shows and stunt driving. Supervisor Melgar supported the resolution.
Renaming Stow Lake
Additionally, Supervisor Melgar authored a resolution urging the Recreation and Park Commission to remove the name Stow from the Lake to be replaced by a name that reflects San Francisco’s expressed values of celebrating diversity. The current namesake was outspokenly antisemitic throughout his career.
Hearing on the Housing Element
On November 15, Supervisor Melgar co-sponsored a hearing on the Housing Element
, a comprehensive plan to add 82,000 new housing units in San Francisco that is required by the state. Many residents from across San Francisco (including District 7) came to share their thoughts and concerns on what this new housing plan should look like. Supervisor Melgar is focused on the effort to pass a compliant Housing Element so San Francisco can continue to receive crucial state funding for housing and maintain local control over where and how additional housing is built. The Board of Supervisors will vote to approve or reject the Housing Element on January 24, 2023.
Â
HOLIDAY EVENTS
ANNUAL TURKEY DRIVE
The 11th annual SF Turkey Drive helps feed the most affected community of San Francisco! The goal is to PROVIDE MEALS WITH A SMILE to the diners at St. Anthony’s Dining Room which serves over 2,600 meals on the day.Â
The SF Turkey Drive in the Ingleside District was started to connect local neighbors to volunteer opportunities. Last year alone, the Ingleside contributed 1,392 turkeys (actual and virtual turkeys).
On November 19, donors can bring turkeys (preferably frozen) or boxes of fresh vegetables to the drop-off site, and on December 17, hams, turkeys or boxes of fresh veggies. Drop off site: 350 De Montfort Avenue (at Ashton). More information at: www.sfturkeydrive.com/
UNION SQ HOLIDAY ICE RINK Thursday, November 24th
333 Post Street
General admission is $20. $15 for children 8 and under. Skate rental included.
Â
ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Thursday, December 1, 4:00-8:00p
@JFK Promenade, Golden Gate Park
Annual, family-friend holiday tree lighting event. It will begin in front of McLaren Lodge with a brief speaking program from City leaders, followed by activities, rides, food trucks, live performances and even snow!
Â
VOLUNTEER CLEANUP DAY
RAIN READY SF
The rainy season is upon us. Visit sfpuc.org/rainreadysf to find out what steps you can take to get rain ready for areas of potential flooding:
Apply for a Grant to flood-proof your property with up to $100k reimbursement or install green infrastructure. For example, if you have sewer backups on your property when it rains, install a backflow preventer eligible through the Grant.
Purchase low-cost flood insurance.
Pick-up free sandbags from the San Francisco Department of Public Works.
Report sewer emergencies or service problems such as clogged storm drains, street flooding, or wastewater odors to the City’s 311 Customer Service Center – the best way is to submit online at sf311.org or by using the free mobile app; and if you prefer by phone dial 311.
Elevate belongings in your garage and any low-lying areas on your property.
Regularly inspect and maintain your sewer lateral (the connection from your building to the city sewer). Tree roots, wipes and grease poured down the drain can clog your sewer pipes and cause backups.
If a backup or flooding does occur, learn what you can do - with health & safety tips - during and after.
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Need health insurance? Covered California's Open Enrollment period has begun and provides subsidies for those who cannot afford health insurance on their own.
The rainy season is upon us. Visit sfpuc.org/rainreadysf to find out what steps you can take to get rain ready for areas of potential flooding:
Apply for a Grant to flood-proof your property with up to $100k reimbursement or install green infrastructure. For example, if you have sewer backups on your property when it rains, install a backflow preventer eligible through the Grant.
Purchase low-cost flood insurance.
Pick-up free sandbags from the San Francisco Department of Public Works.
Report sewer emergencies or service problems such as clogged storm drains, street flooding, or wastewater odors to the City’s 311 Customer Service Center – the best way is to submit online at sf311.org or by using the free mobile app; and if you prefer by phone dial 311.
Elevate belongings in your garage and any low-lying areas on your property.
Regularly inspect and maintain your sewer lateral (the connection from your building to the city sewer). Tree roots, wipes and grease poured down the drain can clog your sewer pipes and cause backups.
If a backup or flooding does occur, learn what you can do - with health & safety tips - during and after.
Â
Need health insurance? Covered California's Open Enrollment period has begun and provides subsidies for those who cannot afford health insurance on their own.