This holiday season, I am grateful for the progress that District 7 has made over the past year. We could not have done it without the support and dedication of the District 7 community members, and appreciate all of your input and passion.
Our community rallied together in the face of public safety challenges.
Our team connected dozens of people experiencing homelessness with resources.
And we are launching a District 7 official website! This new site will be the hub of all information on District 7, from schools to parks and even a holiday gift guide. Although 2023 presented many challenges, our persistence and resolve will surely carry over into the new year for us to continue to celebrate success.
We love to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 415-554-6516 or via email at MelgarStaff@sfgov.org if you require assistance. Happy Holidays to you and your families and go District 7!
This new site will be the hub of all information on District 7, from schools to parks and even a holiday gift guide. Save this website as a bookmark so you can check back and see what is going on in your neighborhood and what we are doing to better serve you at City Hall. Reach out if you would like to post an article on our blog!
Supervisor Melgar Fosters the Passage of Legislation to Avoid the Loss of Local Zoning Control
Earlier this year the City adopted an ambitious Housing Element to meet the housing needs of San Francisco. Mayor Breed launched an implementation strategy, which includes legislation to meet some of these goals by removing barriers to building code-compliant housing.
The State’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) is closely monitoring San Francisco’s implementation of the Housing Element. They sent a letter with clear deadlines in late October, including passing the Constraints Reduction ordinance to avoid decertifying the Housing Element and risking losing millions of dollars in State affordable housing and transportation dollars.
Over the past few months, Supervisor Melgar fostered the passage of this key legislation through the Land Use and Transportation Committee by hearing from many diverse perspectives on this legislation and ultimately adopting amendments to address concerns to prevent streamlining the demolition of protected rent-control units. Thanks to this tireless work, we will be able to meet the State’s deadline for the Constraints Reduction Ordinance, maintain our essential funding for affordable housing, and promote new types of housing for seniors and families.
New SFPD Recruitment Strategies from Supervisor Melgar’s Office
Our police department is down hundreds of officers, and it’s getting worse. More and more officers are retiring and we can’t keep up with the recruitment. One way to stop the bleed of officers from our force, and aid in our recruitment efforts is to ensure that serving in our Police Force works for all lifestyles. For the past few months, my office has been working closely with Police Commissioner Walker, SFPD, and the Department on the Status of Women to discuss innovative strategies to recruit more women into the police force. This will also help the Department meet its stated goal of having 30% of the force be women by 2030.
Supervisor Melgar Secures Funding for Fire Relief Efforts for 5 Small Businesses
Over the past several years, District 7 businesses have been tragically impacted by fire in West Portal and the Inner Sunset. Supervisor Melgar allocated $50,000 to help these businesses recover, consistently pay their employees, and reopen in District 7. This month, the Office of Small Business announced that five District 7 businesses will receive fire relief funds: Fuji Restaurant, Progress Hardware, Venezia Upholstery, West Portal Cleaners, and White Daisy Nail Spa. Supervisor Melgar is proud to be able to support our City’s small businesses through tough times and keep the backbone of our economy strong.
Vote on the Renaming of Stow Lake
In 1893, Stow Lake was completed in Golden Gate Park and named after former California State Assembly Speaker, William W. Stow. During his time as Assembly Speaker, William W. Stow made headlines for his anti-Semitism and speaking against Jewish people directly from the Assembly floor. Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution to rename Stow Lake. Now, it’s up to the Recreation and Parks Commission to select a new name. Vote hereto share your preference for consideration at the Commission.
Thursday, December 21: Winter Solstice Inner Sunset Art Walk, 5-8PM
Our city's identity is rooted in art and culture. By participating in our neighborhood's art walk, your business will play a significant role in preserving and enhancing this vibrant legacy. This event is a win-win for your business because by hosting a local musician or artist, you support local art, and the artist will promote your business, bringing new customers who appreciate your business for supporting local art.
Get involved:
Host an artist - We will match you with an artist
Host live music and entertainment - We will assign live music to your location (paid for by ISMA)
Offer promotions or discounts on food and drinks - We will promote your offer
Offer holiday promotions for last-minute Christmas shopping
Remaining Community Forum Schedule (all times 5:30PM-7:30PM)
Tuesday, 12/12/2023: Visitacion Valley, Visitation Valley Middle School
IMPROVE SAFETY AND CIRCULATION ALONG BROTHERHOOD WAY
Do you live or work near the Brotherhood Way and Alemany Boulevard corridors or on nearby streets? The Transportation Authority needs your input for the Brotherhood Way Safety and Circulation Plan which is exploring ways to help improve safety, circulation, and connectivity for people walking, driving, and biking through this area.
The Transportation Authority is inviting members of the public to participate in the first round of public outreach with a series of community engagement events to help understand key transportation and access challenges near Brotherhood Way and identify potential solutions.
Learn more about the project, ask questions, and share your experience moving around the neighborhood at any of the following events. All events will have interpretation in Spanish and Cantonese.
● Take the survey to give your feedback (survey closes December 26):