Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Happy Women's History Month! This March we are celebrating the amazing women in our community. Our wonderful interns have put together a D7 Woman-Owned Business guide, this week we honored the women of SFPD's command staff, and next week we will honor more amazing women at the Board. 

March is also the month for Participatory Budgeting applications, which close on Friday, March 28th. In preparation for that our office will be hosting office hours to answer your remaining questions.

I will also be holding Virtual Office Hours on April 9th so book a slot to meet about an idea, issue, or concern. We're excited about the many community and legislative updates we have to share, including the passage of our Window Replacement Standards ordinance through the Board of Supervisors.

I hope you have a great start to your spring!

With Thanks,

Supervisor Myrna Melgar

IN THIS ISSUE

• Women's History Month
• Community Updates
• Services and Resources
• Upcoming Events

WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS GUIDE

Hi District 7,

In honor of Women's History Month, we've put together a Woman-Owned Business Guide for District 7. This district has so many amazing shops and restaurants and a lot of them are owned by amazing women! We highlighted many of those businesses in this guide. We would love to hear from you if you visit any of these businesses this month or if there's one we missed that you think we should include! 

Happy Women's History Month, 
D7 Interns

HONORING WOMEN LEADERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

This week, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Supervisor Melgar recognized three remarkable women serving in leadership roles within the San Francisco Police Department: Acting Deputy Chief Rachel Moran, Commander Nicole Jones, and Acting Commander Alexa O’Brien. These dedicated leaders exemplify excellence, integrity, and the vital role women play in shaping the future of public safety.

At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Acting Commander Alexa O’Brien joined us to accept this recognition on behalf of her colleagues. She leads the Special Victims Unit, overseeing sensitive investigations involving sexual assaults and crimes against vulnerable members of our community. Her rise through the ranks is a testament to her leadership and commitment to justice.

We also honored Commander Nicole Jones, whose career spans key roles across SFPD, from Special Victims Unit and Internal Affairs to her current position leading the MTA Division. Her wide-ranging experience and dedication continue to inspire.

Though Acting Deputy Chief Moran could not attend, we recognized her over 25 years of distinguished service. As one of the highest-ranking sworn women in SFPD, she currently leads the Investigations Bureau.

On behalf of District 7 and the City and County of San Francisco, I extend heartfelt thanks to these trailblazing women. Your leadership makes our city stronger and paves the way for future generations to serve with distinction.

Special thanks to District 7 resident, Deputy Chief Lazar, for joining us, and to Chief Scott for his continued support of this recognition.

HONORING DR. ZEA MALAWA
 

In honor of Women’s History Month, Supervisor Melgar will give a special commendation to Dr. Zea Malawa at the Board's celebration of Women's History Month next Tuesday. 

Dr. Zea Malawa is a pediatrician and a public health professional. She has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes among kids of color. She has been a champion for racial justice in medicine. 

She sees patients at the San Francisco General Hospital's Children's Health Center, and has worked for the San Francisco Department of Health for over seven years. At the Department of Health she served as the Director of Expecting Justice and The Abundant Birth Project.

Zea's work on behalf of children and mothers of color, fighting to help kids come safely into this world and remain healthy once they are in it, is truly essential to our community. Your efforts help our city and its residents thrive. 

On behalf of District 7 and the City and County of San Francisco, we are truly grateful for what you do to to make sure our most vulnerable kids and mothers get the medical care they deserve.

VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS - APRIL 9 BEGINNING AT 12PM

Do you have a neighborhood concern, policy question, or just want to share what’s on your mind? Supervisor Myrna Melgar is hosting virtual office hours to hear directly from District 7 residents!

This is your opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with Supervisor Melgar or her staff from the comfort of your home. Whether it’s about public safety, housing, parks, transit, or any issue that matters to you — she’s here to listen and help.

Sign up today to reserve your slot: https://outlook.office.com/owa/calendar/DIstrict7@sfgov.microsoftonline.com/bookings/

We look forward to connecting with you and working together to make our district stronger, safer, and more vibrant for all!

COMMUNITY MEMORIAL FOR THE FAMILY LOST IN THE WEST PORTAL TRAGEDY

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the first anniversary of the tragic loss of a family whose lives were cut short in the devastating collision that occurred in West Portal. In response to this unimaginable loss, a memorial will be established at the West Portal Library to honor their memory and support those affected by this heartbreaking event.

This is a moment for our community to come together in grief, reflection, and solidarity. We extend our deepest condolences to the family’s loved ones and all who are impacted by this tragedy.

PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING APPLICATIONS CLOSE MARCH 28

Participatory Budgeting applications are open for just a few more days! Be sure to turn in your applications by March 28. Successful applications will focus on activities responding to critical needs in the following areas: 

• School Beautification & Updates

• Public Art on Merchant Corridors

• Sidewalk Repairs & Updates

• Expedited Daylighting (Vision Zero)

Read the details on our website here. 

Last minute questions? Join our Virtual Participatory Budgeting Office Hours on Tuesday, March 25 at 10AM. Register here.  If you are unable to attend, please e-mail Mike Farrah for more information.

MERCHANT WALK WITH MAYOR LURIE HIGHLIGHTS COMMUNITY STRENGTH AND NEEDS IN WEST PORTAL

Last week, Supervisor Melgar welcomed Mayor Daniel Lurie to West Portal for a Merchant Walk to highlight the vibrant businesses, dedicated community leaders, and ongoing public safety and economic challenges in the neighborhood.

We began our visit at the West Portal Clubhouse, where we met with Anni Chung and staff from Self-Help for the Elderly, along with senior clients. This essential program provides nutritious meals, dance, digital literacy, and more for our seniors — a vital resource in District 7 where such services are limited. As demand grows, finding a permanent home for this program remains a key priority.

We previewed plans for a memorial at the West Portal Library honoring the family tragically killed last year by a speeding driver while waiting for Muni. 

Mayor Lurie then joined us in visiting local merchants — including Proposition Chicken,  El Toreador, Calibur, and Bookshop West Portal. We heard firsthand about the community’s resilience and concerns, including public safety, street health, and the need for economic support such as forming a Community Benefits District.

Supervisor Melgar is grateful to our neighbors and business owners, including Janelle Wong, Carol Dimmick, Ruth Katz, and Tom Kanaley, who shared insights and continue to advocate for the well-being of West Portal. Together, we remain committed to supporting this neighborhood’s vitality, safety, and future growth.

THANK YOU TO CAPTAIN BRIAN HOO AND THE OFFICERS AT TARAVAL STATION FOR INCREASED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT IN JANUARY

We extend our sincere thanks to Captain Brien Hoo and the officers of Taraval Station for their dedicated efforts to improve traffic safety throughout our neighborhoods in January 2025. Their increased enforcement made a significant impact, with 306 traffic stops conducted—a substantial increase from 184 stops in January 2024. This year’s efforts resulted in 240 citations issued and 66 advisements, compared to 99 citations and 85 advisements the year prior.
Key intersections where enforcement took place include:

• West Portal Ave / Ulloa St
• La Playa St / Lincoln Way
• 9th Ave / Moraga St
• 19th Ave at Winston, Holloway, Irving, Ulloa, Judah, and Kirkham
• 17th, 18th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 25th, 28th, 32nd, 33rd, and 45th Avenues at various key crossings
• Ocean Ave at Woodacre and Lakewood

Special thanks to officers for addressing violations such as failure to obey posted signs, notably 8 citations and 1 advisement at West Portal Ave/Ulloa St alone.
We appreciate the continued collaboration with SFPD to ensure our streets are safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

SPEED CAMERAS GOING UP IN D7 AND BEYOND

In 2024, 42 people were killed in traffic crashes in San Francisco, the highest number since 2007. More than 500 were severely injured in traffic crashes. Dangerous speeding is the leading cause of these crashes.

Speed safety cameras are a proven tool to address excessive speeding and reduce severe and fatal injury traffic collisions. With the passage of AB 645, San Francisco can now utilize this life-saving technology to slow down speeding vehicles on our streets. You can learn more about how we developed our speed camera program on the page for SFMTA

There are 4 locations that will be in and around D7.
https://www.sfmta.com/projects/speed-safety-cameras/background

WINDOW REFORM LEGISLATION

This week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve Supervisor Myrna Melgar’s legislation to reform the city’s restrictive window replacement standards. These long-overdue changes will cut red tape, reduce costs for homeowners, and support climate-resilient living throughout San Francisco.

Under the previous guidelines, homeowners were often required to spend tens of thousands of dollars on custom wood windows or undergo an arduous process to prove their home was not a historic resource. This led to unnecessary expenses and delays, making it harder for residents to maintain and upgrade their homes.

Over the past decade, the San Francisco Planning Department has processed nearly 20,000 window replacement permit applications. With these reforms in place, San Franciscans will save millions of dollars while improving their homes with modern, sustainable materials.

Supervisor Melgar’s successful reforms were informed by input from dozens of constituents across San Francisco who shared their challenges with the existing system, as well as her extensive experience as the Chair of the Land Use & Transportation Committee and her time serving on the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection Commission and Planning Commission.

When this legislation is signed into law, restrictions on window replacement will be limited to true historic resources. Homeowners will have greater flexibility to choose energy-efficient and climate-resilient windows which perform better in temperature control and long-term sustainability. Tenants will also be less exposed to drafty windows and inefficient space heaters.

Supervisor Melgar is grateful to all the San Franciscans who wrote in to express their support of these common sense reforms!

PROTECTING TENANTS WHILE FACILITATING NEW HOUSING

On February 27, the Planning Commission held an important hearing about protecting residential tenants from permanent displacement from the city when smaller buildings are demolished to be rebuilt with more units. This is in preparation for a city rezoning proposal which must be passed (by state law) by the end of the year.   The 4-hour hearing allowed members of the public and advocates to express their concerns.

Rezoning plans are still being drafted by the planning department and they will ultimately come before the Land Use and Transportation Committee which Supervisor Melgar chairs. On April 10, there will be a hearing on the potential effects for rezoning on small businesses. Supervisor Melgar supports the public having an opportunity and a venue to contribute to the discussion of our state-mandated obligations.

Relatedly, Supervisor Melgar introduced legislation as File 240803 to ensure permit seekers submit accurate applications so that city planners can be fully informed about conditions onsite, especially if tenants are present, before approving plans. The legislation is will likely be voted on before August.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS COMING TO MONTEREY BOULEVARD

This month, the San Francisco County Transportation Authority approved $350,000 in funding from District 7 Neighborhood Program funds for much-needed pedestrian safety improvements on Monterey Boulevard between Acadia Street and San Anselmo Avenue — a corridor on the city’s High-Injury Network.

The project will include lane re-striping to slow traffic, a new flashing beacon at Acadia Street, daylighting at four intersections to improve visibility, and enhanced crosswalks and safety zones throughout the corridor. These measures aim to address long-standing concerns about speeding and unsafe driving in the Sunnyside neighborhood, particularly near the freeway off ramp.

Supervisor Melgar has consistently advocated for traffic calming and safety upgrades in this area, and while this is an important step forward, more improvements will be needed to ensure the safety of all road users.

Construction is expected to be completed by Fall 2027.

PROPERTY TAXES DUE ON
APRIL 10, 2025

With the April 10 property tax deadline swiftly approaching, time is running out to submit your payment online and on-time! The Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector provides San Franciscans with a multitude of safe, secure and convenient online options to pay their property taxes: eCheck (no fee), Credit Card, Debit Card or ACH. Submit your property tax payment online today.

Building Stronger Finances Together: Workshops and Tax Updates for Our Community

Financial Capability Month: Invest in Your Future!

April is Financial Capability Month, a time to focus on building strong financial foundations. San Francisco Financial Counseling and the San Francisco Public Library are excited to offer a series of FREE virtual workshops designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to manage your finances effectively. Here are some examples:

"Setting Financial Goals": Learn how to set meaningful financial goals that align with your values and dreams. Register HERE.

"Finances for the Sandwich Generation": Juggling care for kids and aging parents? Learn practical financial strategies to navigate the unique challenges of the sandwich generation. Register HERE.
 

BUSINESS TAX REFORM IS COMING

Proposition M is a comprehensive restructuring of San Francisco’s business tax system that was approved by San Francisco voters last year. Join a webinar on May 20, 2025, at 2pm, where the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector will break down key changes and their impact. Visit sftreasurer.org/PropM to register for the webinar and learn more about the new tax system.

Overview:

· Provides relief to small businesses by more than doubling the Small Business Exemption for the Gross Receipts Tax to $5 million.

· Provides further relief to small businesses by eliminating $10 million in license fees, beginning in 2026.

· Simplifies and updates business registration fees.

· Consolidates deadlines for the Business Registration Fee, Annual License Fee, and Gross Receipts Tax to the last day of February, beginning in 2026.

YOUTH ART EXCHANGE SUMMER ART CAMPS

Summer 2025
YAX Studios at Kapuso, 2330 San Jose Ave

Join Youth Art Exchange and their faculty artists for fun themes in a creative environment. Youth will explore each theme, learning contemporary multidisciplinary arts methods and tools, completing individual and collaborative projects, along with movement and play. These programs are open to all rising 3rd-5th grade students. 

Weeks & Themes

• Week 1: Build a Biome (Jun 23 - 27)
• Week 2: Mythical Creatures (Jun 30 - Jul 3)
• Week 3: Time Travelers (Jul 7 - 11)
• Week 4: Underwater Explorers (Jul 14-18)

YOUTH CHANGE MAKER AWARD NOMINATIONS

Open through March 28, 2025

Every year, May is celebrated in the country as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Launched in San Francisco in 2005 in collaboration with the Mayor's Office, this annual celebration is spearheaded by the APA Heritage Foundation and coordinated by the APA Heritage Celebration Committee. 

This year, the celebration theme is Energizing The Next Generation and the goals include creating community engagement opportunities for AAPI youth and recognizing youth leaders as role models. To that end, the AAPI Youth Change Maker Awards is established to recognize a middle school student and a high school/college student for distinct impact achieved through community service or projects. Everyone is invited to submit nomination and please read more about the awards selection criteria in the nomination link below.

Nominations are now open through March 28, 2025, and submissions will be reviewed by a panel of three judges which include the participation of two youth. The two awardees will be publicly announced at the AAPI Heritage Month Kickoff Press Conference During the last week of April and the awards presentation will take place at the annual APA Heritage Awards event on May 1, 2025. The awards will include commendations from the City and County of San Francisco and from the APA Heritage Foundation. Further in recognition of the awardee's community service, the Foundation will make a contribution to a nonprofit organization designated by the awardee. To nominate, please go to the nomination from here.
  

CAL ACADEMY DINO DAYS EXHIBIT

March 1 - September 1, 2025
California Academy of Sciences

This spring, come face-to-fang with prehistoric giants as 13 awe-inspiring, life-size animatronic dinosaurs take over both of the Academy’s outdoor gardens in our biggest Dino Days ever.

• Climb atop Pachyrhinosaurus for an unforgettable photo op; admire the elaborate feathers of Deinonychus; and marvel at massive and mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.
• Catch a puppet show starring a cute baby sauropod, then stomp the competition at Dino Trivia.
• Become a paleontologist for the day while digging for dinosaur fossils in the sand—and learn how fossils help scientists piece together the past.

ARTS COMMISSION COMMUNITY PUBLIC SURVEY 

Ends March 31, 2025

Calling all Arts Community members! Share your feedback and help shape the future of the San Francisco Arts Commission by taking the Arts Community Public Survey by March 31!

The San Francisco Arts Commission is in the process of developing an updated strategic plan to guide its work over the next five years and is seeking input from all members of San Francisco's arts community.

Take the Arts Community Public Survey at: bit.ly/artsurveysfac

The survey should take you about 10 minutes to complete and will remain open untill 11:59 p.m. on March 31st. The survey is available in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino. (Select from the drop-down menu on the survey.)