Dear <<First Name>>,
We celebrated Small Business Month in May and now we're deep into the "Double B's" of June: Ballot & Budget deadlines! Read on to learn about our latest efforts to support small businesses and legacy institutions from displacement, stem the unlawful demolition of rent controlled housing, beautify our neighborhoods, and more.
And don't forget - this weekend the North Beach Business Association closes down streets all throughout North Beach for the oldest (and best!) street fair in the country. With any luck, I'll see you there!
Sincerely,
Aaron |
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The 65th Annual North Beach Fair -
Sat 6/15 - Sun 6/16!!
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| (Poster art by Jeremy Fish) |
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Did you know that the "Upper Grant Avenue Street Fair" was in fact the very first street fair in the United States? In its first year, it was staged along the 1400 block of Grant Ave. Back then, there was no process for the City to review or issue a permit, so the matter went straight to the Board of Supervisors, which approved the street closure with support from a nascent neighborhood association, the Telegraph Hill Dwellers.
This weekend, the North Beach Fair celebrates its 65th (!!) iteration, with street closures along Vallejo and Grant, a single ring circus act, plenty of activities for children, and a beer garden for those who partake. Looking forward to seeing you there! |
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| (Peter Macchiarini of Macchiarini Designs shakes hands with Supervisor Christopher, who would become the mayor of San Francisco the next year.) |
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Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Fights Facial Recognition Surveillance at Congressional Oversight Hearing
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Our successful effort to prohibit City government use of facial recognition technology took on a life of its own this month, as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) took Amazon and other proprietors of this dangerous technology to task for its disproportionate negative impact on women and communities of color.
We're humbled and thrilled that this initiative which began here at home has spurred a national and international conversation around the responsibilities of policymakers to rein in the more harmful impacts of the 'move fast and break things' mentality. San Francisco is an undisputed hub of tech innovation, and it's only fitting that we should be leaders in the responsible regulation of technology, as well.
Watch the full hearing on C-SPAN here, with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez's powerful line of questioning starting at the 1:45:00 mark. |
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Displacement is No Laughing Matter - #SaveThePunchLine
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| (Dave Chappelle and Kamau Bell joined us at City Hall for a rally to #SavethePunchLine) |
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When we learned about a month ago that the iconic Punch Line Comedy Club was under threat of displacement, we acted quickly. This venue is important not just because of the list of comedic greats who have emerged from its grounds - from Robin Williams to Dave Chappelle to the up-and-coming star Ali Wong - it's important because of its decades-long role as a cornerstone of San Francisco's entertainment community. It's important because of its activation of One Maritime Plaza. It's important because of the 40+ employees who depend on the venue for their livelihoods. It's important because when the news too often makes us want to cry, this is a place where countless attendees have been able to laugh.
We've already seen positive signs from the tenant that was rumored to take over the space, Google, and we're hopeful that the building owner, Morgan Stanley, will come to the table in the coming months to negotiate a long-term lease for this landmark institution.
Many thanks to the local comedy scene, the national celebrities, and to my nimble and hard-working staff for putting this effort together in record time. |
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Making Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety a
Top Priority
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There's no doubt that District 3 is one of the busiest and densest parts of San Francisco. Not only do we have some of the most historic and vibrant communities, we also have a few of most iconic tourist attractions that draw in visitors from all over the world - and all of the high injury corridors that come with the territory. With residents and visitors driving, taking public transportation, walking and bicycling through the District everyday, safety has become a top priority on my office’s agenda.
In 2014, the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) established the Neighborhood Transportation Improvement Program (NTIP) to support neighborhood-scale transportation planning efforts and implementation. As Chair of the SFCTA, I led on extending the funding for NTIP for another five-year period, starting in July of this year.
We've also passed Board President Norman Yee’s resolution to expedite the delivery of Vision Zero projects and prioritize safety improvements over traffic flow and parking projects. I have been working closely with various community organizations to ensure that we put this pot of money to good use and that we tackle some of the highest safety concerns in our District, too. |
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Improved Safety - Sansome and Battery
Following a tragic, fatal collision last year, which caused the death of a beloved pedicab driver and community member, I've dedicated funding toward near-term improvements like the Sansome and Battery Connection Project. In April, the SFMTA Board of Directors finally approved traffic modifications to allow for new bike lanes along Sansome, Battery, Vallejo, and Davis Streets, including designated bike lanes, protected left turn lanes on Battery at Vallejo, and traffic calming measures along Davis and Battery Streets. |
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Fisherman's Wharf
Following the completion of Phase One of the Jefferson Street Project, completed in June 2013, we are gearing up for Phase Two of that project to enhance the “main” street of Fisherman's Wharf. With pedestrian safety and accessibility in mind, Phase II of the Jefferson Streetscape Improvement Project will complete the remaining 3 blocks of streetscape enhancements on Jefferson Street, closing the gap between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Embarcadero. Of course, all of these improvements require funding, and I'm proud to have allocated NTIP funding and for advocating for additional Prop K and State grants to fund this construction, which is expected to break ground in Fall of this year.
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Kearny Street Improvements
Kearny Street is a major transit artery that connects incoming traffic from 3rd Street to the South through the Financial District and all the way into North Beach and Chinatown. One of the Districts most prominent high-injury corridors, Kearny Street improvements have been a priority since my first day back in office. We've been in discussion with community members who have identified three priorities to improve safety for a variety of transit modes, including additional “scramble” crosswalks at Washington and Jackson Streets, revisions to the right turn lane on Clay Street, and installation of NEXT Bus systems on all major bus shelters to improve transit rider experience. |
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Working in tandem with our D3 PSAC Representative
The Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) also recently passed two resolutions that urge SFMTA to move forward with safety measures at two well-known intersections in our district. The first one recommends some "quick-build" improvements before the installation of more permanent changes at the intersection of Post and Larkin Streets. SFMTA reported ten crashes involving three pedestrians, and 2 serious injuries between 2013-2017. These short-term improvements are vital to ensure we keep pace with our Vision Zero efforts.
The second resolution recommends major safety improvements at the intersection of Columbus Avenue, Green and Stockton Streets. If you live in North Beach, you know that this intersection is one of most confusing intersections in the city. This resolution will urge SFMTA to study and consider multiple proposals to demystify this maze-like intersection and prevent dangerous jaywalking behaviors.
I would like to thank Gabrielle Haug, our district 3 representative on the PSAC, for committing her personal time and energy to represent our communities and priorities around pedestrian safety and transportation. Please let me know if you would like to grab a coffee with her and share your thoughts on a range of issues around our neighborhoods.
You can also review the Resolutions below:
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And many more projects to come...
In addition to the projects above, more Prop K and Prop AA allocation requests are under review right now and will advance to the SFCTA Board meeting in July. Here are some of the projects that we are excited to see happening in District 3:
- Potential extension of the historic streetcar service to Aquatic Park - Project will reduce the need for multiple transfers decrease transit travel time, and improve transit reliability by largely separating transit service from automobile traffic
- John Yehall Chin Elementary Safe Routes to School - The goal is to improve safety, increase visibility and shorten crossing distances at major intersections around the school for our students
- Vision Zero Quick-Build Program Implementation - This program will help implement small improvements that does not require major street reconstruction and can be built by city staff and on-call contractors
- California and Hyde Safety Improvements - Two new curb ramps to be constructed on the northwest corner of the high injury intersection
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| At risk of repeating myself, these critical improvements require dedicated funding. While I am delighted to have Prop K Funds to address some of our concerns, San Francisco’s transportation infrastructure is aging fast, and the pace of deterioration is exacerbated by the City’s population growth and the need to accommodate alternative modes of transportation. Heavy use of our primary arterials - driven in large part by Transportation Network Companies like Uber and Lyft - are wearing down our streets and, ultimately, putting all of us at higher risk of injury. As we continue to see large corporations grow and income disparity widen, we need to ensure those who profit from our city streets the most are contributing their fair share to keep San Francisco a fierce leader in urban innovation. |
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Protect & Preserve Housing Act: Public Informational Hearing Next Thursday, June 20th
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| As City Departments gear up to hold the first informational hearings on legislation that I introduced to protect rent controlled and affordable housing from demolition, I've published a Medium article on the legislation which explains the rationale for the proposal and some of its more relevant details. Give it a read, and please join us next Thursday, June 20th at 10am in Room 400 of City Hall for a Joint Meeting of the Planning and Building Inspection Commissions dedicated specifically to eliciting productive feedback on this evolving piece of legislation. |
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Celebrating Small Business Owners
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| Small businesses are the backbone of a healthy community, and it was my absolute pleasure last month to honor Shadi Zughayar of Coit Liquor, who, after being displaced by a fire from Coit Liquor's home of 50+ years, rolled with the punches and relocated to a brand new location (with just a little legislative help from my office!) Wishing Shadi all of the success in the world. |
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It was also my sincere pleasure to support Joe Amran's successful bid to have Le Beau Market added to the City's Legacy Business Registry, a distinction and grant program reserved for businesses that have been serving the community for over 30 years. Joe and Le Beau Market are true pillars of the Nob Hill community.
By the way, if you're wondering whether your favorite long-term business is eligible for inclusion on the Legacy Business Registry? Let my staff Lee Hepner know at Lee.Hepner@sfgov.org and find out how we can help. |
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We Came, We Cleaned, and We Planted Trees!
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| My office had a great time joining forces with local organizations for the annual District 3 Community Clean Team Event. Together, we swept the District's streets and alleyways, pruned and weeded greenery, refreshed light poles and removed graffiti. We were particularly thrilled to plant 20 new trees around the neighborhood! |
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Community Clean Team is San Francisco Public Works’ longest-running and largest volunteer program that keeps San Francisco clean and beautiful. Beautification projects were driven by community needs and desires, with an emphasis on instilling civic pride in carrying this work on throughout the year.
Thanks in particular to Telegraph Hill Dwellers, North Beach Business Association, North Beach Citizens, Chinatown Community Development Center, Community Youth Center, Baker House, Lowell Unicef, Tzu Chi Foundation, Union Square Business Improvement District, United Democratic Club, Clean & Green Crew, and Geo Re-Entry Services and all of the residents who joined.
It truly takes a village to keep our village clean! |
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San Francisco Public Library Summer Stride
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| From June 1st through August 18th, San Francisco Public Library offers over 1000 innovative programs that bring out the fun in reading and learning about STEM! Check out SFPL’s Summer Stride Program at here or visit SFPL’s website at sfpl.org. |
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Subway into Fisherman's Wharf, Presidio, or Marina District?
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| Help the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) gather input by completing this short survey about exploring the possibility of extending the Central Subway beyond its current Chinatown Station terminal at Washington and Stockton streets. Please visit SFMTA.com/CentralSubwayExtension to take the survey online and learn more about the Central Subway Extension Alternatives Study. |
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Job Openings at the Warriors Chase Center!
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The Warriors and Chase Center will be facilitating a Chase Center Career Readiness and Customer Service Training at the Bayview YMCA on Saturday, June 15 in partnership with YCD, Chase and LeadersUp. This event is geared towards preparing individuals for the Chase Center public job fairs on June 22 and June 24, and will include aspects such as resume building, mock interviews and other elements to ensure candidates are competitive and are adequately prepared for the hiring process. Please find attached the flyer and registration link to the event here.
Chase Center Training Career Readiness & Customer Service Training
June 15, 2019
Bayview District, San Francisco, CA
Morning Session: 9:00am - 12:30pm
Afternoon Session: 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Public Job Fairs
June 22 & 24, 2019
Downtown San Francisco, CA
Open part-time positions: Ticket Takers, Ushers, Elevator Operators, Ticket Sellers, Guest Experience Representatives, and Concierge.
Open part-time and full-time positions: Custodians and Conversions/Utility Technicians.
For more information, check out Chase Center’s website here. |
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Summer Program for the Kids
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The San Francisco Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects Project Pipeline camp is an excellent opportunity for middle school-aged students to learn STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Architecture and Math) skills while engaging directly on a community project which will help to improve a San Francisco neighborhood. We are very excited to be holding our week-long architecture and community planning summer camp, June 24th - June 28th, hosted on California College of The Arts Campus in San Francisco. This camp is part of a national initiative by over thirteen NOMA chapters across the country called Project Pipeline. The mission is to help diversify the architecture and planning professions by focusing on providing youth from underrepresented cultures interested in architecture and community planning into the career "pipeline" at the early stages of development.
To see a video of a previous camp and to register for the camp on their website here. |
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SF Beautiful Call for Muni Art 2020
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San Francisco Beautiful proudly announces that the call for artists to apply for Muni Art 2020! The five winning artists will have their newly created work presented along with five poems selected by the Poetry Society of America displayed on 100 Muni buses that will be transformed into rolling art galleries beginning in January 2020.
The theme this year, “Hidden Gems in San Francisco” is a collaboration with The Poetry Society of America (sponsors of Poetry in Motion ®) who will pre-select five poems that each Muni artist will creatively interpret. The five winners will be chosen by an appointed jury and announced August 30, 2019.
Each artist having 20 Muni buses to use as a canvas, each artist will be awarded $1,000 at a press conference held on the steps of City Hall in January.
The artists have until Friday, June 29th at 6 pm to submit their proposals. Link for application here. |
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Discover Art at the de Young Museum for
FREE ALL SUMMER!
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If you need a brief break from the sun this summer, the de Young offers several programs for free or reduced admission to permanent galleries and special exhibitions. Visit the de Young Museum’s website for details on these programs here. |
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Only You Can Prevent Unlawful Short-Term Rentals
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The City's Short-Term Rental regulations allow for limited short-term rentals in homes, but only if the host also lives in the home as their primary residence for at least 275 nights per year. The host must also register with the Office of Short-Term Rentals.
My office frequently fields concerns of potentially unlawful short-term rentals in some of the City's most vulnerable housing stock. If you have concerns about a short-term rental near you, please contact the Office of Short-Term Rentals. You can leave an anonymous voicemail at (415) 575-9179 (in any language) or send an e-mail to shorttermrentals@sfgov.org.
The more information you can provide, the better equipped our Office of Short-Term Rentals will be to assess the legality of the hosting activity. Relevant information can include evidence that the host does not actually use the property as their primary place of residence. Please let the Office know if there are issues of overcrowding (e.g., more than 5 separate sets of tourists at the same time), un-permitted construction, excess noise, parties, or trash accumulation associated with short-term rental activity at the property.
Please note that the City's short-term rental rules only applies to rentals that last fewer than 30 days. To learn more, please visit https://shorttermrentals.sfgov.org. |
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| That's all for now, but there's much more to come. Questions or concerns? Don't hesitate to reply directly to this email. Better yet, reach out to any one of my capable staff:
We look forward to hearing from you! |
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