Friends and neighbors,
We had two major legislative victories this week that I wanted to bring to your attention. First, our ordinance to ban new smoke shops in the Tenderloin and Lower Polk neighborhoods, a measure strongly supported by a broad cross-section of Tenderloin and Lower Polk residents and small businesses, received final approval from the Board this week and will soon go into effect. Second, our resolution urging the SF Housing Authority to apply for available federal funding for up to 3,668 deeply affordable units passed unanimously, sending a strong message to SFHA and the Mayor. After half a century of disinvestment by the federal government, it’s exciting to have the opportunity to get federal funds for up to 3,668 new deeply affordable rental units with a permanent federal subsidy in San
Francisco. Unfortunately, while other cities like Boston and Los Angeles are seizing the opportunity to apply to maximize the funds, our Mayor and San Francisco Housing Authority were letting this rare opportunity pass us by. Fortunately, our Resolution seems to be changing that, and SFHA and the Mayor’s Office have committed to identifying sites and submitting applications this calendar year. Read here for more information.
We also had a lot to celebrate in the district these past few weeks. Comix Experience on Divisadero commemorated its 35th Anniversary with a fun and spirited birthday party fit for this beloved comic book store. We were proud to attend and present a Certificate of Honor (and eat some of the birthday cake). Curry Senior Center opened up their Tech and Wellness Hub+ at 520 Turk Street, an inviting space for the Tenderloin's older adults and adults and disabilities to learn new skills, make new friends, and enjoy a wide variety of social events and classes. Last Thursday, we joined San Francisco Housing and Development Corporation, Fleming Development, Westside Community Services, Human Rights Committee, OEWD, and community members for a Fillmore Heritage Center Open House. It was great to
see Marcus Books in the space, Honey Art Studio’s ‘Harlem of the West’ Exhibit on display, and so many community members gathered at the event. The Fillmore Heritage Center is a vital institution in the heart of the Fillmore, and the open house marked great progress towards reactivation and ensuring the building benefits the community for generations. And this week, we joined Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, MOHCD, and community leaders to celebrate the reopening of the historic Ambassador and Ritz Hotels in the Tenderloin. Once a place for respite and hospice during the AIDS crisis, these SROs offer much needed supportive housing for our community. The renovated buildings look amazing!
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The Board of Supervisors will be on Spring Recess the week of April 8 to 12, meaning the Board of Supervisors and our committees will not meet and vote on items that week. This gives the Supervisors and our staff time to draft and do outreach on legislative priorities, meet with the district outside of City Hall, and get ready for what will be a busy upcoming budget season.
As always, stay in touch with the District 5 office by emailing us at PrestonStaff@sfgov.org, calling (415) 554-7630, or replying to this email. |
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Dean Preston
District 5 Supervisor |
$8.1 Million for the Buchanan Mall
Last week, after years of advocacy, the Buchanan Mall in the Western Addition neighborhood was awarded an $8.1 million federal grant from the Department of Interior to begin the renovation project developed by the Fillmore community. This critical federal grant from the DOI will continue our strong momentum to move this project forward while providing the opportunity for the community to fully realize their vision for the Buchanan Mall.
The Buchanan Mall in the Fillmore is a very special car-free space in our City that has long needed some love and investment. Supporting the community-led effort to improve the Buchanan Mall as a car-free community space has been a top priority for my office since day one, and I am proud to have partnered with community and city leaders to secure federal, state, and local funding. I could not be more excited to move this project forward.
The Recreation and Parks Department (RPD) is expected to put out the Buchanan Street Mall Renovations project for a public bid this spring. In advance of advertising, RPD will finalize their contract specifications—including provisions for minority and women-owned business participation and workforce development. They expect construction to begin before the end of 2024. |
Fillmore Food Access Community Sessions
Our office joined the Human Rights Commission (HRC), Planning Department, and Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) for the inaugural Fillmore Food Access Community Session on April 2, where the community gathered to discuss grocery options in the Fillmore District. We encourage everybody in the neighborhood to attend and weigh in. RSVP here to stay updated.
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Wednesday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m. - Western Addition Library
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Saturday, May 11 at 11:00 a.m. - Fillmore Heritage Center
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Wednesday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. - VIRTUAL
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Thursday, April 25 at 11:30 a.m. - VIRTUAL
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Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 p.m. - VIRTUAL
Lower Haight Art Walk
Saturday, April 6 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hayes Valley Art Works (Octavia & Lily)
The Lower Haight is celebrating the start of the season with their first art walk of the year! Winter’s rains seem to be behind us, so take in the sunshine and street life with a fun stroll along Haight / Fillmore to take in the sights and sounds of Spring with our one-of-a-kind shops, eateries, bars, bodegas, and other cool spots that make the neighborhood so special. For a list of participating merchants, check out their Instagram.
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Plant Trees Along Octavia Boulevard in Hayes Valley
Saturday, April 6 at 9:00 a.m.
Hayes Valley Art Works (Octavia & Lily)
The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association is planting 13 trees along Octavia Boulevard and is looking for volunteers and neighbors to help. You'll work in teams and get to know your neighbors. They do need some supplies, so let them know if you can bring gloves, shovels, and more.
Please sign up here using the Google form.
San Francisco Pokémon Day Spring Celebration
Saturday, April 13 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Main Library and Park Branch in District 5
San Francisco's Pokémon Day Spring Celebration is coming up on Saturday, April 13! District 5 will be celebrating at the Main Library and Park Branch. Swing on by for book giveaways, button-making, coloring stations, prizes, Pokémon card giveaways, trading card/game connect zones, and much more! All ages welcome.
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Annual Hayes Valley Ham & Eggs Breakfast
Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Biergarten (424 Octavia) -- All ages! |
San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival Grand Parade
Sunday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m.
The Grand Parade will depart the Civic Center Plaza at 1:00 P.M., proceeding up Polk Street to Post Street, and ending in Japantown at Post and Fillmore Streets.
Streams of colorful floats will be carrying individuals of Japanese American and other Asian American communities. Japanese classical (Buyo) and folk (Minyo) dance groups from around the U.S. and Japan will perform throughout the parade route like a myriad of floating butterflies. Highly honored Boy Scout Troops from the Japanese American communities will march proudly along the streets. The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and her Court, as well as sister festival courts will cascade their way to Japantown in beautiful floats. Anchoring the parade is the hoisting of the
San Francisco Taru Mikoshi by over one hundred strong individuals. It is a spectacle not to be missed, so be sure to come on out to cheer on the hundreds of participants!
I Love Tenderloin Week
April 21 through April 27
Check out these great events for I Love Tenderloin Week, more information at visittenderloin.com.
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Happy Hour Fundraising to Support the Boys & Girls Club - I Love Tenderloin Event
Thursday, April 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Phoenix Hotel (601 Eddy Street) |
Tenderloin Health Walk - I Love Tenderloin Week Event
Saturday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Boeddeker Park (Eddy/Jones)
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Magic Zone Summer Applications
MAGIC Zone will be accepting students into our summer program on a first come first served basis. Our summer program is eight weeks long, runs Monday-Friday from 8am-5:30pm, and primarily serves low income youth of color, representative of marginalized communities. Our program takes a youth development approach, integrating project-based learning in academic, enrichment and recreational activities. We offer literacy activities in the mornings with the afternoon consisting of different enrichment and sports activities. Field trips on Wednesday's and Friday's. We hope that you will join us for a memorable summer! Apply online at
https://www.collectiveimpact.org/magic-zone.html
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Adapting to Extreme Weather
Thursday, April 25 at 6:00 p.m.
San Francisco Main Library, Koret Auditorium
A conversation with city leaders about how San Francisco is responding to the increased frequency of extreme weather events. From once-in-a-century winter storms to challenges posed by wildfires and record-breaking heatwaves, learn about the innovative strategies our city is implementing to safeguard our community's well-being.
Register and submit questions: bit.ly/43yUYQB |
“Our City. Our Power” Webinar
Thursday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Online - Register Below
Our City. Our Power. is San Francisco’s effort to purchase the local electricity grid from PG&E to provide San Franciscans with affordable electric rates, cleaner energy, and greater investment in the local community. San Francisco is ready to take control of the electricity grid and became a Public Power City!
What you’ll learn about during the webinar:
- San Francisco’s efforts to acquire PG&E’s local electric assets
- PG&E obstruction and delays to local public projects
- Benefits of public power
- How to get involved
Register Here: https://bit.ly/4aP1Bkf |
Panhandle & Inner Sunset Project
The Panhandle & Inner Sunset Project WW-724 is resuming for street restoration only. Disruption may be significant from late March to early May. However, the neighborhood will finally be free of clanky steel plates.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and Contractors will be performing street restoration in your area. Thank you for your patience during the work pause on the Panhandle and Inner Sunset Large Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
WHERE: Work will occur on Oak Street – Broderick to Divisadero Streets and on Fell Street – Cole to Clayton Streets.
WHEN: Construction is anticipated to begin March 25, 2024, with an estimated duration of 5 weeks (weather-permitting). Crews may be mobilizing and staging equipment in the area prior to start of work. General workdays and hours are Monday – Friday. Some night and weekend work may be required. Oak Street - M-F 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fell Street - M-F 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
INQUIRIES: Refer to Project 724 when contacting us Contact: SFPUC Communications (415) 554-3233 or ssip@sfwater.org After hours: 3-1-1.
Need help with a mental health or substance use problem?
To get started with care, call or visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health Behavioral Health Access (BHAC):
1380 Howard Street
M-F 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
888-246-3333
Small Business Vandalism Relief Fund
This grant provides up to $2,000 for vandalism-related costs. Examples of damages include broken windows, broken doors, broken locks, etching on windows, graffiti, and more. Apply here: https://sf.gov/get-grant-vandalism-related-costs-your-small-business-storefront.
For businesses in District 5, we have our own victim assistance program for small businesses impacted by broken windows. Eligible businesses can be reimbursed up to $4,000 of the cost of replacing a storefront window with a maximum of two reimbursements per year.
COVID-19 and Mpox Resources
Like everyone else, we are continuing to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 and Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). Want to find resources? Click here to read about the latest on the City’s COVID-19 updates and resources, and here to read about the latest regarding Mpox
. Please note: the City’s COVID-19 health officer emergency order has expired.
Food resources: https://www.sfhsa.org/services/food/free-food-locations
For a list of District 5 resources, including Adult and Family Services, Neighborhood Associations, Parks, Schools, and much more, please visit: https://sfbos.org/supervisor-preston-district-information-and-resources |
Sign the Petition to Bring a Grocery Store to the Tenderloin
Since the Tenderloin was redistricted into D5 two years ago, we’ve spoken with thousands of community members, read every possible report prepared by city departments, task forces, and community-based organizations, and the message is loud and clear: the Tenderloin needs a full-service grocery store without further delay. That is why we introduced a resolution to bring a full-service grocery store to the Tenderloin, a neighborhood that hasn’t had a full-service grocery store in decades. Sign here to show your support. |
Fellowship & Internship Opportunities
Are you interested in learning about city government while fighting to win real, transformative reforms for the working class? Volunteer with the District 5 office! If you’re in college, some credits may apply, depending on your school’s program. Send your resume to PrestonStaff@sfgov.org, and we’ll take it from there.
Learn More About DSA SF
The Democratic Socialists of America is the largest socialist organization in the United States, with over 92,000 members and chapters in all 50 states. DSA believes that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few. Check out the San Francisco chapter’s upcoming events here to see how you can help make San Francisco a more equitable city using people power. |
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