Friends and Neighbors,
Today is International Worker’s Day, also known as May Day! May Day is a day of international solidarity for the workers of the world. On this day, we commemorate the historic struggles and gains of working people in the United States and across the world, some of whom died to advance the cause of working people. These workers are responsible for achieving the 8-hour workday and minimum wage, and we are indebted to their commitment to the struggle to build worker power. As a Democratic Socialist, I stand in solidarity with San Francisco union organizers including Starbucks workers, UPS Teamsters, and Alcatraz Union. Our office champions policies to make San Francisco affordable for working people, not just the wealthy few. Our work would not be possible without the support of workers in our district and across San Francisco.
We are with you, always!
In Solidarity,
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➩ I Love Tenderloin Week is Here!
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Last week, I introduced a resolution to designate this week as “I Love Tenderloin Week.” This week, we celebrate the Tenderloin neighborhood’s diversity, creativity, and activism. The Tenderloin is a cultural arts district that is home to artists and musicians that perform in its historic theaters, music venues, museums, and clubs. This week will feature a range of arts, music, and cultural celebrations. I Love Tenderloin Week was founded by people who live and organize in the district to highlight the vibrant community in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown. We look forward to seeing you in the Tenderloin this week! You can see a calendar of events below.
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➩ Celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival
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| We had a great time at the 56th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival over the last two weekends! Thank you to all of the incredible organizers and to everyone who came out to celebrate. Our office truly enjoyed the great food, beautiful performances, and many fun activities. We can’t wait for the next one.
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➩ Auditing the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development
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Last month, an audit of the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) was published which revealed noncompliant reporting practices, “untraceable” decision-making processes, and a five-year average ending balance of $482 million – with the Department staff for the city’s lead Affordable Housing agency refusing to disclose how much of that balance is committed and how much is available, but not being spent, for desperately needed affordable housing in our communities. We are holding a public hearing on this audit at the Government Audit and Oversight Committee on May 18th, at 10am– we invite you to tune in!
The audit made scathing findings, including that MOHCD is not following reporting rules, engages in highly politicized decision-making, and is unable to determine how much money is committed to projects and how much is available for affordable housing for the community. Our office is working to change this and we have called for an oversight hearing on the audit and underlying practices. We will continue to support affordable housing investments that are being undermined by the lack of transparent decision-making at MOHCD.
Read more about this audit here .
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➩ Prioritizing Transit in the State Budget
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| Last month, our office partnered with Bay Area transit agencies and introduced a resolution urging Governor Newsom and the State Legislature to provide multi-year operations funding to assist California’s transit systems as they recover from the pandemic and to develop long-term funding plans to serve the millions of Californians who rely on public transit.
Bay Area transportation agencies are in a dire situation and need state support as well as ongoing and reliable funding from the state to support Bay Area transit systems to serve the millions of Californians that rely on public transit every day.
Thank you to the incredible community of residents and activists who showed up to demand more from our state!
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➩ Protecting Trans & Queer Youth/Adults
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Every week, the public hears about bills and policies that target and attack trans people, drag queens, and other LGBTQ+ people. Our city instead supports LGBTQ+ people and praises the queer community and that’s why our office teamed up with trans youth, trans and queer adults, parents, and educators to introduce a resolution that calls for the protection of trans and LGBTQ+ youth and adults in San Francisco. This resolution also calls for the implementation of the Queer Transgender Parent Advisora Council in the San Francisco Unified School District to support our queer youth. The resolution also reaches beyond San Francisco and calls on other local, state, and federal officials to stand up and defend trans and LGBQ+ people. San Francisco has been a trailblazer for the advancement of the queer community and now more than ever calls for these types of resolutions of protection.
We are proud to report that our resolution was introduced with ten cosponsors, and passed unanimously. This is an important affirmation of our city’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. San Francisco is so proud of this cause and thanks the community for all they’ve done for our city. You can read more about the resolution here!
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➩ Supporting Behavioral Health Resources in Hospitals
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Our office cosponsored a resolution to place San Francisco in support of State Assembly Bill 1001, which will create standards for trained staff to be available for people experiencing emergency mental health issues in hospitals statewide. AB 1001 will protect nurses and help patients experiencing serious mental health issues get the care they need, and is being supported by the California Nurses Association . Nurses and patients alike deserve to be safe and treated with dignity in our hospitals, and we look forward to continuing to track this bill as it moves through the California legislature. Learn more about this bill here .
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Our office also cosponsored a resolution in support of State Assembly Bill 912 (Jones-Sawyer), which will use the money saved from closing state prisons to fund community crime reduction programs. This bill is designed to place resources in communities that need them the most as a strategy to prevent crime and violence. The bill will specifically redirect funding for community health programs, alternatives to incarceration or criminal probation for youth, and provide the necessary funding to Native American communities and other communities that experience a high rate of gun violence.
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➩ Oasis for Homeless Families
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After fighting to open this crucial space for homeless families, we are so proud to announce the successful efforts to reopen the Oasis Inn as the city’s only drop-in emergency shelter for families. The Oasis Inn has been a place of refuge and safety for families that have struggled both during the pandemic and its effects as well as those without housing. It provides a place for people to get back on their feet and find permanent housing for those in great need. With the shelter reopening, it has been able to once again provide safe living space for dozens of families. You can read more about the Oasis Inn and the fight to keep it open here.
For services, call (415) 368-1798.
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I <3 TL Week (this entire week!)
Sunday, April 30 to Saturday, May 6
The Tenderloin Neighborhood
April 30 to May 6 is I Love Tenderloin Week! Learn more about the Tenderloin and ongoing events here!
What is DSA?
Wednesday, May 17, 6:00pm to 7:30pm
1916 McAllister Street
Curious about the Democratic Socialists of America? This is your chance to learn about them! New and re-activating members are especially welcome to join this interactive session on the big picture of the Democratic Socialists of America and what socialism looks like in San Francisco. This event is held in the office (1916 McAllister) and the format is a group and breakout discussion. It’s a great way to meet other socialists and socialist-curious people!
Can’t make it? Check out DSA SF’s other events here !
Divisadero Art Market
Saturday, May 6th, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Grove & Divisadero
The North of Panhandle Neighborhood Association and the Divisadero Merchants Association, with support from Alamo Square Neighborhood Association, are organizing an "Art Market" centered at the NW and SE corners of Grove and Divisadero just in time for Mother's Day! This is a great event for anyone who appreciates art and wants to support the artists of San Francisco in an open setting for the whole community to enjoy. |
➩ Apply for the Green Infrastructure Grant Program (GIGP)
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The SFPUC grant program will fund the design and construction of green stormwater infrastructure on large public and private properties. Projects must capture stormwater runoff from at least 0.5 acres of impervious surface and can receive up to $2M per project. Thanks to this program, applicants will be able to apply during a competitive application cycle with expanded grantee eligibility, including the option for community groups and contractors to receive grant funds directly.
For more information, check out https://sfpuc.org/programs/grants/green-infrastructure-grant.
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TL Community Action Plan Stakeholders Group
If you are a Tenderloin resident, we invite you to become a voting member of the new TL Stakeholders Group! This group is guiding decision making about the immediate and long-term future of the Tenderloin. Residents sign up here. Businesses sign up here.
Be the Jury Program
The San Francisco Superior Court is piloting a new program to pay eligible participants $100 a day for jury duty. The “Be The Jury” pilot program was created with the goal of establishing juries that are more reflective of San Francisco’s diverse communities. Learn more about the program by calling 311 or visiting the Superior Court’s website at bit.ly/BeTheJury
District 5 Legacy Businesses
Are you a small business owner in D5 whose business has been in the community for 30 or more years? Reach out to the District 5 team so we can explore your options for registering as a legacy business. Our neighborhood commercial establishments – including retailers, restaurants, bars, manufacturers, service providers, and more – give the city character. Preserving our longstanding businesses is critical to maintaining that which makes San Francisco a special place. In addition, registration as a legacy business gives our small businesses access to city grants and preservation programs. Reach out to our office at PrestonStaff@sfgov.org for more information.
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Like everyone else, we are continuing to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 and MPX (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 MPX. Please note: the City’s COVID-19 health officer emergency order has expired.
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Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office with any ideas, questions or concerns, at prestonstaff@sfgov.org. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Sign up to receive your own copy here!
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