Friends & neighbors,
I hope you were able to have a restful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
I’m pleased to share that since our last newsletter, the Board of Supervisors has passed three important pieces of community safety legislation introduced by office, including: legislation urging SFMTA to develop and implement a plan for No Turn On Red (NTOR), an ordinance amending the Police Code to prohibit armed guards from drawing firearms to protect only property, and an ordinance requiring pop-up medical testing sites adhere to the same safety and accountability measures as established clinics. Thank you community organizers, safety advocates, city departments and members of the Board for helping this happen.
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
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| Policy, Legislation & Community Campaigns |
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Full Funding for the Golden Gate Greenway!
The Tenderloin’s 30,000 residents—and 3,500 children—are one step closer to a new green, open space to enjoy. This month, Supervisor Preston and the Transportation Authority voted to authorize over one million dollars through the Prop L Expenditure Plan for the Golden Gate Greenway . The funding will allow the Golden Gate Greenway, an oasis in the heart of the Tenderloin, to become permanent with major improvements, converting the 100 block of Golden Gate Avenue from two to one lane of limited vehicle traffic, and activating community green spaces, sitting areas, and family play areas on both sides of the roadway. The proposed design will create a vibrant public open space in the Tenderloin, the neighborhood with the least green space and the most traffic injuries in San Francisco.
“Safe Swab Act” Takes on Suspicious COVID Testing Sites
When COVID-19 testing tents popped up in the district and started paying people in return for swabbing, residents in our district were quick to alert our office—especially when neighbors started noticing that their results were not being sent to them. Our office began working with the City Attorney’s office to draft the Safe Swab Act , which now mandates that any site that collects medical specimens on behalf of clinical laboratories partner with either a governmental entity, a licensed health care provider located in the City, or an educational or academic institution, establish hygiene, sanitation, and privacy standards, and adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; prohibiting such sites from paying individuals to take a medical test; and providing that a violation of the specimen collection standards is a misdemeanor offense and a public health nuisance subject to an administrative penalty that may be imposed by the Department of Public Health.
We are proud to report that the operators of these suspicious sites have agreed to leave San Francisco, and are grateful to the Tenderloin residents who brought these sites to our attention!
Delivering on Our City’s 20-Year-Old Promise of Affordable Housing
Parcel K is a city-owned site in Hayes Valley, specifically designated for affordable housing after the removal of the Central Freeway from that lot. Unfortunately, 20 years later, the City has failed to deliver that housing with devastating consequences as people continue to be displaced and priced out of our neighborhoods. This is a key moment to finally put our money where our mouth is. If we’re serious about meeting our affordable housing goals, we need to be creating housing on sites the City owns. Earlier this year, the Mayor’s Office committed to a timeline on predevelopment, but they have since broken the promise and backtracked. This month, we demanded a renewed commitment from the Mayor’s Office. Affordable housing is too important for playing politics. Read more about the saga of Parcel K here.
Affordable Housing on DMV Site A New Possibility
After more than a year of advocacy by District 5 neighbors, the California Department of General Services earlier this month issued a request for housing developers to submit plans for a mixed-use development on the current San Francisco DMV site on Fell Street, paving the way for hundreds of new affordable homes to be constructed along with a revamped DMV field office.
This is a big win for affordable housing. Together with Assemblymember Phil Ting, our office led the effort to start the process of converting this huge state-owned parking lot into affordable housing. The ball started rolling when, in the midst of the state’s preparation to redevelop the DMV field office (without any housing!), our office in November 2022 introduced a resolution urging state officials to prioritize affordable housing on the DMV site. Since then, our office has worked closely with Assemblymember Ting and representatives from state agencies, including the Department of General Services (DGS) and the DMV. On September 28, the state issued a call for affordable housing proposals , with responses due on November 22. The state will select the winning proposal in March 2024. Very exciting development for affordable housing in our district!
Empty Homes Tax
Last month, the Board of Supervisors passed our implementing legislation for the Empty Homes Tax, a November 2022 ballot measure approved by 55% of voters. The tax, which will apply to buildings of 3-plus units in which a unit is vacant for more than half the year, takes effect January 1, 2024. For non-exempt property owners with vacant units, now is the time to take the steps to fill empty homes! Recently released data shows 12.7% of the city’s total 414,553 homes are vacant, or more than 52,600 units.
Need more information or help navigating this new tax? You can learn more about eligibility and exemptions, and request assistance from the Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector here.
The Beer Stays Here: Support the Anchor SF Cooperative
Anchor workers have come together to say: “The Beer Stays Here!” Workers at Anchor Brewing, members of ILWU Local 6 lost their jobs on August 1st when Sapporo declared they would be pursuing an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors and abruptly closed the facility.
Workers sprang into action, forming a co-op, and launching an effort to buy back the brewery and run it cooperatively to continue the century-long tradition of Anchor. Workers are now calling on the community to invest in Anchor SF Coop and be a part of history to save a California institution!
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- In September, our resolution demanding that the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) immediately fill at least 500 vacant supportive housing units within 90 days passed unanimously at the Board. Following passage of the resolution, HSH announced ramped up efforts to move people from the streets directly into supportive housing. HSH’s report on the progress of filling vacant supportive housing units is due in early December.
- Our office has been in touch with neighbors, stakeholders, and City departments about changes we can make on the blocks of Golden Gate and Leavenworth to improve conditions and address harmful activity. Per our conversations with community, we will push for short term interventions to enforce existing no parking zones, work with community members on healthy activations, and work with neighbors to provide a regular space for folks in the neighborhood to check in with each other.
- As Chair of the Government Audit and Oversight (GAO) Committee, Supervisor Preston requested that the Budget and Legislative Analyst (BLA) perform an audit of the city’s street teams. The BLA produced a report of their findings this month, after reviewing 11 different street teams over a five-year period. A hearing on this report will be held early next year at GAO.
- During budget season, our office championed an ask for funding to help train and pay supportive housing residents to reverse overdoses in their buildings, a peer support model which has shown some success locally. This money has not yet gone out the door, but we have been putting pressure on the Department of Public Health to issue the request for proposals without further delay to get this lifesaving program funded.
- The Board of Supervisors accepted a $3.9M grant for the Buchanan Mall from the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
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Hayes Valley Holiday Stroll
Friday, December 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with food, drinks, music and more at the 33rd annual Hayes Valley Holiday Stroll. This family-friendly event is a great way to meet your neighbors and the merchants that make this neighborhood so magical.
I Love Tenderloin Day
Friday, December 1, All Day
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Lower Haight Art Walk
Saturday, December 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Celebrate the culture of the Lower Haight at its last Art Walk of the year. Check out local art displays at your favorite shops while enjoying complimentary bites and booze.
Howard Zinn Book Fair
Sunday, December 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
CCSF Mission Center, 1125 Valencia Street
Just a few blocks out of the district, the always-exciting Howard Zinn Book Fair returns as an in-person event, the first since 2019! Many of the District 5 office’s friends, partner organizations, and favorite authors will be holding workshops or tabling this year. The theme is “Against Amnesia,” and will host sessions in the struggle against the attacks on people’s history: far-right projects such as book bans, so-called “anti-woke” campaigns, “don’t say gay” legislation, and the dismantling of Ethnic Studies. These attacks serve to build a historical and political amnesia as our opponents work to warp our sense of the past and sabotage our ability to imagine a future of collective liberation. Visit https://www.zinnbookfair.org/ for more information, or donate to HZBF here.
Tenant Rights Boot Camp
Monday, December 4, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
GLIDE Memorial Church, 330 Ellis Street
Come to the next Tenant Rights Boot Camp and learn your rights as a renter. This workshop will cover what you’ll need to know about eviction protections, community organizing, rent relief and much, much more! Counselors from the San Francisco Tenants Union and Supervisor Preston will be on hand to answer specific questions after the presentation.
Proud Stutter’s Annual Gala
December 7, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Peacock Lounge 552 Haight Street
Join our Proud Stutter’s community event to raise awareness for stuttering and speech diversity. Enjoy comedy, art, food, alcoholic beverages, a silent auction, and more. Remarks will also be made by Dean Preston, District 5 Supervisor. Buy Tickets Here.
MAGIC: Holiday Celebration
Friday, December 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Booker T Washington Community Service Center: Winterfest
Friday, December 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Little Saigon Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, December 9, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Larkin Street between O’Farrell and Eddy
Make Little Saigon shine at their tree lighting ceremony hosted by the Tenderloin Merchant & Property Owners Association. This is a free community event, and all are welcome to enjoy the festivities, eat the free community food, and play games and win prizes.
75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Monday, December 12, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
City Hall Steps (Polk)
Join the San Francisco Gray Panthers as they commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by reading this historic document aloud on City Hall steps. The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 and sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. You can read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights here.
Mackey's Korner: Mackey's Korner Xmas
Tuesday, December 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
1550 Evans Ave
MAGIC: Holiday Food Box Program
Thursday, December 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
1050 McAllister Street
Western Addition Family Resource Center: Toy Distribution
Thursday, December 14 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
1426 Fillmore Street
Interfaith Celebration
Thursday, December 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
1835 Ellis Street
Fillmore Holiday Night Market
Friday, December 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fillmore and O’Farrell
Free outdoor Music Concert and Block Party!
6th Annual Tenderloin People’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 15, 2023, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Father Alfred E Boeddeker Park, 246 Eddy Street
Light up the Tenderloin at the 6th Annual holiday tree lighting ceremony hosted by the Tenderloin People's Congress. This evening will have live performances by Tenderloin organizations, food, and even a raffle hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves.
African American Arts and Culture Complex: Winter Wakanda
Saturday, December 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
1050 McAllister and 762 Fulton Street
Livable City: Feeding 5000
Saturday, December 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Code Tenderloin: Joy to the City
Sunday, December 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
UR Blessings: Hayes Valley Toy Giveaway
Friday, December 22 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Community Tech Network
We had the opportunity to present the Community Tech Network with a Certificate of Honor last month to commemorate their 15th Anniversary, and we look toward the future and all that they hope to accomplish in the next 15 years and beyond. Help them build a world where everyone has the chance to thrive in the digital age, regardless of their age, income, or background. https://ow.ly/26OK50Qaa4F
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.
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 $1,000 of the cost of replacing a storefront window with a maximum of two reimbursements per year. Once you get your citywide funding, if you need the additional $1,000, please reach out to us and we'll elevate it internally.
Food resources: https://www.sfhsa.org/services/food/free-food-locations
2024 Covered California Renewal Period
The 2024 Open Enrollment period for Covered CA will begin November 1st and run through January 31st. Enrollment is Open to those over the age of 18 and legally residing in California. This is also a period when those currently on a Covered CA plan can change their ‘metal tier’ and/or insurance carrier. Those enrolling between Nov 1 – Dec 31 will have plans beginning on January 1st, 2024. Enrollments in January 2024 will begin on February 1st, 2024.
- Check Covered CA online at: www.coveredca.com
- If you have already worked with a licensed Covered CA insurance agent or Enrollment Counselor, continue to work with that person if you are comfortable. If you do not have a direct contact, Susan Pfeifer is a Certified Enrollment Counselor who serves San Francisco and the Bay Area. She is available by phone at 415-860-8081 or Email at: mediasusan2@gmail.com. There is no fee or obligation for her services.
Employment and Volunteer Opportunities from the San Francisco Department of Elections
December 8 from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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
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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.
Organize with 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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Email prestonstaff@sfgov.org for more information, questions, or suggestions for our next newsletter!
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