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Dear D9 Neighbor,
We have emerged from intense budget negotiations after contending with one of the worst deficits San Francisco has faced in over a decade. While the initial budget proposal in June contained many painful cuts, the Board of Supervisors, led by Chair Chan of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, passed a final budget this month that reallocated funds to key service areas on the chopping block. The final package protects services for children, youth and families, workforce development programs, food security, the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) Community Ambassador Program, and more. I advocated diligently to stave off cuts to District 9 programs that serve some of the
most vulnerable residents in San Francisco and we were able to keep most baseline programming intact.
Meanwhile, we continued to lift up and honor the great work of District 9 residents, many of whom provide the very services mentioned above. This month, we commended at the Board of Supervisors Jean Robertson, outgoing Assistant Superintendent for Special Education at SFUSD, who transformed educational services that benefited countless D9 kids; Portola artist Arthur Koch, a dedicated community builder and artist whose striking photographs and paintings of District 9 neighborhoods are on display in the District office at City Hall, and; Marcia Contreras, beloved Deputy Director of Mission Housing, who celebrated 15 years with the organization. Throughout Marcia’s career, she has built partnerships with dozens of community-based organizations, City agencies and financing partners to
produce and manage hundreds of affordable housing units. Congratulations to you all! Your leadership and vision have contributed so much to the D9 community. If you know of a D9 resident deserving of recognition for their contribution to the District, please email: ronenstaff@sfgov.org.
The office will be closed for the August legislative recess, but your D9 staff will be available to address community issues throughout the month. Please email ronenstaff@sfgov.org if you need any help. You can expect the next newsletter in late September. Read on for more news from around the neighborhoods, and as always, feel free to reach out to me or my staff to share concerns and bright spots from the District that you think we should know about.
In community, |
Homelessness & Street Conditions
"Safer Families"
We have been working closely with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH), community advocates and the Mayor’s office to address the crisis of family homelessness. In May, I joined the Mayor and Supervisor Melgar in announcing the "Safer Families
" initiative that will provide new emergency shelter and rapid rehousing slots for families, in order to cut the shelter and rapid rehousing waitlists. HSH is implementing the initiative with funding included in the recently approved two-year budget. Safer Families will add 115 new emergency hotel shelter slots and 215 new rapid rehousing slots for homeless families. The services will roll out gradually over the next couple of months, and include critical case management and problem solving to support people to exit homelessness and move into permanent housing. The additions to the portfolio of housing supports will promote more fluid movement through the system and get families out of emergency shelter more quickly into housing and eventually on their way towards
self-sufficiency. |
Affordable Housing
Housing for homeless seniors
I am so proud to announce that we broke ground at 1633 Valencia Street on July 23rd, a new 100% affordable housing development at the border of Bernal Heights and the Mission District of San Francisco providing supportive homes for seniors experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Upon completion, 1633 Valencia will provide five floors of 145 affordable apartments serving low-income seniors earning up to 50% of the area median income (AMI), with residents paying no more than 30% of their income in rent. 145 homeless seniors will soon have compassionate, permanent, and supportive housing right in the middle of District 9.
Thank you to the project team and our fellow City partners’ incredible work in advancing the project's milestones and breaking ground so quickly. Our community’s unhoused seniors deserve no less, and soon will have a dignified place where they can age well and call home.
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Photo credit: Ana Herrera & renderings courtesy of Mercy Housing. (Top photo) Groundbreaking ceremony on July 23rd at 1633 Valencia senior housing project; (Center left and bottom) renderings of the housing project. |
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Charter Amendments at Rules Committee
Measures headed for the November ballot
As the Chair of the Rules Committee until July 16, I took seriously the job of vetting, researching, and analyzing proposed ballot measures to recommend to the Board for placement on the November ballot. With the City facing an $800 million deficit, I looked carefully at each measure with an eye towards balancing their merit and fiscal responsibility. There were several measures that would have collectively cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars if enacted, in a year when the City is facing the worst budget crisis in over a decade. Some did not have a strong policy rationale or data to back them up. I took steps to
pare down the number and fiscal impact of local measures being placed on the November ballot, even when doing so was not popular among colleagues running for re-election or higher office.
For instance, the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) would allow a small number of retirement-age police officers to double dip on salaries and pension payments in exchange for delaying retirement for up to 5 years – a benefit no other City employee receives. This proposal follows the Board of Supervisors approval of a $166M increase to SFPD for higher salaries and extremely generous retention bonuses, as well as approved increases in the police budget by $200M over the last few years – all of which I voted for.
A previous version of the DROP was deemed a significant and expensive failure
by both the Controller and the Board of Supervisors in 2011. Neither the author of this proposed measure nor SFPD could provide basic data needed to assess whether an amended DROP program would work any better today. Despite significant concerns expressed by the Rules Committee, the Board voted 8-3 to put it on the ballot. I firmly believe that this is a fiscal mistake that will not solve the understaffing issue. Instead, we need to address the root causes of understaffing and focus on recruiting younger officers that reflect our communities and who have been trained in 21st century policing and retaining officers that are leaving in the greatest numbers – those that have served 6-7 years. I will continue to push for strategies that make a real difference in workforce shortages
at SFPD, and other essential jobs, such as 911 operators, social workers, and teachers.
For a description of the full list of measures on the ballot in San Francisco, see recent SF Chronicle article here.
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Defending Workers' Rights
Supporting San Francisco Subway sandwich shop workers
On July 23, I passed a resolution supporting workers at Subway franchises in San Francisco who have been denied minimum wages
, overtime wages, and breaks. With unanimous support, the Board urges these Subway franchises to pay all current and former workers the wages stolen from them and to immediately comply with state minimum wage laws mandating payment of at least $20 per hour to all workers for all hours worked.
Trabajadores Unidos and Legal Aid at Work have been supporting the workers who have organized and been demanding their rights, many of whom came to City Hall to give testimony in public comment at recent Board meetings about their experiences. We will be following this closely to ensure that Subway complies and compensates their workers and ends these egregious violations.
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| Photo credit: Ana Herrera. Supervisor Hillary Ronen with Subway workers at the Board of Supervisors on July 23. |
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Honoring Sean Monterrosa's Legacy
Commemorative street naming
On July 22, we unveiled a commemorative street name in honor of Sean Monterrosa at the intersection of Park Street and Holly Park Circle. Sean’s life was taken from him far too soon by a Vallejo police officer, and the impact of this loss remains in our community today. This commemorative street naming is located where Sean grew up and where his family still resides today. It is also adjacent to the Knowledge Up community library that has been installed in his memory, giving access to and empowering young people to learn about social justice movements and leaders. The passing of this item will help the community heal, serve as a positive beacon for black and brown youth for whom Sean was a
mentor, and remind our city of his great contributions and legacy for generations to come. My deepest gratitude and love go out to the Monterrosa family for their strength and persistent organizing for social justice issues that were dear to Sean’s heart, and to the many Bernal Heights neighbors who have reached out in enthusiastic support of this commemorative street naming.
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Photo credit: Jackie Prager. At the unveiling of the Sean Monterrosa commemorative street naming at Holly Park and Park streets on July 22. |
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Green Spaces and Community Improvements
McLaren Park Trails Priority Improvement Project
We have received quite a few inquiries about tree removal in McLaren Park so we reached out to the San Francisco Recreation and Parks department (Rec & Park) for more public information on the McLaren Park Trails Priority Improvement Project. This plan underwent extensive public engagement and compromise with various stakeholders before approval by the Recreation and Parks Commission in December 2022.
Skilled professionals, along with input from Rec & Park’s Natural Resources Division staff and third-party arborists, detailed the design. They closely monitor tree removals and replacements related to storm damage and capital projects and are replacing trees at a 1:1+ ratio per the Natural Resources Management Plan. At McLaren, for every one tree removed they will be replanting more than one in return.
Rec & Park's approach to hazardous tree removal considers the level of risk a tree poses, with restoration efforts planned to mitigate environmental impacts. This includes proactive measures like planting and erosion control, integrated into broader restoration initiatives. The department is not clear-cutting the area, but rather selectively removing trees based on arborist assessments to enhance the health of the McLaren ecosystem.
See Rec & Park's Vision Plan here and FAQ document about tree removal here. Should you have additional concerns or questions please feel free to contact Lauren Chavez lauren.chavez@sfgov.org or LaMonte’ Bishop
lamonte.bishop@sfgov.org.
Coyote Pupping Season = More coyote encounters in parks and green spaces
There has been an increase in coyote sightings and activity in D9, in particular on Bernal Hill and Saint Mary’s Park Recreation area. We reached out to Animal Care and Control (ACC) and Rec & Park for information on how to keep residents and pets safe. ACC communicated that they are responding to frequent calls and sightings reports, and that Bernal is one three ‘hot spots’ in the City where their team is concentrating efforts.
There are many restrictions on how ACC can respond -- removal, relocation and lethal actions are all prohibited by State law. The CA Department of Fish and Wildlife is the agency that ACC calls when a situation with a coyote escalates to human injury, but the State will not get involved with what they call "nuisance coyotes." Even then, for example in the case of the recent coyote lethally removed at the Botanical Gardens who was aggressively approaching small children, there was intense public backlash from people who oppose any action taken to remove or euthanize a coyote.
Rec & Park has done some education, but we have asked them to do more to inform the public about feeding coyotes, which is a prevalent problem exacerbating this situation. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to ACC at: acc@sfgov.org or call (415) 554-9400, or go to ACC policies, and since they are mandated by state laws you can also reach out to the
CA Department of Fish and Wildlife. |
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Spotlight on a D9 Community Organization
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To lift up the amazing work that is happening every day in Bernal, the Mission and the Portola, we are featuring the work of one D9 organization in each newsletter. This month features… |
One Job Can Change Everything!
Get Youth Ready for Work and Life
Founded in 1981, New Door Ventures works to prepare young people for work and life by providing the jobs, training, education, and support they need to reach their full potential and transition to independent adulthood.
New Door's Programs
Education Program: a range of pathways (GED, HiSET) towards a high school equivalency exam, laying the groundwork for secondary education and future work. The program offers small classes, highly individualized instruction, and rolling enrollment as a springboard for their next education and career moves.
Employment Program: 6-month paid internships through New Door's business partners, equipping them with foundational workplace skills and preparing them for middle-income jobs.
Transition Services: (1) Introduction to Skilled Trades (i2ST) --vocational training courses in hands-on disciplines such as automotive, machining, and welding to meet the needs of in-demand job opportunities, and; (2) Career Search Accelerator --short-term courses for career planning supported by workshops, panels, excursions, and individualized guidance.
In the past five years, 85% of New Door's program participants found unsubsidized employment or further education within six months of program completion.
New Door is always looking for opportunities to partner with businesses and community organizations to provide internship placements for their youth. To get involved with New Door, email philanthrophy@newdoor.org. To learn more about New Door's work, visit their website and find them on your favorite social media platform. |
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Photo credits: (Top photo) Roberto Zavala. New Door program participants Christian, Marshaun, and RJ, at Waterside Workshops, one of our Business Partners with a strong emphasis on mentoring youth and fostering career pathways.
(Bottom photo) Patanisha Williams. Angel and mentor Josue in front of their vibrant San Francisco Giants mural. Angel’s jam-packed schedule, juggling his responsibilities at Luke’s Local and as an intern with Josue, is a testament to his commitment to shaping a better future for himself and his family. |
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District 9 Upcoming Events & Opportunities
•• SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
Annual Family Wealth Forum 💰
10:00 am - 1:00 pm | 55 Frida Kahlo Way, City College Multi-use Building
The Office of the Assessor-Recorder will be hosting our Annual Family Wealth forum on August 3. Strengthening financial wellness through presentations, by connecting with local organizations at the community resource fair and consulting with Assessor staff to get answers to your specific property tax questions.
Presentation Topics include:
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Assessment Appeals 101
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Key points to keep in mind when filing an assessment appeal
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Home Improvement Resources and Tax Savings
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Resources for home upgrades and how your assessment may be impacted.
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Prop 19 Intergenerational Transfers
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Tips to transfer your property with ease considering recent policy changes.
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Estate Planning 101
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An overview on the essential components of an estate plan and resources.
•• THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
Ingleside Stations' National Night Out
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm|Ingleside Station/Balboa Park
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign designed to promote neighborhood camaraderie and strengthen the relationship between police and communities to help make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Meet your neighbors and your SFPD Ingleside Station officers. Free Activities, Games & Prizes Raffle Grand Prize: Signed Warriors Jersey & Warriors Tix Free Pizza Party & Snacks for the first 250.
For more information go here.
•• SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Bernal's "Hillwide" Neighborhood Garage Sale
9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Throughout Bernal Heights
The Hillwide is possibly the largest, most infamous and beloved single-day neighborhood-wide Garage Sale in our fair city of San Francisco, with a very distinct flavor of Bernal. Happening every year on National Garage Sale day (the 2nd Saturday in August) we help raise funds for the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center. For information go here.
•• DEADLINE: AUGUST 12
ODC Theater Rental Discount Initiative Awards Application
ODC Theater has been offering steep discounts to artists on rentals of its space. The deadline for the 2025 Rental Discount Initiative Awards has been extended to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, August 12. Up to 10 weeks will be discounted at 50% or 100% off for artistic activity. Up to 5 weeks are available at each discount tier. Up to 2 weeks (Sunday - Thursday) are available for artists who wish to rehearse in the theater with or without technical support and do not plan to have a public event. 8 weeks (Tuesday - Sunday) will be allocated to projects that culminate in a publicly ticketed event.
Projects are eligible for a maximum of 2 weeks of discount. The initiative is intended to support individual artists and organizations. Black, Native/Indigenous, People of Color, women, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more information, please visit odc.dance/rdi-awards
•• TUESDAY, AUGUST 20
SFMTA D9 Bike & Rolling Plan Open House 🚲
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Mission Neighborhood Centers, Wolfsohn Campus at 362 Capp St.
On August 20th, SFMTA will host an open house on its Bike & Rolling Plan - a master plan that will direct future investments to better support all modes of transit citywide, including District 9. Help shape the future of our city roads by attending this open house! For more information and to RSVP go here, for the open house schedule throughout the City in other Districts, go
here.
•• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Portola Garden Tour 🪴
10:00 am - 3:00 pm | Throughout the Portola
An event to visit the beautiful backyard gardens in the Portola! Each garden is different. A couple of them are postage-stamp sized and are excellent examples of what is possible in a small space. Others demonstrate the power of terracing to capture views and growing areas. Some are examples of native plantings, while others focus primarily on food production. Our tour includes shade-dappled groves and sunny patios and wind caressed hillsides. But, each garden also has something very special: the fingerprints of the gardener or gardeners who keep it. In short, what to expect on the day of the tour? A whole lot of delightful garden surprises. Enjoy the day.
You can purchase tickets to the event starting August 1st, here. |
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