Friends,

After a long (short?) August recess, it’s great to be back in session. While the Board didn’t meet, our office was busy with Small Business Summer. Led by Mick Del Rosario, we spoke with nearly every small business in District 2 (300+!). Our merchant corridors are the heart of the district, and keeping them strong is right up there with public safety on my priority list.

The top 3 things we heard:

• Foot traffic hasn’t fully rebounded from COVID. Tourism is up, but we still need to bring more people into our neighborhoods (see Entertainment Zones below), but that might be changing with rental activity picking up.

• Employee parking is a challenge. We keep hearing that employees in the district are driving more often than not because they live too far away for public transit to serve their commuting needs.

• Street cleanliness matters. This year’s budget includes more trash cans, but the current holdup oddly enough is supply, not funding - our manufacturer is backlogged.

• Crime stats: Richmond Station crime was down 36% from last year, but up 69% from July (209 vs. 124, mostly thefts: 157 vs. 86). Northern Station crime was down 36% year-over-year and down 9% from July (317 vs. 348).

• Drug use near playgrounds and schools: My resolution declaring this a life-safety emergency has sparked an important (and overdue) conversation. Is it acceptable for kids and families to encounter open drug use where they should feel safe? If not, what are we doing about it? Frustrating as it is, we need to answer this now - and we’re working with SFPD on next steps.

• Cameras and ALPRs (automated license plate readers): These tools have helped reduce theft citywide, but D2 corridors have been overlooked. We’re working with SFPD to expand deployment before the holiday season.

• Safe Gun Storage: On Monday, we’ll launch an initiative with Pierce’s Pledge, led by brave advocate Lesley Hu, alongside Assemblymember Stefani, Mayor Lurie, and SFPD. Public safety means more police officers, yes, but it also means innovative solutions to prevent dangerous situations before they occur.

• New Chestnut Street foot patrol: Have you seen them? Do you feel they’re making a difference? I’d love your feedback.

• A Union Street Entertainment Zone is up for a Rules Committee vote Monday.

• What it is: During permitted events (think Bus Stop’s 125th Anniversary), bars and restaurants inside the permitted area can sell to-go drinks for consumption inside the permitted area.
   
• What it isn’t: It doesn’t change event permits or close streets.
   
• Why it matters: Right now, outside vendors sell alcohol at events, and local businesses miss out. Entertainment Zones let local merchants benefit directly. Expect more small events like wine walks, with a trash management plan in place.
   
• Trash matters: Our conversations with the Cow Hollow Association, Golden Gate Valley Neighbors Association and others have highlighted how important trash mitigation is for all events. This will be a huge component of the official “Management Plan.”

• Sacramento Street lights: After a long push by the incredible merchants association led by Ken Griffin and Danielle Bourhis, new string lights should be up before the holidays, improving safety and ambiance.

• Clay Theater renovation is moving forward, and the designs beautifully preserve and honor tradition. We’re also advancing legislation to make it easier for movie theaters to sell beer and wine - a boost for the industry citywide.

• Speaking of Fillmore Street, I received a quiet briefing that five storefronts are under renovation, with exciting new local restaurants opening early next year. They run the gamut from families to date night and more.

• The event kicks off at Raoul Wallenberg Traditional High School yard (299 Anza Vista Ave) with registration between 8:30 AM and 9 AM.
• We’ll hold a short speaking program to go over the day’s activities and get a quick safety overview.
• Volunteers and Public Works staff then will head to their assigned work sites.
• Work will take place for about 3 hours, with everyone returning to the kickoff location around noon.
• Sandwiches will be served to volunteers at the end

• Dress in layers
• Wear closed toe shoes and sunscreen
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated

Nominations are open for the 2025 San Francisco Good Neighbor Awards. Help us recognize San Francisco residents who build connection, kindness, and community in our city! One person from each supervisorial district will receive a district commendation, and the list of names from each neighborhood will be shared with participating neighborhood groups, so each neighborhood can celebrate their nominees. Nominations close Sep 12.

This is our first year celebrating San Francisco Good Neighbor Week-- a national holiday started by President Jimmy Carter in 1978-- and it's coming up soon at the end of September. In addition to celebrating our neighbors, we'll have Neighborhood Events, block leader resources, and a Good Neighbor Hackathon.
 

District 2 Neighborhood Cleanups

• Saturday, September 6th - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - 1800 Chestnut Street - Marina Cleanup

• Saturday, September 11th - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - 3154 Fillmore Street - Marina Happy Hour Cleanup

• Saturday, September 13th - 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - 2595 California Street - Laurel Village Cleanup

• Sunday, September 14th & 28th - 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM - 3154 Fillmore Street - Cow Hollow Triangle Cleanup

• Wednesday, September 10th, 17th, & 24th - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - 3 Masonic Avenue - Masonic Avenue Cleanup

• Thursday, September 18th - 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM - 610 Old Mason Street - Crissy Field Cleanup

• Thursday, September 18th - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Union Street & Baker Street - Cow Hollow Cleanup

• Friday, September 26th - 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM - 2101 Fillmore Street - Fillmore Street Happy Hour Cleanup

• Sunday, September 28th - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - 1910 Fillmore Street - Fillmore North Cleanup

Senior Spotlight: Arthur Indenbaum!
 

 

San Francisco Senior Beat has highlighted another incredible senior living in District 2! Read about the incredible life and musical journey of our very own Arthur Indenbaum HERE!