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I hope you had a great February. As we close out the month, I want to update you on what we have accomplished in working towards a better San Francisco.
Since my last newsletter, I have chaired several Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee meetings, met with constituents, and attended community events. My office also received information about programs and events that might interest you. I am pushing forward with non-profit accountability, gun violence prevention, and ensuring public safety continues to be a priority.
Please contact me at StefaniStaff@sfgov.org or 415-554-7752 with any questions about what I'm working on or how my office can help you.
Sincerely,
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Non-Profit Accountability Hearing
On February 16th, at the Government Audit & Oversight Committee, I held my hearing to discuss the findings and recommendations from the Citywide Nonprofit Performance Audit published late last year. We need to do a much better job evaluating the programs and services the City funds and determine whether they meet the community's needs. At a bare minimum, we need to know the impacts of the services the city funds.
The hearing proved helpful as I continue to craft legislation with the Controller’s Office and the City Attorney’s Office to make non-profit accountability a reality.
Letter of Inquiry Regarding Firearms and Ammunition Procurement Draft Legislation
On January 31st, I introduced “Letters of Inquiry” to our public safety agencies asking them to outline how they obtain their service weapons and ammunition. This was in response to a report by the Brady United Against Violence Campaign that revealed at least 90 law enforcement agencies in California have contracted with firearms vendors who have violated federal firearm laws.
I am deeply troubled by these findings, and I want to ensure future taxpayer dollars are not inadvertently spent on perpetuating the gun violence epidemic. Therefore, I am continuing my discussions with the City Attorney's Office to draft legislation to ensure that the City and County of San Francisco only purchase from responsible vendors.
Honoring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
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| It was my great honor to commend Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi for her historic tenure as the first woman Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and for all she has done for San Francisco and our entire country. Not only did she shatter the “marble ceiling,” but she is one of the greatest legislators of our time. Thank you for the reminder that “our diversity is our strength, our unity is our power.” |
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Fontana Towers Neighborhood Meeting
It is always a pleasure reconnecting with my constituents at Fontana Towers. Thank you for hosting me to discuss updates for the District, issues of public safety, and ways to get involved in our community. I look forward to meeting with more neighborhoods in the coming months.
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Aquatic Park Pier
Thank you to the Aquatic Park & Pier Project for advocating for Muni Pier! Supporters of the pier toured the park and discussed the project with the National Park Foundation. Muni Pier has been closed for months due to deterioration and safety concerns. We must do all that we can to save this city treasure.
Thank you to Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla for writing a letter to the Biden administration to urge funding for the project. Read more about it in this San Francisco Standard article.
For more information about the efforts to save the Pier, go to aquaticparkpier.org. |
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PresidiGo Bus Event
Congratulations to the Presidio Trust for launching its first battery-electric PresidiGo bus! We must do all we can to curb greenhouse gas emissions and fight the climate crisis. I'm proud to support having an all-electric fleet and making the Presidio more accessible for everyone.
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Casaro Osteria Grand Opening - 2136 Union Street
I was thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Casaro Osteria! It was such a joy to welcome a new business to the Union Street corridor. Their menu is inspired by Francesco Covucci’s Italian hometown and is absolutely delizioso! Benvenuto Casaro Osteria!
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Lunar New Year Events
February was filled with community events celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. Thank you to all the organizations and leaders who made these festivities possible.
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Lunar New Year Parade
The rain didn’t stop us from enjoying the Lunar New Year parade this year! My friend Monthanus Ratanapakdee and I had the best time walking the route. I can’t thank her enough for joining me and for all she does to advocate for the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. I’m proud to stand in solidarity with her to stop AAPI hate and violence. |
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API Council Celebrating Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
I had the honor of joining the Asian Pacific Islander Council to celebrate Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. San Francisco is blessed to have such incredible representation, and I am proud to have commended her at the Board of Supervisors. Thank you to the API Council for doing the same at this event. |
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SEIU 2015 Lunar New Year Celebration
Congratulations to SEIU Local 2015 on a successful Lunar New Year celebration event! Thank you for being advocates for long-term caregivers. Their role in the labor movement is vital as workers deserve a living wage, benefits, and a seat at the table. |
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Lunar New Year Events Throughout the City
I was thrilled to continue celebrating Lunar New Year and welcome the year of the rabbit with the incredibly resilient AAPI community. I look forward to an auspicious year of peace and tranquility. Gung Hay Fat Choy! |
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Let’s Talk About Us
Congratulations to artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya and Asian Women’s Shelter on their partnership for the “Let’s Talk About Us” campaign. Our city is honored to highlight Amanda’s work in more than a dozen BART stations systemwide and aboard trains serving each BART line. An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. We must have these tough conversations to spark change.
Let’s start the conversation today. Contact the Asian Women’s Shelter’s Crisis Line at 1-877-751-0880.
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Celebrating the Japanese Emperor’s Birthday at the Consulate
I had an incredible time celebrating Emperor Naruhito’s birthday with the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco. Thank you to Consul General Noguchi and his family for welcoming everyone to their home.
Japan holds such a special place in my heart as I taught English there for a year after graduating from college on the JET (Japanese Exchange and Teaching) Program. |
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Commending Father Michael J. Healy
It was my honor to commemorate Father Michael J. Healy’s 50+ years of priesthood and 25 years as chaplain to the San Francisco Police Department. His warmth and kindness have blessed thousands of lives here in the Bay Area. I wish him nothing but the best and thank him for being a channel for peace. |
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Farewell to Ike Kwon
Congratulations to Ike Kwon for an incredible 15 years with the California Academy of Sciences. Thank you for all that you have given to San Francisco. I’m excited to see your leadership at the Field Museum in your hometown of Chicago. We’ll miss you dearly and look forward to seeing you again soon! |
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Honoring Our Emergency First Responders
Congratulations to this year’s Rotary Club of San Francisco Emergency Services Day honorees. As first responders, you all play critical roles in keeping our residents and visitors safe. Thank you to the following for all that you do:
- US Coast Guard Sector San Francisco
- San Francisco Police Department
- San Francisco Fire Department
- San Francisco Sheriff's Office
- San Francisco Department of Emergency Management
- San Francisco Recreation and Park Department’s Park Rangers
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Captain Jackson’s Eight Tips to Protect Yourself Against Crime
We must continue to do all we can to adequately staff SFPD and ensure a safer San Francisco. Recent crimes affecting our District are the harmful consequences of an overworked and chronically understaffed police force. Until the City can address the staffing crisis, Northern Station’s Captain Derrick Jackson has eight tips to protect yourself. They are:
- Make Friends with Your Neighbors
- Organize Safety Efforts
- Keep Up Your Yard Landscaping
- Exercise Caution When Out of Town
- Close Windows and Blinds at Night
- Improve Lighting on Your Street
- Install A Security System
- See Something, Say Something
Receive updates from the Northern Station by signing up for their newsletter at sanfranciscopolice.org/stations/northern-station.
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The San Francisco Women’s Political Committee is collaborating with the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee — the governing body of the local Democratic party — to draft a zero-tolerance policy for sexual violence. This policy is inspired by the stories women have shared about the violence they experienced in the San Francisco political sphere. Women and woman-identifying changemakers can't champion intersectional feminism in San Francisco politics with the ever-present threat of violence.
This policy, if adopted by the local San Francisco Democratic Party, will be applied to all of the City’s chartered Democratic clubs and will be the first of its kind, paving the way for other party chapters, and even the state party, to implement a similar practice. As they are currently in the process of crafting an initial draft of the zero-tolerance policy, they’re gathering input from survivors and allies to ensure it’s survivor-centered and survivor-driven.
Please help collectively envision what this policy could look like by sharing your perspective before the extended deadline of March 15th.
Fill out the survey at i1bgxuscrpf.typeform.com/to/UPhY3CM3.
New 1X California Express Pilot Starts
Get downtown from the Richmond faster!
The recently launched 1X California Express pilot program now offers bus service between the Richmond District and the Financial District during peak weekday hours.
To Downtown: Three morning 1X California Express buses will leave 33rd Avenue and Geary Boulevard at 8:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 9:00 a.m. The 1X California Express will make stops along the 1 California route on Clement and California Streets until Arguello Street, then express to Davis and Pine streets.
To the Richmond: Three afternoon 1X California Express buses will leave Sacramento and Davis streets at 4:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. The 1X California Express will make three downtown stops and then express to Arguello and California Streets.
Visit SFMTA.com/1X for more details.
Customers can also use SFMTA.com/TripPlanner to plan your trip.
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This program does not apply to peak tow-away, yellow or white zones, hazards, or any other parking violations. Applicants are limited to one phone number per license plate.
What Happens Next
Once your vehicle is enrolled, if a Parking Control Officer finds your vehicle in violation of one of the regulations, a text message will be sent to alert you that your vehicle is subject to towing.
Your vehicle will still receive a citation for a violation. However, this service may prevent vehicles from being towed by giving you time to move your vehicle before a tow truck arrives. A tow truck will be dispatched in conjunction with the text message notification and could be there in as few as five minutes. Once a vehicle is hooked up to a tow truck the tow cannot be stopped.
Harassment of SFMTA or its contractor staff will result in immediate termination from the program and may result in criminal prosecution.
This program is provided as a courtesy only. The SFMTA cannot guarantee the delivery or receipt of text messages. Failure to receive a text message cannot be used as a basis for a citation or tow refund.
Learn more at: SFMTA.com/TextBeforeTow.
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The de Young Museum invites you, and all Bay Area families, to attend the second annual de Youngsters Day Out on Saturday, March 11, 2023.
This event is open to every Bay Area family and free of charge. The in-person, all-day event will include hands-on art-making activities, in-gallery conversations and entertainment led by teaching artists and community partners, collaborations with local contemporary artists interpreting our permanent collection, and live performances and music in Wilsey Court.
Proceeds from the event support our Equity School Partnership Project, which provides in-classroom instructional support, art supplies, and transportation for students who do not typically visit the de Young.
Mark your calendars for March 11 — we hope to see you there!
Learn more at: famsf.org/events/de-youngsters-day-out-2023.
Presidio.tours is a website that allows you to find places in the Presidio to go for a walk, eat, drink, sightsee, and discover memorials. The interface is optimized for when you’re in the park. See what’s close by, and what else you can go do!
Learn more at: presidio.tours.
The filing deadline for 2022 tax returns is April 18, 2023. The San Francisco Human Services Agency has nonprofit partners that make it easy to safely and securely file your taxes for free using online tools or in-person service options.
Learn more at: sfhsa.org/services/financial-assistance/free-tax-help.
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What plans do The City's supervisors have for 2023?
San Francisco Examiner | February 3, 2023
“Supervisor Catherine Stefani, whose district includes The Marina, will focus on police staffing, as well as nonprofit accountability and oversight in 2023. ‘Our constituents want to feel safe and know that their taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely. They deserve nothing less,’ she wrote in a statement to The Examiner.”
Suspended, Revoked Nonprofits Could Lose City Contracts Under New Policy
San Francisco Standard | February 7, 2023
“Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who will be holding a Feb. 16 hearing to review the guidance issued Tuesday along with other audits from the City Controller’s Office, said in a statement that the new policy ‘is a step in the right direction to ensure that nonprofits are in compliance with existing rules and to legitimize the city’s oversight over these contracts.’”
S.F. could bar nonprofits from doing business with city unless they're in good standing with state
San Francisco Chronicle | February 8, 2023
“District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani previously called on the City Attorney to draft legislation to better measure the work nonprofits do. The supervisors’ Government Audit & Oversight Committee is set to consider the issue later this month. ‘The guidance issued yesterday by the City Attorney, the City Administrator, and the Controller is a step in the right direction,’ she said, in an written statement, ‘to ensure that nonprofits are in compliance with existing rules and to legitimize the city’s oversight over these contracts.’”
On Valentine’s Day, Supervisors Fete Pelosi, Then Draw Lines on SF Controversies
San Francisco Standard | February 14, 2023
“Supervisor Catherine Stefani, the primary sponsor of the commendation, cited Pelosi as a personal inspiration for her own career, and praised the speaker emerita’s record of progress on gun safety, her response to the 2008 financial crisis and for enacting and saving President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act.”
S.F. City Hall seeks more oversight of nonprofits that it pays $1.4 billion
San Francisco Chronicle | February 17, 2023
“‘At a bare minimum, we need to know the impacts of the services the city funds,’ Stefani said Thursday at a public hearing she called for closer scrutiny of city-funded nonprofits.”
Supervisors Hash Out City Audit That Revealed Lack of Nonprofit Oversight
San Francisco Standard | February 17, 2023
“Incorporating input from the hearing, Supervisor Catherine Stefani plans to introduce legislation intended to improve oversight of the city’s extensive relationships with nonprofit contractors. ‘Transparency is a huge part of it,’ said Stefani. ‘Not just for the public but for us, to get a better understanding of the services we need.’”
Man Accused of Firing Rounds in Synagogue Could Be Permanently Barred From Owning Guns
NBC Bay Area | February 23, 2023
“The city attorney's office began ramping up its GVRO program after San Francisco Supervisor Catherine Stefani secured a budget increase for the program in 2022. The office has since hosted training programs for city agencies and law enforcement officials on how GVROs work and how to obtain them.”
(Learn more about Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) at speakforsafety.org.)
SF Cannabis at a Crossroads As Calls for Retail Limits Grow Louder
The Frisc | February 23, 2023
“On Jan. 24, during an appeal of a permit for a new Excelsior District dispensary, Sup. Catherine Stefani said she was working with the city attorney’s office on ‘a citywide restriction and cap’ on cannabis retail, and that draft legislation should be out in coming weeks.”
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Office of Supervisor Catherine Stefani
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 273, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-7752 Fax: (415) 554-7843
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