|
|
|
I hope that you and yours had a wonderful month of March and stayed as dry as possible! As we welcome April, Spring is here and it is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings.
Although San Francisco continues to face many challenges, there is much to be hopeful about in our city. This past month, I secured funds for a traffic safety study and implementation of recommendations to ensure that residents will be able to safely make their way across District 2, I worked to pass legislation allocating a $25 million budget supplemental to support officer overtime for the San Francisco Police Department, and I met with neighborhood leaders in our District to discuss priorities for the year ahead.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out at StefaniStaff@sfgov.org or 415-554-7752.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
My Continued Fight Against Gun Violence
I introduced a resolution to support AB 28, The Gun Violence Prevention, Healing, and Recovery Act, introduced by State Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel. This bill would impose a modest excise tax on firearms and ammunition sales to fund measures to protect against gun violence– including violence intervention, mental health, and school safety programs.
At a time when gun manufacturers are making record profits, we must always put the needs of our community over the interests of the gun lobby. We still have a long way to go in preventing deaths at the hands of reckless and dangerous people with guns. However, I believe this bill will put us one step closer to winning the fight against gun violence and holding the gun industry accountable. My resolution was unanimously passed by the Board of Supervisors on March 21st.
Secured $700,000 for Street Safety Study in District 2
|
As a Commissioner of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA), I secured $700,000 to study how we can improve street safety around schools, hospitals, parks, and other recreational destinations in District 2. These funds will also be used to implement street safety improvements. This project is a step in the right direction toward our city’s Vision Zero goals. Thank you to SFCTA and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA) for your work on this project and to Walk San Francisco for your continued advocacy in making our streets safer for everyone. We will continue to keep you posted on community outreach plans as public input on both phases–study and implementation–is extremely important.
Securing $25 Million for Police Officer Overtime
|
I am proud to have co-sponsored and voted for a $25 million police supplemental to support overtime costs for the San Francisco Police Department. Our officers are working constantly to meet the calls for demand for when people call 911 for help. Yet we’re understaffed by approximately 600 sworn officers making response times much slower than acceptable. I am continually pushing for greater police coverage in high-trafficked tourist areas, including the Palace of Fine Arts and our D2 commercial corridors. Northern Station, which covers the Marina and Cow Hollow, receives the highest volume of calls of any district station, but Northern Station is 55 officers short, making it impossible to meet the demand for service. Obviously this is unacceptable and this shortage is having detrimental consequences in our neighborhoods and throughout the city. This is unacceptable.
While this is just a start, we absolutely have to have a more meaningful conversation about how we recruit more officers and how we incentivize them to work and stay in San Francisco.
Here is a video explaining my decision in voting ‘yes’: twitter.com/Stefani4CA/status/1638356487834832896.
Non-Profit Accountability
The San Francisco Standard reported this month that the eight SoMa properties owned by the housing non-profit TODCO, which has $48.5 million in assets and has multimillion-dollar contracts with the city and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, have repeatedly had issues with infestations, mold, and heating in recent years. They also reported that 15 people have died from drug overdoses at TODCO buildings since the beginning of 2020.
On March 14th, I called for a hearing to ask the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development to present and report on the monitoring and oversight of their respective contracts with TODCO, and for the Department of Building Inspection and the Planning Department to present on the number of historical complaints lodged against TODCO buildings.
By TODCO President’s words, it appears that he budgets nearly $500,000 a year for political work. Notably, it's alleged that many of those funds were gained through strategic refinancing, at the base of which are taxpayer dollars.
Public resources must not be used for political or personal gain, and I will continue to push for change and accountability to protect taxpayer dollars and to demand that when we pay for a particular service, we get the results that help the vulnerable and our entire city.
|
D2 Quarterly Neighborhood Leaders Meeting
This month, I met with leaders from neighborhood organizations within District 2, including NOPNA, Northern Neighbors, the Cow Hollow Association, and the Pac Heights Residents Association. We discussed pending legislation, shared District updates, and held a Q&A session. Thank you to our neighborhood leaders for dedicating your time and effort to helping improve our District.
Sneak Peak of the Courage Museum
|
I was recently given a sneak peek tour of The Courage Museum in the Presidio. The museum aims to end the public health crisis caused by violence and the hate that fuels it. I’m looking forward to seeing what more is to come from this incredible team.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
|
March was Women’s History Month and I was proud to stand with Mayor London Breed, my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, and city Department leaders to celebrate three phenomenal women who have given so much to San Francisco. Thank you to Florence Fang, Phelicia Jones, and Andrea Dew Steele for all you have done to support and uplift women.
Advocating for Common-Sense Gun Reform in Sacramento
|
Ten years ago, Moms Demand Action was created in the wake of an extraordinary tragedy and as a way to combat a visceral lack of action by Congress on gun safety and gun violence prevention. On March 9, we took our advocacy to the next level and visited state lawmakers in Sacramento to lobby for stronger gun laws. Thank you so much to Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts and all those who continue to be fearless leaders in this fight.
Irish Flag Raising Ceremony Reception
|
Each year, the District 2 office has the honor of hosting a community reception after the Irish Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall. Thank you to For the Record, The Lark SF, Slane Whiskey, and Adriene Roche for helping continue to make this beloved tradition possible.
|
Women Lawyers for Social Justice & Supervisor Catherine Stefani Discuss: Inclusivity in our Cities & Preventing Violence Against Women
Join Supervisor Stefani and representatives of Itach Ma’aki for a panel discussion on best practices to ensure women’s representation in local governance and preventing violence against women. Itach Ma'aki — Women Lawyers for Social Justice works to give voice to women subject to social, geographic, national, ethnic and economic discrimination in Israeli society.
Monday, May 1st, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
San Francisco — location and further details will be sent to attendees
Free and open to the public, registration required — email info@jcrc.org to RSVP
Learn the Roots of Our Housing Crisis with Conor Dougherty's Golden Gates
Thursday, April 13, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Golden Gate Valley Library
1801 Green Street
Join Northern Neighbors for a journey to understand the complex underpinnings of our housing crisis, so we can move toward working together on solutions. For this discussion, they will focus on Golden Gates: The Housing Crisis and a Reckoning for the American Dream by Conor Dougherty. Reading is optional, and no commitment is required.
Tax Filing Assistance
Due to the winter storms and FEMA’s Emergency Declaration, the filing deadline for 2022 tax returns is extended to October 16, 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.
Strengthen Your House for the Next Big Earthquake
A major earthquake in California is inevitable, but being vulnerable is preventable! Older houses in California can be charming, with unique features. But houses built before 1980 are also vulnerable, as they were built before modern seismic building codes were in place. If you own an older home, learn how to benefit from a retrofit to make it stronger.
Learn more at: californiaresidentialmitigationprogram.com.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters who suffered losses caused by the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred December 27, 2022 through January 31, 2023.
Application Filing Deadlines:
- Physical Damage: May 8, 2023
- Economic Injury: December 7, 2023
Learn more at: disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is excited to announce that the Green Infrastructure Grant Program is now accepting applications for the Spring 2023 application cycle, with up to $2 million available per project.
Learn more about their grant programs at: sfpuc.org/programs/grants.
The San Francisco Superior Court is recruiting members for the 2023-2024 Civil Grand Jury, a body that investigates the operations of city government, including officials, departments, and agencies. The application deadline is May 12, 2023.
Learn more and apply at: civilgrandjury.sfgov.org.
Join the San Francisco Youth Commission on April 6th to share how the city should spend its money on young people. The Youth Commission is a body of 17 youths from San Francisco between the ages of 12 and 23 that advises the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor on policies and laws related to young people.
Sign up at: bit.ly/ycbudget.
In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, you’re invited to join a pilot education series for community and faith partners hosted by the San Francisco Interfaith Council (SFIC), the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS), and the Institute on Aging (IOA).
Register for the series and learn more about Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Certification Credit Options at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcudOCrrjkrHdACkae8eW_41ldF6AnsnLa3
The San Francisco Marina project is a unique opportunity for San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (RPD) to redevelop the SF Marina into a waterfront park that serves the diverse communities of San Francisco, providing access to the San Francisco Bay for people of all ages and backgrounds. The Project will implement environmental remediation, establish an environmental stewardship program, improve the Marina Bay Trail, and increase public access and recreational amenities in the Marina and parkland.
Learn more about the project and scope of work here: sfrecpark.org/1160/San-Francisco-Marina-Improvement-and-Rem.
|
|
|
|
|
S.F. delays community ambassadors program as Board of Supervisors considers police funding proposal
San Francisco Chronicle | March 3, 2023
“District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani urged bringing the measure before the budget committee as soon as possible. ‘At a bare minimum, San Franciscans deserve to feel safe in their City,’ she said.”
Political Turbulence Ahead for Breed’s $27M Police Overtime Bill
San Francisco Standard | March 3, 2023
“‘With a 600-officer shortfall, the SFPD needs this emergency funding—now—to be able to respond to calls for service and engage in proactive policing,’ said Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who supports the bill. ‘It’s time to stop playing politics with people’s safety and fund our public safety officers.’”
As Cannabis Sales Drop, San Francisco Dispensaries Are in Survival Mode
San Francisco Standard | March 3, 2023
“Supervisor Catherine Stefani has floated the idea of capping retail licenses or increasing the buffer zones, as well as ensuring that the buffer zones apply to preschools and child care centers. Legislation is likely to be introduced in the coming weeks.”
SFPD Pays Millions More for Officers To Work Fewer Hours—Why?
San Francisco Standard | March 9, 2023
“The $27.6 million supplemental budget requires eight supervisor votes to win approval. Supervisors Joel Engardio, Catherine Stefani, Rafael Mandelman and Dorsey co-sponsored the addition and Supervisors Myrna Melgar and Ahsha Safaí have previously voiced support for the bill.”
San Francisco Residents Seeking Concealed-Carry Permits Endure Long Waits, Fear Scorn
Wall Street Journal | March 10, 2023
“Catherine Stefani, a San Francisco supervisor, said she is drafting legislation to toughen standards for carrying firearms in public and to set out a list of sensitive places where guns will be restricted. Ms. Stefani criticized the Supreme Court decision as misguided and said it would ‘unleash more guns on our streets.’”
SF Officials Call for Federal Probe, Hearing Into Housing Nonprofit
San Francisco Standard | March 14, 2023
"'I want to be very clear: Public resources must not be used for political or personal gain, period,' Stefani said. 'Profiting from the taxpayer and public subsidies and at the expense of the city’s most vulnerable is absolutely shameful.'"
Supervisors Pass Police Overtime Bill, Hear Qualms Over Shelter Policy
San Francisco Standard | March 21, 2023
“District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani reiterated the urgency of the matter, along with the necessity of protecting businesses whose tax revenue pays for city services. ‘I think the public deserves to feel safe and be safe,’ Stefani said. ‘This ‘Louis Vuitton’ argument is driving me nuts.’”
Legalized prostitution in SF and California? Not so fast
San Francisco Examiner | March 24, 2023
“In a statement to The Examiner, Stefani said she wants ‘to ensure that we eliminate the exploitation of vulnerable populations and make certain that we do not inadvertently create a situation that empowers bad actors.’ She pointed to a recent Public Policy Institute of California report, which found that found nearly 90% of reported human trafficking cases involved sex trafficking. ‘Any attempt to decriminalize sex work absolutely must be done with meaningful input from trafficking victims and must not make the problem even worse,’ Stefani said.”
SF Pays Big Bucks to Nonprofits, Fails to Properly Monitor Them
San Francisco Standard | March 29, 2023
“‘This is exactly why San Franciscans are skeptical about how we are spending taxpayer dollars,” Stefani said in a statement. ‘Last year, we spent $1.4 billion on city contracts. And yet, the checks that are supposed to prevent and identify mismanagement failed.’”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
