MESSAGE FROM CATHERINE
I’ve been working hard to address our neighborhoods’ biggest challenges, including public safety, homelessness, and saving our local landmarks. Keep reading for more detailed updates on my efforts! And as always, you can contact my office anytime by emailing me at catherine.stefani@sfgov.org or calling me at (415) 554-7752.
Warm Regards,
Catherine
POLICY AND LEGISLATION UPDATES
Conservatorship
After several months of planning, the Rules Committee finally heard local legislation to implement SB 1045 in San Francisco, which allows the city to expand the use of conservatorship for persons incapable of caring for their own health and well-being due to a serious mental health illness or substance abuse disorder. I have co-sponsored this legislation and I’m working with Mayor Breed and my colleagues who have been supportive to secure the six votes necessary to make sure this passes. It will go before the full Board for a vote on June 4th.
For too long, we have allowed people with dire behavioral health issues to live and die on our streets. Conservatorships will not fully solve the problems we face, but are a key step to improving care for the some of the people with the greatest need in San Francisco.
Gun Violence Restraining Orders
For the last several months, I have been working with law enforcement agencies to create a robust Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) program in San Francisco. Created by state legislation in 2014, GVROs allow law enforcement and family members to petition the court to prohibit a person deemed a danger to themselves or others from having or purchasing guns. Following a terrifying story about a man with behavioral health issues who owned weapons directly across the street from a school in District 2, I announced an effort to have the City Attorney immediately draft legislation to create protocols for this program. I look forward to introducing legislation in the coming weeks and am excited for San Francisco to become a leader in GVROs in California and across the country.
Lombard Crooked Street Reservation and Pricing System
The State Assembly passed Assemblymember Ting’s AB 1605 in a 51-18 vote, which will authorize the city to implement the Lombard Crooked Street Reservation and Pricing System as a one-year pilot program. For years, I have worked to address the congestion created by the 2 million visitors that come to the Crooked Street every year. I created the Lombard Ambassadors Program, worked with the SFMTA to change traffic flow with signage, increased the number of parking control officers in the area, and added police enforcement with add-back funds. However, more needs to be done. AB 1605 will now move on to the Senate. Once AB 1605 becomes law, our next step will be to pass local legislation that will allow us to install the system. After years of work with the Country Transportation Authority and local neighbors, I am excited to try the Lombard Reservation and Pricing System. We know it has worked for Muir Woods and, based on our studies and outreach, we have high hopes it will make a huge difference and improve the experience for both neighbors and visitors alike.
Advocating in Washington, D.C.
I traveled to Washington, D.C. with Board President Norman Yee and a group of San Francisco leaders for the annual Chamber of Commerce CityTrip D.C. This trip offered an opportunity to advocate for federal support for San Francisco’s most pressing issues including homeless services, infrastructure improvements, and housing affordability. I met with Bay Area leaders in DC including Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, and the Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In my meeting with Senator Feinstein, I advocated for funding to save the Aquatic Park Pier, and look forward to working with her office and the working group created to save the Pier.
Saving Aquatic Park Pier
The Aquatic Park Pier is one of San Francisco’s most cherished landmarks. The Pier, a vital historic treasure, provides a key safety buffer against sea-level rise and protects swimmers, boaters, and the historic ships at the Hyde Street Pier. It was last repaired in 1948, and requires immediate attention. I sponsored a resolution, which passed unanimously, to urge the federal government to adequately fund the replacement of the Pier, and I will continue to work with our working group on improvements to the Pier and surrounding areas.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Spring Celebration and Easter Parade
To celebrate the start of spring and Easter, I was honored to be the Grand Marshall of the Union Street Easter Parade. The weather was perfect, and our neighbors were out celebrating on one of the best corridors in District 2. Thank you to the Union Street Association, Eleanor Carpenter and Leslie Drapkin of Jest Jewels, and Lesley Leonhardt for helping organize this wonderful event.
Honoring Rodney Fong
At the Board of Supervisors’ ceremony for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I honored Rodney Fong as District 2’s honoree. Rodney has been a vital part of the District 2 and our entire San Francisco Community as a business owner, Port Commissioner, and Planning Commissioner. I am also thrilled to extend my congratulations to Rodney for recently becoming the President and CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce!
Small Business Week Honoree
In recognition of Small Business Week, I honored local businesswoman Sue Fisher King. Sue Fisher King Co. has sold artisan crafted home furnishings for over 40 years. Sue is an active member of the Sacramento Street Merchants Association, and I commend her on her leadership for our local business community. Visit her store at 3067 Sacramento Street.
Bike to Work Day
I had an incredible morning on May 9th celebrating Bike to Work Day by riding from Rapha at Filbert and Fillmore to City Hall. It was my first time ever on an electric-assisted bike and was one of the easiest rides of my life!
Muni Art 2020 Call for Artists Open for Submissions
San Francisco Beautiful is putting out the call to all artists to apply for Muni Art 2020. The theme for this year’s contest is “Hidden Gems in San Francisco”. Five winners will be selected to have their art or poem displayed on 100 Muni busses city wide starting January 2020. In addition to the display of your art the winners will receive $1,000 at a press conference on the steps of City Hall. The deadline to submit your art or poem is Friday, June 29th at 6 PM.
LOCAL EVENTS
San Francisco International Arts Festival
May 23 to June 2, Times Vary
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, 2 Marina Blvd, Building C, Room 260
Imagine a microcosm of the Bay Area through a multicultural performance platform that presents innovative projects focused on increasing human awareness and understanding.
Lafayette Park Cleaning and Greening
June 1, 9 AM to 12 PM
Lafayette Park Picnic Tables (South Side)
Join the Friends of Lafayette Park the first Saturday of each month to install new plants, weed, sweep, and more! Morning coffee and pastries are provided.
Crissy Field Next Open House
June 1, 10 AM to 2 PM
1199 East Beach
The National Park Service, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and the Presidio Trust are revitalizing Crissy Field! Swing by this free event to view initial design concepts and enjoy snacks and games.
Union Street Festival
June 1 and 2, 10 AM to 6 PM
Union Street between Gough Street and Fillmore Street
Come to enjoy over 100 vendors and try some local food and drinks!
Moms Demand Action Poster Making Party
June 2, 2:30 PM
Sports Basement Presidio, 610 Old Mason Street
San Francisco Moms Demand Action will be hosting a Craftivist party to create posters for the Wear Orange Golden Gate Bridge March. Join to learn more about Wear Orange and Moms Demand Action.
San Francisco Jazz Festival
June 11 to 23, Times Vary
SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin Stree
Attend more than 40 big-name shows at four venues during the 37th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival.
5th National Gun Violence Awareness Day
June 8, 11:30 AM
San Francisco Bridge Plaza
Join Moms Demand Action and community partners for National Wear Orange Weekend to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge to show that we are united in the belief that we can do more to stop gun violence.
Fillmore Summer Fest Kick-Off
June 8, 12 PM to 5 PM
Hamilton Recreation Center, 1900 Geary Blvd
Includes a free blues concert, a family BBQ with food for sale, and a kids’ zone. Free admission.
West Coast Craft Fair
June 8 and 9, 10 AM to 6 PM
Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd
West Coast Craft features the best artist and designer craftspeople inspired by the cultural and natural histories of the West Coast.
The Moral Voice: Faith Speaks Out on Gun Violence
June 10, 7 PM
Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street
Join me and leaders of diverse faiths from across the city to hear how our beliefs impact our stance on gun violence.
San Francisco Pride Parade
June 30, 10:30 AM
Market Street from Embarcadero to Civic Center
San Francisco Pride is one of the oldest and largest Pride parades in the world! Contingents march through the heart of the city, along Market Street, with more than 100,000 spectators. Stay tuned for more on my office’s Pride plans!
Office of Supervisor Catherine Stefani
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 260, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-7752 Fax: (415) 554-7843
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