MESSAGE FROM CATHERINE

With Autumn in full swing and elections right around the corner, I am proud of what my office has accomplished so far this year. San Franciscan’s resoundingly passed Proposition D, and will bring new services for victims of crime and domestic violence. The Office of Victim and Witness Rights, will guarantee legal services for survivors of domestic violence, and will provide survivors with a proven tool to break the cycle of violence. I am thrilled to have championed this public safety initiative and am grateful that the voters helped make it a reality. 

Additionally, the decisive passage of Proposition H, which recalled District Attorney Chesa Boudin, was a loud cry for change from constituents who felt unsafe on our streets and in their homes, and victims who felt abandoned.  Much like the recall of the Board of Education members, this ouster represents another flashpoint in our city's history. San Franciscans are right to demand that their elected officials act with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing the job they were elected to do. 

Warm Regards,

Catherine 

POLICY AND LEGISLATION

Public Safety 

Police Staffing

For more than two years, the San Francisco Police Department has had a staffing crisis. In March 2020, an independent study on police staffing levels found that the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) needed to hire 330 officers to meet the demand for service at that time. Since then, the need for officers has grown to over 500, and is projected to be over 700 by the end of the fiscal year.

It’s no secret that the SFPD has struggled to recruit and retain sworn officers. A generation of experienced officers are in the process of retiring, and we have not been able to recruit enough to replace those who leave. 

• We’re losing approximately two officers per week through attrition.
• New recruit applications have significantly decreased over the past 5 years -- Falling by 67% from 2017 to 2021. 

These numbers have real-world consequences. We cannot meet the demand for service, implement necessary criminal justice reforms, or protect our most vulnerable residents without adequate police staffing, and the public suffers as a result. 

I was thrilled that finally, after years of advocacy, a budget agreement was reached with the Mayor in June to provide the resources necessary to hire 220 more officers to fill critical vacancies.

Historically, SFPD has had significant attrition issues that have compounded staffing challenges. In this year’s budget we invested approximately $38 million to allow the Department to increase officer compensation, and offer bonuses and incentive pay, to better recruit and retain officers. While these initiatives won’t satisfy the full need, they represent a significant step in the right direction.

Proposition D

I want to thank all the voters of San Francisco for passing Proposition D to create an Office of Victims’ Rights in San Francisco and establish the country’s first right to civil counsel for survivors of domestic violence. As the primary author of this initiative, I am incredibly proud of the change we’re going to bring to this City.

Approximately 20,000 times per quarter, a person in San Francisco is a victim of crime. Furthermore, arrests and charges only occur in a tiny fraction of these cases. This system forces victims and witnesses of crime already suffering from the emotional, physical and financial aftermath of a crime to navigate a complicated system through multiple departments, and many ultimately receive no support. 

Proposition D will make a profound difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors by providing them with a new set of tools to end the cycle of violence. This initiative makes individuals who report domestic violence or file a domestic violence restraining order eligible for full-scope legal representation to aid with their legal issues, including protective orders, gun violence restraining orders, custody, child support, Marsy’s Law, alimony, social service benefits, health care, employment, and housing. Legal aid is the single most cost-effective intervention we can provide to keep families safe and prevent them from falling into poverty. 

Over the next year, I’m going to be extremely focused on ensuring that Proposition D is fully implemented.  Between Prop D  implementation, a new District Attorney, and funding the SFPD, San Franciscans will see one of the largest investments in public safety in years, and I fully intend to make sure you all feel the benefits..

Downtown’s Economic Future

San Francisco's downtown core and Financial District have been devastated by the pandemic, and early signs indicate that our recovery continues to lag behind the rest of the nation. A report from February underscored that our job recovery is 15% lower than the national average, and 10% lower than California as a whole.

Additional indicators like hotel occupancy, domestic air travel, and transit ridership show that San Francisco is well behind other major U.S. metro areas. More than 42% of San Francisco’s small businesses and 30% of its total employment are located within the area defined as the city’s economic core, according to data from the Controller’s Office. As such, I have issued a letter of inquiry to the City Assessor’s Office, The City Controller’s Office, and the Office of Economic and  Workforce Development.  

The purpose of this letter of inquiry is to ask each office to try and assess the likelihood and impact of reduced demand for commercial space in San Francisco, especially in our downtown, and on local tax revenue. In order to better understand this issue, I have requested information on: what is the share of property tax revenue from commercial real estate; have there been any recent trends in commercial real estate transaction activity that might impact property tax revenue; how have property values changed and can we forecast any impact; and are property owners changing the rate at which they request reassessments? 

The City Economist is developing a model to understand the economic impact of these changes, and I am holding a hearing on the results of that analysis in November. This information is crucial to understanding the problem and developing new policies to revitalize our downtown core.

Addiction and Recovery

BAART Programs

It's a fact that the opioid crisis in San Francisco, fueled by the pandemic, has claimed more lives than COVID-19. The mortality rate doubled among the homeless population in the city as a direct result of opioids like fentanyl flooding  our streets. Recently, I became aware of allegations that individuals seeking to enroll in methadone treatment for their opioid addiction were being turned away. We cannot force people seeking treatment back out to the streets to face their addiction alone.  This is a public health and public safety crisis and that is why I submitted  a formal letter of inquiry about alleged delays in intake at the city’s drug treatment facilities.  

If you or a loved one are experiencing the grip of the opioid addiction there is a path to break the addiction BAART Program's  comprehensive medication-assisted treatment. Call: 844-341-4040 to schedule an assessment. 

Additionally, those seeking treatment for addiction can find other recovery programs, like Ohloff House, which offers inpatient and outpatient programs for those seeking an abstinence-based treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are peer-based support services for those want to seek help with substance abuse issues. AA and NA are free and meetings are open to anyone wants to begin to address their addictions.

San Francisco Recovers

I was proud to stand with Supervisor Matt Dorsey and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman to announce San Francisco Recovers. This new program plans to use some of the $100 million the city earned in opioid litigation settlements to do three things:  incentivize and support those with substance-use disorders to seek recovery, end street-level drug use and dealing; and ordering 21 city departments to get on the same page.

Transportation

Muni Service Restored

Several Muni Bus routes are increasing service throughout the District. I am pleased that SFMTA is ramping up capacity and transit operability as the city adapts to life post-pandemic.

2 Sutter (formerly 2 Clement), 6:30 am – 7 pm daily: The 2 Sutter has returned to service as a shortened route between Presidio & California and Ferry Plaza. The new terminal near Ferry Plaza  is at Steuart & Don Chee Way. Riders looking to continue travel west of Presidio Avenue should transfer to the outbound 1 California Route at California & Presidio.

43 Masonic (open): This major connecting route is restored to pre-pandemic alignment, extending to north of Presidio Avenue and California Street to the Presidio, the Marina and Fort Mason.

28 19th Avenue (open): Extended from Van Ness Avenue and North Point Street to Powell and Beach streets in Fisherman’s Wharf to replace the 49 Van Ness-Mission, which will terminate at Van Ness & North Point in response to changing trip patterns.

45 Union/Stockton (open): Increased frequency to address crowding.

We know there’s still a lot of work to be done and we’re actively meeting with the SFMTA about restoring service along the 3 Jackson and 30X Marina Express lines. We know how important these lines are to District 2 residents and we’re pushing to return services to these routes.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Wear Orange Golden Gate Bridge March

I had a great experience marching the length of the Golden Gate Bridge with Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action to end gun violence. Arm-and-arm with Jackie Speier, Shannon Watts, Mattie Scott and hundreds of supporters, activists, and those impacted by gun violence, we marched to elevate awareness on the nation’s gun violence crisis.

The latest victory, the signing of the Safe Communities Act by President Joe Biden on June 25^th, is a direct result of the hard work of Everytown, Moms Demand Action, and Students Demand Action. Placing over 1 million calls and messages to the U.S. Senate and advising the drafting of the legislation, the fight for sensible gun laws advances. If you want to get involved in Moms Demand Action, you can text READY to 644-33.

Honoring SFPD & SFFD for Field Birth

I honored members of the San Francisco Police and Fire Departments for their exceptional response to an emergency field birth of twin babies on May 21st. When the initial 911 call came in to dispatch the family-to-be did not know their exact location and the mother was in very active labor. SFPD officers saturated the area in search for the family and Captain Jack Hart located the vehicle and family, directing additional Officers, Fire, and EMS to the location. Police, Fire, and Ambulance crews worked quickly to ensure the safe delivery of these twins, and I thank them for their incredible service.

Union Street Fair 

District 2 welcomed back the 47th annual Union Street Festival on July 4th and 5th. The festival kicked off the San Francisco Street Festival Season, featuring live classical and jazz music as well as food, art, photography, and other unique items from over 100 boutique vendors. It gives me great pleasure to host such a unique family-friendly event in the district, bringing the community closer together and symbolizing our gradual return to a more normal way of life. I want to thank the Union Street Merchant Association for their incredible leadership and congratulate them on throwing such a fantastic event!

Tunnel Tops opening

The Tunnel Tops Park in the Presidio neighborhood opened July 17^th. The 14-acre park connects Presidio’s Main Post with Crissy Field through a series of bluff landscapes, pathways and communal gathering places and features several scenic overlooks, trails, and picnic areas. Tunnel Tops plans to continue celebrating its grand opening with a score of communal events every first Sunday from 1pm-4pm including outdoor art, drop-in nature and history explorations, and National Park Service ranger talks. Reserve a picnic table, starting August 1st and enjoy fantastic iconic views and all the natural wonder of our revitalized green open space. 

Honoring Ruth Borenstein

I was excited to close out Pride Month by honoring Ruth Borenstein. Ruth is an incredible LGBTQ rights and gun violence prevention activist . Ruth filed amicus briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court and several state supreme courts to support marriage equality, and she was part of a team of lawyers from Morrison and Foerster and the ACLU who fought for relationship recognition for same-sex couples in Montana. In 2018 Ruth joined the San Francisco Brady Chapter and together, she and I worked on some of the original ghost gun ban legislation, and in partnership with my office, we helped pave the way for numerous counties throughout the state to adopt similar laws and the State of CA’s recent strengthening of its ghost gun regulations. 

Pride Parade

With basic human rights under attack around the country, it was a true joy and honor to partake in the Pride Parade this year. I am so excited to see the city spring back to life after two long  years!. This was San Francisco's 52nd annual Pride Parade and Pride remains the largest LGBTQ+ gathering in the U.S., with over 200 parade contingents and exhibitors and more than 20 community-run stages and venues. This year's Pride was a huge success and I am looking forward to all of the future major events throughout the city!

Chuseok Festival

It was my absolute pleasure to welcome the Chuseok Day Festival back to the Presidio for the first in-person celebration in three years.  The Chuseok Day Festival, also known as “Korean Thanksgiving,” in the Presidio has become a major event for the Korean community in the Bay Area. I’m thrilled to have the Korean Center, Inc. in District 2 and was proud to honor them for their work organizing and hosting this incredible festival. Thousands gathered for games, food, and performances, I can’t wait for next year’s celebration!

Fillmore Street Merchant Walk

I had the honor of joining the Fillmore Street Merchant Association and Avenue Greenlight on a merchant walk to visit with merchants, residents, and customers to hear about the issues they face and the improvements they’d like to see. Public safety remains a top priority for merchants along Fillmore, as it is for everyone in San Francisco. 

Honoring Planned Parenthood’s Gilda Gonzales for Latino Heritage Month

This has been a devastating year for women’s rights and reproductive health in the United States. In the face of tremendous adversity and relentless protests and harassment, I am proud to stand with Planned Parenthood at every opportunity I can, and I’m thrilled that their new flagship clinic is located in District 2. This year, I could think of no one better to honor for Latino Heritage Month than Gilda Gonzales, the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Northern California. Gilda is the first latina to serve as CEO of any Planned Parenthood affiliate in California, and she has dedicated her entire career to championing healthy communities and increasing access to healthcare, especially for those who need it the most. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Planned Parenthood Drag and Disco Fundraiser

Please join the Planned Parenthood of Northern California for their Drag & Disco fundraiser on Thursday, October 6 in San Francisco! This event will feature a drag show, disco music, dancing, drinks, appetizers, and the opportunity to learn about Prop 1. Dust off your dancing shoes and help protect reproductive freedom in California!

Buy Tickets Here

Friends of Allyne Social

Friday, October 7th from 5:30pm-dark is the first Friends of Allyne Park social event - kick off your Blue Angels weekend with a fun gathering in Allyne Park! They'll provide snacks . Please BYO beverages and cups and please RSVP here with the # in your party before 10/5.

Friends of Lafayette Park Fall Social 

After 2 years of canceled events, Friends of Lafayette Park presents:

The 11th Annual Friends of Lafayette Park Fall Social 

October 7th, 2022

4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

At the Summit (Top of the Park)

Friends of Lafayette Park invite you to our annual neighborhood gathering.

We'll provide food from some of our favorite neighborhood restaurants, drinks, live music, and an amazing time in our own Lafayette Park.

Lots of fun for all ages! Dogs too!

Italian American Heritage Parade and Celebration

Join San Francisco’s Italian-American Community as we celebrate the Italian Heritage Festival & Parade, featuring Italian and Italian-American dignitaries, music, performances, floats, and representatives of Italian and Italian-American organizations and businesses. The Parade begins at 12:30 pm on Sunday October 9 at the foot of Jefferson and Powell Streets in Fisherman’s Wharf, proceeds south through North Beach on Columbus Avenue and ends in Washington Square in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church. Parade viewing is available throughout the entire route.

Find more information here: https://sfitalianheritage.org/

Fleet Week

San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) began in 1981 when then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein led the nation in celebrating America's sea services.

Taking place every October in San Francisco over Italian Heritage Weekend, SFFW's air show, the parade of ships and many community events have become a significant and integral part of the city's local culture and economy.

SFFW also features a unique training and education program that brings together civilian and military forces to develop and share best practices in humanitarian assistance.

SFFW creates important and lasting relationships for its partners and generates over $10M in annual revenue for the city. SFFW is now recognized by the United States Department of Defense as the model for fleet weeks across the country.

Held annually between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, The San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show Presented by United attracts fans from all over the globe. The waterfront event is headlined by The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and is the only air show in the United States with a commercial airliner, the United 777, to perform a fully choreographed act.

Find more information here: https://fleetweeksf.org/air-show/

Northern Neighbors Block Party

Come party with Northern Neighbors on October 15 from 11:00 to 4:00. We are planning several activities on Green Street between Laguna and Buchanan. We can use your help! Sign up to show up and have some fun! 

RSVP Here

All Out SF

All Out SF is a week-long celebration of San Francisco and all the ways to make it even better. Organized by Manny Yekutiel of Welcome to Manny's, All Out SF will run from October 16-23 and is a dedicated week to celebrate San Francisco and get involved in making it even better.

Citywide events will span the week ranging from beautification projects, civic conversations & advocacy, arts, culture, and community. You'll be encouraged to bring friends and to post and share throughout the week to @alloutsf and #alloutsf. 

It's time we pour some love back into San Francisco.  All Out SF is a truly group endeavor with partner organizations across the city that are bonding together to make this week possible. 

Find more information here: https://www.alloutsf.com/

SFUSD PreKindergarten and Elementary School Enrollment Fair

SAVE THE DATES! Join us in-person for the 2023-24 SFUSD Pre-Kindergarten and Elementary School Enrollment Fair on Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 10am to 2pm at John O’ Connell High School! And join us online for the 2023-24 Middle and High School Enrollment Fair from Monday, October 24 to Thursday, October 27 from 5pm to 7pm. Meet representatives from our schools! Learn about school programs, how to apply, and more! To subscribe to get updates about the Fair, visit sfusd.edu/fair.

Clean Corridors

A new season of Clean Corridors, is scheduled to begin.  Public Works deploys a contingent of power-washers, flusher trucks, litter removers, graffiti abaters, and outreach inspectors to clean the streets, sidewalks, and public furniture along key commercial corridors while also educating residents and merchants about their cleanliness responsibilities and Public Works’ role. These events take place citywide every Thursday at 8am starting August 1st. 

Here is our D2 schedule for the upcoming year:

December 29, 2022: Chestnut and Lombard (westbound) from Fillmore to Divisadero (including side streets)

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTION

DBI has been conducting public outreach on the Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) program and would appreciate if your office could share the following blurb with your constituents and networks:

Help make sure San Francisco is welcoming to all! Commercial property owners of public-serving businesses are legally required to confirm that their primary entrances are accessible to people with disabilities. Learn more about the Department of Building Inspection’s Accessible Business Entrance program at sfdbi.org/abe.

 SFPUC Green Infrastructure Grant Program

The Green Infrastructure Grant Program funds the design and construction of green stormwater infrastructure on large public and private properties.

• Projects must capture stormwater runoff from at least 0.5 acres (21,780 sf) of impervious surface, work with a licensed Landscape Architect or Engineer, and meet all other eligibility requirements outlined in the Fall 2022 Application Requirements.
• Each applicant, if approved can receive up to $2M per project.

This fall competitive cycle includes expanded grantee eligibility including the option for community groups and contractors to receive grant funds directly.

Are you ready to beautify your neighborhood, build resilience to climate change, and protect our surrounding waters through sustainable stormwater management practices? Transform underutilized space into a multi-benefit, community-oriented stormwater project through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Green Infrastructure Grant Program. 

We are excited to announce that the SFPUC Green Infrastructure Grant Program is now accepting applications for the Fall 2022 application cycle. Applications are due October 31st.

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