Hello District 8!
Though August was legislative recess, the work at City Hall continued and September was as busy as ever. Mayor Daniel Lurie’s Family Zoning Plan, which provides for San Francisco to meet our state-mandated housing goals, is currently moving through the legislative process. The Planning Department has held over fifty community meetings to talk about the plan, including one in Cole Valley which our office hosted in partnership with the Cole Valley Improvement Association. While I support building housing, especially around our transit corridors, I am concerned about the preservation of our City’s historic resources as we upzone. The Planning Department and Mayor Lurie have been receptive to my concerns and I look forward to working together to
address them.
The upzoning plan passed the Planning Commission in mid-September and will go to the Land Use and Transportation Committee on October 20th.
As we approach the end of the year, my office looks forward to seeing you at one of District 8's many block parties, night markets and holiday events.
See you in the District!
Rafael |
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Contract Streamlining Act -
On October 7th, my Open for Business Contract Streamlining Act of 2025 passed the full Board of Supervisors. This legislation represents the most comprehensive overhaul of our City’s contracting processes in decades and will make it easier for small businesses trying to do business with the City. With almost half our City budget going towards procurement, this legislation will save the City money while making our contracting process more competitive.
Ethics Streamlining Legislation
- In early September, after working closely with the Ethics Commission and their staff, I introduced three pieces of legislation to clean up and streamline ethics reporting requirements in San Francisco. The reforms touch a number of services the Ethics Commission administers and include updating campaign finance contribution limits, the overall public financing program and ethics reporting requirements for major developers and consultants. The legislation aims to eliminate redundant requirements and processes and make City government work better for residents and City employees. All three pieces of legislation passed the Ethics Commission with a 5-0 vote prior to consideration by the Board of Supervisors.
All-Electric Major Renovations
- My All-Electric Major Renovations legislation passed the full Board of Supervisors and will go into effect starting July of 2026. The legislation builds on my earlier All-Electric New Construction Ordinance, requiring major renovation projects to transition to clean, all-electric systems. Nearly half of San Francisco’s greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings, most from the combustion of natural gas—a fossil fuel that worsens the climate crisis, pollutes our air, and increases risks during earthquakes. By requiring outdated systems to be replaced with clean, all-electric alternatives during major renovations, this measure represents the most cost-effective way to transition existing buildings and move San Francisco closer to its goal
of net zero emissions by 2040.
Historic Preservation
- In July, I introduced resolutions initiating the landmarking of 16 sites in District 8. The sites range from the Chautauqua House, the historic location of the American Indian Historical Society, to St. Paul’s Church in Noe Valley, the site of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, each representing an important piece of San Francisco history. These landmarks were passed at the Land Use and Transportation Committee on October 6th and will now go to the full Board of Supervisors. Additionally, my resolutions initiating landmark district designation for the Chula-Abbey and Alert Alley Early Neighborhood Districts in Mission Dolores will be heard at the Historic Preservation Commission on October 15th and the Planning Commission on October 23rd. These two
districts will contain 50 properties that show the neighborhood's development immediately following the 1906 Earthquake and Fires.
Traffic Enforcement Hearing - On September 25th, I held a hearing on the status of traffic enforcement efforts in San Francisco. I’ve been holding hearings on this topic since 2018 and have finally seen traffic citations increase in recent years, though still not anywhere close to pre-pandemic enforcement levels. This hearing was also an opportunity to get updates on the rollout of 33 speed cameras across the City this year; initial data shows promising speed safety improvements in these locations.
Cannabis Tax Repeal
- In September, our office introduced legislation to repeal San Francisco’s local Cannabis Business Tax. When the tax was created, the hope was that the cannabis industry would grow and stabilize. For the past five years, we’ve delayed collecting it in hopes that the legal market would have a chance to succeed. Because cannabis is still considered illegal by the federal government, legal businesses face unusual financial barriers: they cannot deduct normal operating expenses on their taxes, and most are forced to operate in cash because traditional banks won’t work with them. These challenges leave legal businesses paying disproportionately high State taxes while struggling to compete with a large, unregulated illegal market. Repealing this
local tax is a step toward leveling the playing field and supporting San Francisco’s licensed cannabis businesses.
16th Street Sidewalk Gardens
- My office recently used the last of our sidewalk beautification funds to install new sidewalk gardens on 16th Street between Castro and Market. Several years ago, I secured City budget funding to bring these gardens to neighborhoods across District 8, and this marks the final project from that effort. While we face tough budget times, I’ll continue working to find funding for projects like this. These new low gardens, located on the slope near Super Duper, will add greenery to an otherwise plain stretch of sidewalk. Thanks to Friends of the Urban Forest, the Castro Community Benefits District, and neighborhood volunteers for helping with the planting, and special thanks to the neighbors who will be maintaining the gardens going forward.
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MEET YOUR SUPERVISOR!
Virtual Office Hours: Join me virtually on Sunday, October 12th from 9-11 AM for office hours. Email mandelmanstaff@sfgov.org to secure your time slot!
In-Person Office Hours: Join me in the Castro on Saturday, October 18th from 9-11 AM for office hours. Email mandelmanstaff@sfgov.org to secure your time slot! |
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UPCOMING DISTRICT 8 EVENTS
UPCOMING DISTRICT 8 EVENTS
Every Wednesday, 3–7 PM – Castro Farmers’ Market
📍 Noe & Market Streets
Every Saturday, 8 AM - 1 PM – Noe Valley Farmers’ Market
📍 Noe Valley Town Square
Thursday, October 9th, 6 PM - 9 PM – Castro Wine Walk
📍 The Academy SF
Join us for the Castro Wine Walk! Sip seasonal pours, sip and stroll through 11 local businesses, and celebrate fall in the gayborhood. Get your tickets here!
Friday, October 10th, 6 PM - 8 PM – Glen Park Short Film Fest
📍Glen Park Recreation Center, 70 Elk St
This free event will feature short films from many filmmakers. After the screening, audience members will vote on the “Audience Award”.
Thursday, October 16th, 6 PM - 7 PM – The Future of Muni and Bay Area Transit: Funding, Cuts and the 2026 Ballot
📍Ellard Hall @ Most Holy Redeemer Church, 100 Diamond Street
Join the Castro CBD, Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, DTNA, EVNA, Friedns of Harvey Milk and HVNA at Most Holy Redeemer Church for a presentation and audience Q&A on the future of Muni and Bay Area Transit.
Sunday, October 19th, 12 PM - 4PM – Wiggle Fest
📍Steiner St. between Duboce & Waller
Join for a celebration of the Wiggle’s past and future! Kids skate and bike lessons, bike repair, board games and live music will be available!
Saturday, October 25th, 6 PM - 7:30 PM – Annual Noe Valley Town Square Square Dance
📍 Noe Valley Town Square
The annual Noe Valley Square Dance is back for the best of community fun! No experience or partner necessary. All dances are taught by the dance caller! Skillet Licorice will be providing authentic old-time fiddle music for your dancing pleasure.
Tuesday, October 28th, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM – Noe Valley Night Market
📍 Noe Valley Town Square
Join us for an evening of live music, food and drink specials as well as many other offerings from our stellar Noe Valley merchants. The event is free and all are welcome!
Friday, October 31st, 5 PM - 10 PM – Castro Night Market - Halloween
📍 18th St between Diamond and Hartford Streets
A special Halloween edition of the iconic Castro Night Market!
Friday November 7th, 5 PM - 8 PM – Castro Art Walk
📍 Participating Locations |
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GO GREEN THIS OCTOBER!
Electrify Your Home: Did you know gas appliances pollute your indoor air, and the Bay Area is phasing them out starting in 2027? Switch to modern electric appliances for a cleaner, more comfortable, and climate-friendly home. Find resources and incentives at BetterElectric.org.
Want to bring this vital information to your community? SF Environment offers engaging presentations for your neighborhood. Request one today at BetterElectric@sfgov.org!
Calling all San Francisco Food Service Businesses: The San Francisco Environment Department has 3 free programs to assist food service businesses. These programs help restaurants and cafes switch from using disposable dishes to reusable ones. Here is how it works:
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Restaurants & Cafes: Get up to $700 to switch from disposable to reusable foodware for dine-in. Over 200 SF businesses already save $3,000–$20,000 a year. Sign up at SFReuse.org
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Large Institutions: Entertainment venues, hotels, schools, health facilities, and malls can receive up to $5,000 to transition to reusables or work with a reuse service. Only 5 grants available—apply now.
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Dishwashers: Get up to $2,500 toward leasing or buying an automatic dishwasher for on-site dining.
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APPLY FOR A GRANT!
Green Infrastructure Grant: The Fall 2025 Application Cycle is Open! The GIGP is now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 cycle! Eligible projects can receive up to $2.5 million in funding per project.
Applications are due Monday, November 17th, 2025.
Additionally, prepare for the Fall 2025 application by scheduling a site visit with the SFPUC’s Technical Assistance team by contacting gigrants@sfwater.org. Schedule your site visits with our team as soon as possible—don't wait for the workshop!
SF Shines Grant: Thanks to a unique program through the San Francisco Office of Economic & Workforce Development, small business owners can apply for a small business improvement grant!
SF Shines Facade Improvement: The SF Shines Facade Improvement Program provides financial assistance to small businesses that want to enhance the exterior appearance of their storefronts. This initiative aims to help local businesses that will increase the vibrancy of the neighborhood.
The program will fund up to $20,000 for comprehensive exterior improvements that will transform the storefront.
Eligible facade improvements include exterior lighting, window replacement/anti-graffiti film, door replacement, exterior tile, neon sign restoration, awnings and signage, exterior painting, murals and planters. |
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FACES IN THE CROWD:
JOHN MOSCONE |
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Welcome to Faces in the Crowd, written by Marshall Kilduff, accomplished journalist and long time volunteer with our District 8 Office. Marshall tells the stories of District 8 community members who are going above and beyond to contribute to San Francisco!
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Consensus, the kind that lasts and produces results, is a rare and fragile thing. That’s forever in mind for Jon Moscone, the newly elected head of the Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association. His board balances progressives and moderates, everyday concerns with long range planning, the trendy with the staid. Getting agreement takes effort.
His locale comes with eye-rolling hipness. Cafes charge $8 for fresh-squeezed apple juice. Overheard conversations are dotted with mentions of AI and tech fan-favorite Ezra Klein. Shower sandals double as office wear.
Moscone has a name check pedigree. His father was the late Mayor George Moscone but Jon has carved a stellar reputation in the far afield world of the arts. He’s a playwright, stage director, theater group leader, and most recently the state’s top arts administrator. Nowadays he’s living a lower profile with his husband Darryl Carbonaro in their Noe street home while pursuing a raft of cultural and civic projects including the Duboce Triangle lead spot.
In his neighborhood, there are everyday issues aplenty. “If I see a dead plant, I get rid of it. I’m obsessive compulsive, I guess,” he jokes. But there are always bigger and trickier issues at hand, none more so than housing and traffic. These, he says, take time, thought and communication, ingredients in short supply.
Take housing. New zoning rules call for height and density far larger than the three to four story look along the criss-cross streets on the Market and Castro axis. Moscone is all in on the need for more housing to alleviate scarcity and cost, but what, he asks, is also needed in the bargain? Will there be better transit, street improvements, or more schools alongside the single minded push for housing? “This all or nothing thinking is problematic,” he says.
The notion of communication needs work, he notes. When city officials wanted to shunt traffic in a different direction on his street, Moscone went to war, joining neighbors who felt left out and uninformed by the abrupt change. The traffic experts withdrew.
The episode speaks to a city characteristic: jumbled communication that can make matters worse. “I understand there will be differences on almost every issue. That’s life here.” he says. But handling disagreement needs to be careful and considered. Collect data, listen to comments, make the case, and then produce a plan, he believes. “Do it in a way that doesn’t unleash the worst,” he suggests.
If he sounds like his father’s son, so be it. But Moscone is “emphatic” about not running for office. In fact, he doesn’t believe his head-turning last name grants him any special privilege or notice.. He wants a focus on the near at hand. His first meeting of the Duboce neighborhood board was devoted to house-keeping matters needed to keep the organization with a 2700-household mailing list up and running.
“This is a very engaged, very mixed neighborhood,” he says. Staying on top of the issues takes effort and patience, and Moscone, the theater veteran, has an aisle seat on the process.
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GET INVOLVED IN YOUR CITY! |
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Attend the Treatment on Demand Hearing
On October 9th at 10am, I will hold a hearing to understand the shortcomings of the Treatment on Demand policy and what needs to be done to improve its utilization. San Francisco's Treatment on Demand Act (Proposition T), passed in 2008, mandates that the city provide sufficient free and low-cost substance use disorder treatment services to meet public demand. The goal of this legislation was to ensure the City had recovery resources available the second someone needed them, but the implementation has been spotty.
Want to tune in? Head to sfgovtv.org on October 9th at 10am or come in-person to City Hall, Room 250. |
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OEWD Request for Proposals
The Office of Economic and Workforce Development has issued RFP 234 to identify qualified suppliers to provide services in 12 distinct areas under three OEWD divisions via both contracts and grants.
Learn More Here!
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Technical Assistance Conference (optional): Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. PST (Sign up for the conference here.)
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Deadline for submission of written questions: Friday, October 17, 2025
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Answers to written questions posted online:
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Initial posting: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
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Final posting: Monday, October 20, 2025
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Proposals due: Friday, November 7, 2025 at 12:00 P.M.
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Grantee selection and award notification: Friday, November 21, 2025
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Protest period ends: 3 business days following award notification
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Projects begin: January 1, 2026 or later
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Learn About the Commission Streamlining Task Force!
Last November, San Francisco voters approved Proposition E, creating the Commission Streamlining Task Force. The Task Force is charged with reviewing the City’s many appointive boards and commissions and making recommendations to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors on how to modify, eliminate, or consolidate them for more effective, efficient, and economical governance.
The Task Force meets every first and third Wednesday at 1 PM in City Hall room 408 to discuss potential improvements to the structure of City government.
Learn more about the Commission Streamlining Task Force today on its website.
Interested members of the public can join the Task Force mailing list or share feedback by emailing commissionstreamlining@sfgov.org. |
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Join a Commission!
San Francisco has 100+ committees and commissions that advise City Departments on how to administer the City’s services and revenues. From advising on how the City distributes its Sugary Drink Tax revenue to ensuring the success of San Francisco’s City College, these commissions are a great way to use your background and expertise in service to the City of San Francisco.
Follow this link to see the current vacancies and instructions on how to apply. Reach out to melanie.mathewson@sfgov.org with questions!
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Claim Your College Funds!
On Friday, June 20th, the San Francisco Chronicle published an op-ed by San Francisco Treasurer José Cisneros highlighting a critical issue: more than 30,000 low-income students in San Francisco have not claimed $500 or more in college funds already set aside for them through the Kindergarten to College (K2C) and
CalKIDS programs.
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Over 80% of eligible San Francisco students have not yet claimed their CalKIDS money.
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Most low-income students are eligible for $500–$1,500 to help with books, housing, fees, or tuition.
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These funds can be claimed in less than 10 minutes online by following this link: Claim your funds!
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GET INVOLVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD! |
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JOIN A NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP!
District 8 is home to many active neighborhood groups that organize events for the community, lead projects to keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and beautiful, and connect neighbors with City leaders to advocate for neighborhood priorities. Join an association or go to an upcoming local event - it’s a great way to get involved, make new friends, and change your community for the better!
Learn more about how to get involved in your neighborhood here!
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Buena Vista Neighborhood Association: To learn more, visit BVNA’s website here.
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Cole Valley Improvement Association: To learn more, contact CVIA here.
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Corbett Heights Neighbors: To learn more, visit CHN’s website here.
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Diamond Heights Community Association: To learn more, contact DHCA here.
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Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association: Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every other month from 7:00 – 8:00 pm, in the gazebo room of the California Pacific Medical Center, and preceded by a community social from 6:30 – 7:00 pm.
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Dolores Heights Improvement Club: Green Gardens group holds monthly clean-ups on the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 – 10:30 am. DHIC Board meets on the second Monday of every other month. Meetings are held via Zoom from 7pm – 8pm. Email info@doloresheights.org to obtain the Zoom meeting link.
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Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association: EVNA hosts a variety of events, including regular meetings. You can find their meeting information here.
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Glen Park Association meets quarterly and alternates between in-person and Zoom meetings. Email info@glenparkassociation.org for more information.
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Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association has an active membership and a number of committees working on a broad range of issues. Check out their website here.
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Mission Dolores Neighborhood Association: To learn more, visit MDNA’s website here.
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Mount Olympus Neighbors Association: To learn more, visit MONA’s website here.
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Upper Noe Neighbors meets every other month on the third Wednesday at the Upper Noe Recreation Center.
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Bernal Cut Project has monthly work days along the east and west sides of San Jose Ave, join the newsletter to find out what's going on and to plant, weed or mulch.
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Castro Art Mart is a monthly street fair on Noe Street between Market and Beaver the first Sunday of every month from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, featuring LGBTQ art from local artists, live music, comedy and drag shows, and more.
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Castro Art Walk is a monthly community-driven event where local businesses host special events to share art with the neighborhood! Check out their website to learn which businesses are participating and head out to the Castro each month on the first Friday, from 5-8pm!
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Noe Valley Town Square hosts regular events such as Acoustic Sunday, Rhythm and Motion dance, the Noe Valley Farmers Market on Saturdays, and Free Sunday Morning Yoga.
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SFPD STATION CAPTAINS’ MEETINGS
Curious about safety in your neighborhood or have questions for SFPD? Attending your Station Captains’ Meetings is a great way to learn about what’s going on. Captains’ Meetings are at the following times:
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Park Station (1899 Waller): Fourth Wednesdays at 5PM on Zoom
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Neighborhoods: Cole Valley, Duboce Triangle, and Twin Peaks
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Mission Station (630 Valencia): Last Tuesdays at 5PM
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Neighborhoods: Castro, Mission Dolores, and Noe Valley
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Ingleside Station (1 Sgt. John V. Young): Third Tuesdays at 6PM
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Neighborhoods: Diamond Heights, Glen Park, and Upper Noe
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APPLY FOR AN SF SHINES GRANT!
Thanks to a unique program through the San Francisco Office of Economic & Workforce Development, small business owners can apply for a small business improvement grant!
SF Shines Facade Improvement: The SF Shines Facade Improvement Program provides financial assistance to small businesses that want to enhance the exterior appearance of their storefronts. This initiative aims to help local businesses that will increase the vibrancy of the neighborhood. The program will fund up to $20,000 for comprehensive exterior improvements that will transform the storefront.
Eligible facade improvements include exterior lighting, window replacement/anti-graffiti film, door replacement, exterior tile, neon sign restoration, awnings and signage, exterior painting, murals and planters. |
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On August 28th, I cut the ribbon to officially open the new City College Student Success Center, consolidating 30+ college services under one roof.
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On September 4th, the new Mission Station Police Captain and I took a walk down Castro Street to meet the merchants and check in on the neighborhood.
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Also on September 4th, I along with Supervisor Melgar, Transit Authority ED and SFMTA Director Julie Kirscbaum, rode the K from West Portal Station to Civic Center to celebrate the start of Transit Month!
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On September 10th, my staff attended the swearing in of the new Youth Commission including District 8’s own Harper Fortgang!
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On September 12th, I celebrated the installation of the City’s new speed safety cameras with a party for Speed Camera 19!
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On September 15th, I attended the Noe Valley Arts Festival hosted by the Friends of Noe Valley!
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On September 20th, I stopped by James Lick Middle School to meet with their new Principal, Norma Hernandez! Go Bulldogs!
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On September 21st, I visited the Market Street Railway Museum in celebration of Muni Heritage Weekend.
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On September 25th, I joined Friends of the Urban Forest, the Castro Community Benefits District, DPW and District 8 neighbors to install sidewalk gardens on 16th Street!
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On September 27th, I joined Self-Help for the Elderly for their Longevity Walkathon!
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On September 28th, I visited the Cole Valley Fair along with the St. Philip Festival, and Java Street and Woodland Avenue block parties.
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SFPD issuing more traffic tickets, new data reveals
Nob Hill Gazette - August 4th, 2025
“It’s been such a treat to get to know you and your family, and you have contributed so much to San Francisco, to North Beach, to our Italian American community here,” Mandelman said. “You have been just tremendous representatives for Italy and queer Italy. |
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The Portal is a gateway to San Francisco’s future
SF Examiner - August 11th
“If we want this resurgence to be more than fleeting, if we want downtown San Francisco to once again become the beating heart of the Bay Area, we must commit to investing in the infrastructure that makes our city accessible, equitable, and resilient. |
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SF offers amnesty to property owners caught up in permit-fraud scandal
San Francisco Examiner, July 31st, 2025 Updated August 21st, 2025
“We should not punish hundreds of people because of the actions of a few bad actors,” said Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman in a press release issued following Tuesday’s vote.
“The good news was that no imminent life-safety hazards were found,” said Mandelman at a Tuesday committee meeting that preceded the vote by the full board.
“However, approximately 130 audited properties were found to have unauthorized work that needed to be brought up to code, " Mandelman said. |
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Board of Supervisors passes Major Renovations Ordinance Setting the Course for an All-Electric Future
SF Environment, September 2nd, 2025
“We can’t build the San Francisco of the future with a fuel from the past,” said Board of Supervisors President, Rafael Mandelman. “This legislation picks up where we left off with the All-Electric New Construction ordinance and affords us the opportunity to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in our existing buildings, improve indoor and outdoor air quality, and make San Francisco a safer, healthier, and more resilient place to live and work. Choosing clean energy is how we build the clean, all-electric City of the future.”
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San Francisco Castro residents celebrate effectiveness of speed cameras at intersections
ABC7 News, September 13th
“The impacts of speeding on this stretch have been really bad for a number of years,” said District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. “I think the entire time that I have been in office, I've been hearing from these neighbors. Buildings have been crashed into, multiple buildings along the route have been crashed into by speeding cars…speeding here is a big problem, and they’ve been asking for solutions for a long time." |
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SF poised to expand list of historic landmarks amid fears of redevelopment
San Francisco Examiner - September 26th
“Cities change and need to change and need to grow, and I think that's just a truth,” said Rafael Mandelman, who represents District 8 and has been spearheading the latest phase of the batch landmarking effort. “But I think the most successful cities are the ones that keep the best of the old stuff even as they add new stuff.”
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S.F. proposal to cut red tape on city contracts passes in wake of fight over obscure advisory group
SF Chronicle - September 30th
Mandelman told the Chronicle before the vote that the bill was an “incremental but important” step toward making the city run more efficiently. It aims to expedite the process for contracts under $230,000, which he said account for 59% of the contract volume but only 2% of the city’s total contract spending. The legislation aims to open the contracting process to smaller businesses — it assumes that companies that have won larger contracts already have the necessary resources to wade through the city’s complex process.
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SFPD on track to issue more traffic citations in 2025, but far below past levels
The Voice of San Francisco - October 2
President Rafael Mandelman, who has called for these hearings, said the latest figures are better, but still not where he would like them to be. He said enforcement is still about 80 percent below 2014 levels. “We’re still, I think, not where I want us to be, where the Board of Supervisors wants us to be, where I think the police department probably wants us to be, and figuring out how to get there is part of what I’m hoping to do in this series of hearings.” |
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