Dear Neighbors,

Happy May! This May we celebrate so many members of our community that contribute to the vibrancy and life of our City. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Small Business Month, and Affordable Housing Month. This is certainly a packed month for celebrating these essential parts of our community, and we deeply cherish our AAPI residents, Jewish residents, and our small businesses and we are ever focused on the need for more affordable housing. I hope that you celebrate each of these aspects of this May with joy.

While there is so much to celebrate, there is also much to get done at City Hall. We are in the midst of budget season and my colleagues and I are making difficult decisions on how to tackle our growing deficit. My top priorities are fully funding public safety -- including the safety of our streets, saving Muni and avoiding cuts that hurt our seniors, youth, and people with disabilities hardest, and making our City more family friendly. Send me and my staff an email to share what you think we should prioritize in the City's budget!

Sincerely,
Supervisor Myrna Melgar

IN THIS ISSUE

• Legislative Updates
• Community Updates
• Commendations at the Board
• Services and Resources
• Upcoming Events
• District 7 in the News

Earthquake Safe Building Legislation

To commemorate the 119th anniversary of the 1906 Earthquake, Supervisor Melgar introduced legislation that will help City officials better understand which buildings may be vulnerable to earthquakes and to provide clear standards for those who want to retrofit their buildings.

Specifically, the legislation helps the City create an inventory of at-risk buildings and creates clear building code standards to support building owners and contractors ready to retrofit now. The voluntary standards provide a new, efficient, and reliable retrofit solution that eliminates critical deficiencies with the intent of minimizing the need for tenant relocation.

The legislation is part of the City’s Concrete Building Safety Program, which aims to improve the seismic safety of concrete buildings, protect lives and property, and safeguard the local economy in the event of a major earthquake. Last year, the City Administrator’s Office published a stakeholder engagement report which summarized recommendations and findings developed over the course of a year-long concrete building stakeholder working group. San Francisco received a FEMA grant to develop a financing guide for concrete building retrofits, and that work is currently underway.

Safe Streets, Strong SF Rally and Hearing

A new report from the Budget and Legislative Analyst reveals a staggering economic and human toll from traffic crashes in San Francisco: nearly 100,000 collisions, more than 200 lives lost, and $2.5 billion in costs over five years.

In response to this report, Supervisor Melgar held a Safe Streets, Strong SF rally on April 29 with fellow elected officials and advocates. At the rally she called for a hearing at the Board of Supervisors to discuss how the City can reduce both the loss of life and limb and the exorbitant spending. You can watch coverage of the hearing from KTVU and KRON4.

District 7 has borne this burden firsthand, from the devastating crash that killed a family of four in West Portal, to repeated collisions into the Portola Drive shopping center. According to the BLA report, each fatal crash costs San Francisco drivers over $1.6 million. But the largest cost isn’t just medical—it’s economic productivity. More than 22% of traffic crash costs stem from lost workplace and household productivity. Another 34% comes from property damage.

While dangerous driving cost the City millions, solving the issue made up a miniscule portion of the SFMTA budget. Due to the extent of the issue, MTA enforcement and safety improvements are stretched thin. Not only will finding effective ways to reduce crashes make our streets safer, but it will save billions of dollars for everyday San Francisco.

The hearing to discuss the findings of the report and the current state of traffic safety will be held on May 19 at 1:30pm at the Land Use and Transportation Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. We encourage you to write in and email your comments to john.carroll@sfgov.org or come to City Hall during the hearing and give public comment.

Participatory Budgeting

It's Participatory Budgeting season once again! This year Supervisor Melgar received a whopping 23 applications which are currently being vetted by the respective Departments for feasibility and budget estimates. Next, the applications will be scored by the Community Review Committee before going to the public ballot for a vote. Ballots will be available on June 9 - June 22 and can be accessed online here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Emma Hare at Emma.Hare@sfgov.org .

Community Coffee Hour with Supervisor Melgar's Legislative Aides

On Friday, May 16 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, all of Supervisor Myrna Melgar’s Legislative Aides will be hosting Office Hours across District 7. Whether you have a question, a concern, or just want to say hello, come grab a coffee and chat with us in your part of the district.

Here’s where you can find us:

Peet’s Coffee, 67 West Portal Ave @ Vicente St.
(Michael Farrah – public safety & infrastructure)

Tartine, 1226 9th Ave @ Irving St.
(Emma Hare – transportation & small business)

Java on Ocean, 1700 Ocean Ave @ Faxon Ave.
(Jen Low – land use & children and families)

Railroad Expresso, 755 Monterey Blvd @ Baden St.
(Jennifer Fieber – tenants rights & labor issues)

No appointment needed—just stop by!

Muni Fix-It Week:
Temporary Early Muni Subway Closures

The SFMTA is planning early subway closures from Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9, 2025. The subway between Embarcadero and West Portal will close early each night at 9:30 p.m.

While the subway is closed for maintenance, bus shuttles will replace trains, serving all stops on Market Street from 9:30 p.m. through the normal end of train service at 12 a.m. T Third trains will provide regular service from Sunnydale to Chinatown until 12 a.m. Owl service will remain unchanged. Trains will start regular morning service each day.

Some key points about the work:  

• This is a continuation of SFMTA's work from their second Fix-It Week of the year from May 5 - 9.

• Maintenance teams will conduct an intensive maintenance campaign to improve the reliability and performance of the Muni Metro system.

• Longer hours will allow crews to perform deeper and more thorough inspections, as well as tackle larger projects that are difficult to complete during standard service shutdowns.

• These projects will enhance the customer experience by creating a transit system that is faster, cleaner, safer and more reliable

Muni service plan during Fix-It Week (9:30pm – 12am):

• The KLM Bus Shuttle will serve all Muni Metro stops between Steuart/Market and St. Francis Circle. N Bus will serve between Church/Duboce and Caltrain

• K and M trains will operate between Balboa Park and St. Francis Circle

• J and N trains will operate "interlined" between Balboa Park and Ocean Beach for both directions with a switch at Church/Duboce

• L Taraval will operate as a bus substitution between West Portal and Wawona/46th. The L Buses will use the regular L Taraval train stops for boarding and drop-off.
• The T line will run its regular schedule between Sunnydale and Chinatown.

Read more details about the maintenance and route changes here.

More Great Restaurants Coming to District 7

District 7 is on a roll with new restaurant openings! Proposition Chicken, Luke's Local, and Temple Bar have been joined by many more restaurants coming to the district. The following delectable food choices will soon be your to explore:

• Ben Tre Vietnamese Homestyle Cuisine (2650 Ocean)

• Saint Frank Coffee (9th & Irving)

• Raising Cane's (Stonestown Galleria)

• Dragon Eats (West Portal)

• Spangler's Market (West Portal)

Supervisor Melgar Profiled By SFGOVTV

Supervisor Melgar was featured in SFGovTV’s “Meet Your District Supervisor” series. Golden State Warriors spokesman Franco Finn interviewed the supervisor about her life, District 7, and the challenges and opportunities facing San Francisco. Check out the full video here.

City College of San Francisco Men's Basketball Team Crowned State Champions

At the April 15th meeting of the Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Melgar commended the City College of San Francisco’s Rams basketball team for winning the California Community College Association Men’s Basketball Championship. This victory marks the team’s eighth consecutive men’s state championship appearance and sixth men’s state championship win. The Rams finished their season with a 32-1 record, the team’s second 32-win season in the last three years.

Supervisor Melgar congratulates the Rams on their hard work and incredible win. She can’t wait to see what this powerhouse team accomplishes next!

Celebrating Asian American and
Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Supervisor Melgar will commend two Asian American women at the Board of Supervisors for their incredible service to the City and County of San Francisco: Liana Szeto and Phoebe Lee.

Liana Szeto has spent the last 30 years serving as the principal of Alice Fong Yu Alternative School located in the Inner Sunset. Ms. Szeto has been a nationally recognized pioneer for dual-language instruction in public education. She founded the U.S.’s first public Chinese immersion program at West Portal Elementary before going on to found Alice Fong Yu Alternative School, the first Chinese immersion public school in the U.S. Ms. Szeto is beloved by her students, their families, and her fellow teachers, and she has received numerous national educational awards. Ms. Szeto will be retiring at the end of this school year.

Phoebe Lee is the eldest sister of famed martial arts star, Bruce Lee. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Ms. Lee is now a resident of District 7. Since the tragic early death of Bruce Lee in 1973, Ms. Lee has tried to preserve the memory of her brother and the entire Lee family. She has participated in dozens of interviews, documentaries, and events honoring her late brother. Ms. Lee’s efforts have contributed to a more complex understanding of Bruce’s life, martial arts work, and philosophy. She has helped create cultural bridges between East and West and inspired future generations to embrace self-empowerment, cultural pride, and persistence, just as her brother did.

In these classes you will do strength and balancing exercises. You can get to know your neighbors and have a good time while staying healthy. Accommodations are available. 

Merced Extension Triangle Community Connectors
Tuesdays at 10am
Golden Gate Church of Christ
201 Head St

Miraloma Community Connectors
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am 
Cornerstone Church
480 Teresita Blvd

Sunnyside Community Connectors
Mondays, 10:00am 
St. Finn Barr's Community Room
Hearst off Monterey

Inner Sunset Community Connectors
Thursdays, 1:30pm
St. John of God Church
1290 5th Avenue

Saturday, June 21, 2025
10 AM - 3PM
University of San Francisco, McLaren Center
2130 Fulton St.

Free Admission

This May and June, nonprofit organizations are coming together to help residents connect with safe, stable, and affordable housing in their 2024 San Francisco Summer of Housing. They will be holding a variety of workshops and events featuring San Francisco housing information and services including this event. To see the full calendar of events visit www.summerofhousing.org.

You can now apply for a grant from the Civic Joy Fund to throw your very own block party! Selected applicants will receive an initial $1000 grant, and can be reimbursed for additional expenses. The Civic Joy Fund will guide you through permitting and help you get the resources you need. You can fill out the application here to get started. Once you’ve been selected, they’ll walk you through the details and make sure your party is set up for success. Learn more here.

Free Live Music at the Golden Gate Bandshell

Enjoy a vibrant lineup of free outdoor concerts this May at the iconic Golden Gate Bandshell in Golden Gate Park! From singer-songwriters and hip hop to jazz fusion and reggae, there's something for every music lover.

📍 Golden Gate Bandshell
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
All shows are family-friendly and open to the public. Bring your friends, snacks, and picnic blankets!

🎤 Market to Bandshell: Singer/Songwriter Wednesdays
Wednesdays, May 7 & May 14 | 4–7 PM
Relax midweek with original sets by local talent from the Sunset Mercantile Market.
Lineups include: The Alleylots, Missing Pieces, Louiza, Three Flower Jam & more.

🍻 Friday Happy Hour: Charged Particles
Friday, May 9 | 4:30–7 PM
Kick off the weekend with two high-energy sets from jazz fusion group Charged Particles.

🎧 Sutro Saturday: Hip Hop in the Park
Saturday, May 10 | 2–6 PM
Celebrate local hip hop with performances by Angalo, Darilo, ASH, and more.

🌿 Crucial Reggae Sundays
Sunday, May 11 | 4:20–7:30 PM
Wind down the weekend with Irie Dole, DJ Sep, DJ Guidance, and special guests Mission Varrio Project (MVP).

🎟️ See the full lineup and event details at: illuminate.org/venues/golden-gate-bandshell
Let the music move you! 🎶

Free Collage Art Event

Saturday, May 10
3 - 5 PM

The Ocean Avenue Association will be hosting a free Collage Art Workshop on Saturday, May 10, from 3–5 PM at 1720 Ocean Avenue. This creative afternoon is open to ages 8 and up, and no prior experience is needed. All materials will be provided. Participants will explore hands-on techniques to create unique works of art in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Only a few spots remain—RSVP here.

Community Living Campaign's 2025 Never Better Elders

Thursday, May 15, 2025
1 - 4 PM
SF County Fair Building
9th Ave & Lincoln Way

This event celebrates the 60th anniversary of the signing of The Older Americans Act (1965), the federal law that provides services and support for older adults. At the event you will can make new connections, find helpful resources, and have fun.

Ocean Avenue Spring Wine Walk

Friday, May 16
1720 Ocean Ave
5 - 7 PM

Join the Ocean Avenue Association for a relaxed evening of wine tasting and community connection along Ocean Avenue. Participants will check in at 1720 Ocean Ave to receive their ticket, then explore seven local small businesses—each offering a curated wine pour perfect for the season. One stop will also serve a complimentary appetizer. The evening concludes at Ocean Ale House with live music and socializing.

Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a fun evening out, this is a great way to support small businesses and enjoy the neighborhood. Right now, we're offering 20% off tickets through Sunday—no code needed, it’s already applied at checkout! Learn more & RSVP here.

Garden for the Environment Workshops

Join Garden for the Environment this season for hands-on, community-driven learning experiences in sustainable gardening, composting, beekeeping, and more. Whether you're just starting out or deepening your green thumb, there's something for everyone!

Volunteer Opportunities (Free!)
📅 Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10am – 3pm
📝 Register here

Workshops

• Urban Composting – May 3 & June 7, 10am – 12pm (Free!)
• Urban Chickens – May 3, 10am – 12pm (Sliding scale: $25–$50)
• Grow Your Own Food – May 10, 10am – 12pm (Sliding scale: $25–$50)
• Beginning Beekeeping – May 17, 10am – 12pm (Sliding scale: $25–$50)
• Plant Propagation with Pam Peirce – May 17, 10am – 12pm (Sliding scale: $25–$50)
• Spring Wreathmaking & Flower Crafting – May 17, 1–3pm (Sliding scale: $45–$70)
• Beginning Birding – May 31, 10am – 12pm (Sliding scale: $25–$50)
• Intro to Sustainable Gardening Series (3-part) – June 7, 14, 21, 10am – 12pm *(Only $30 for the full series, plus a $10 gift card per session!)
• Growing a Garden: Where to Start – June 14, 10am – 12pm (Sliding scale: $25–$50)

Visit Garden for the Environment’s website to learn more. Ready to dig in? 🌍

Detroit Steps Maintenance Day

Sunday, May 25
10 AM – 12 PM
Lower Detroit Steps (Detroit St & Hearst Ave)

Let’s make Sunnyside shine together! Join the Detroit Steps Project for a friendly neighborhood cleanup focused on sweeping, gardening, and community care. This community-led, multi-phase beautification effort is transforming the 185-step stairway into a vibrant public space. Bring your refillable water bottle and stay for lunch, compliments of the Detroit Steps Project!

Learn more at detroitsteps.org.

• Report: Traffic collisions cost San Franciscans $2.5 billion over 5 years, Supervisor Melgar looks for change, KTVU

• SF advocates rally for improved traffic safety, KRON4

• The best public art in SF, according to a panel of top street artists, D7 Mural gets a shoutout, SF Standard

• Donut And Bagel Shop With Local Ties Opens On Ingleside’s Ocean Avenue, Ingleside Light