PG&E Outages: Getting Answers

If you were hit by the repeated power outages in December, you know how frustrating it was: hours in the dark, little information, and losses that went well beyond the automatic credits. Many of you told us the claims process has been confusing and hard to access.

We've been pressing PG&E for answers. A meeting with the CEO secured commitments to clearer advance notice, proactive bilingual outreach, and stronger claims support. But commitments aren't enough—so we organized efforts to bring help directly into the neighborhood. We partnered with PG&E on merchant walks, outreach at senior centers, and a full-day community effort on January 30 that put a dedicated team of 10 PG&E staff on the ground to provide face-to-face assistance to residents and small businesses.

Now it's time for real accountability.

On the morning of Wednesday, February 12, we're holding a public hearing to get answers—and we want you there. What went wrong? Why did it keep happening? What's going to change? PG&E will be at the table. If you were affected, this is your chance to be heard. We will send out more details and the estimated hearing time as we get closer.

Five Years Without Grandpa Vicha

Five years ago, our community lost Vicha Ratanapakdee—Grandpa Vicha—in a horrific attack while he was on his morning walk. For many neighbors, especially for our seniors in the AAPI community, his death reshaped their sense of security. A simple walk doesn't feel as safe. Letting a parent or grandparent go out alone carries more weight.

Earlier this month, family, neighbors, and community members gathered to remember him—to grieve together, but also to reaffirm what we owe one another: no senior should feel unsafe in their own neighborhood.

Honoring Grandpa Vicha's legacy means staying vigilant, strengthening support for our elders, and looking out for each other. That work continues.

Sideshows on Kirkham: What’s being Done

If you live near Kirkham, the recent sideshows were frightening—especially the one at 48th that ended with a U-Haul burning in the street. Neighbors told us they felt shaken and wanted to know what's being done to prevent it from happening again.

Here's the update: safety upgrades on Kirkham are already in progress. New all-way stops are coming at 27th, 29th, 33rd, 35th, 38th, and 48th Avenues, along with speed cushions at multiple blocks between 20th and 48th. Speed cushions are a gentler alternative to traditional speed bumps—effective at increasing safety but also designed to let emergency vehicles pass through more easily.

We've also raised concerns directly with the Taraval Station Captain about response times. Public safety is the priority, and we'll keep pushing. 

Outdoor Warning Sirens: Why They Matter

When an emergency hits—a tsunami, a major earthquake, a fast-moving fire—seconds count. And in those moments, your phone might not save you. Cell towers go down. Power goes out. Maybe your phone is dead, or inside, or you're just not looking at it. If you're outdoors, you might not get the alert at all.

San Francisco's outdoor warning sirens have been offline since 2019. Unlike phone alerts, sirens are analog—they don't depend on cell service, WiFi, or whether your phone is charged or in your hand. They reach everyone outdoors, instantly. For a district that borders the Pacific and sits on major fault lines, that's a gap we shouldn't ignore. 

We're looking into what it would take to bring them back online and will share updates soon.

Earthquake Preparedness: Are We Ready? 

When the next big earthquake hits, the buildings we depend on—fire stations, police facilities, emergency water systems—need to hold up. Right now, some of them won't. Taraval Station is one of the highest-risk sites in the city

That's why we are pushing to get a $535 million earthquake safety bond on the June 2026 ballot. It would fund seismic upgrades to neighborhood fire and police stations, strengthen the city's emergency firefighting water system, and make critical infrastructure more resilient—so San Francisco can respond faster and recover sooner.

We'll share more details as the vote approaches.

Parking in the Sunset: Update

In December, we asked SFMTA to evaluate where the district could add more parking. We've now received their response—and there's a real opportunity.

SFMTA found that many east-west residential streets are wide enough to convert parallel parking to angled or perpendicular parking on one side, potentially adding spots on blocks that meet safety and access requirements. They've also offered to walk commercial corridors with us to look at curb management—adjusting loading zones, red zones, and meter timing to make better use of existing space.

What's next: We're scheduling a district tour with SFMTA to review specific streets and identify where changes could work. Any changes would go through a public process, and on residential blocks, SFMTA requires a petition showing majority support before moving forward. If you know a block that could fit more parking—or where curb space isn't being used well—let us know.

Getting Around: Transit & Infrastructure Updates

19th Avenue Repaving

If you drive 19th Avenue, you know the potholes are bad. Caltrans is finally repaving all six lanes between Lincoln Way and Holloway, plus the Park Presidio/California intersection. Parking-strip work is underway now; full-lane repaving begins Spring/Summer 2026 and should wrap by December.

Work runs 7 a.m.–3 p.m. on weekdays, with lane reductions managed to keep at least one lane open—but expect delays during peak hours and consider alternate routes when you can. [More details]

48 Quintara Route Change

If you ride the 48 toward Ocean Beach, heads up: outbound buses now use Claremont Boulevard instead of Vicente and West Portal. The stop at Vicente & West Portal has been discontinued. The goal is to reduce delays from Vicente Street congestion. [More here]

District 4 Shuttle Study

Getting around the Outer Sunset and Parkside without a car isn't easy—especially for seniors or anyone not near the N or L line. SFCTA is studying whether an on-demand community shuttle could help fill the gaps. The study will look at service models, costs, and what a pilot program might look like. [More details]

Westside Network Study

How well is transit actually serving the Westside—and where are the gaps? SFCTA, SF Planning, and SFMTA are conducting the Westside Network Study to answer that question and develop solutions over the next 10–15 years. Community input will be part of the process through the San Francisco Transportation Plan 2050+, with a final report expected in Summer 2026. [More details]

Geary/19th Avenue Subway Study

Could a rail subway under Geary Boulevard and 19th Avenue improve how we get around—and connect the Westside to the rest of the region? SFCTA and partner agencies are in the early stages of studying what that might look like, including options, benefits, and what it would take to make it happen. This one's a long way off, but worth watching. [More Details]

Great Highway Update: What Happened? 

Many of you have asked: will voters get a chance to weigh in on reopening the Upper Great Highway

We tried to make that happen. Our goal was to restore the original compromise and place a measure on the June ballot to reopen the road to cars on weekdays while keeping weekends for recreation. Getting it on the ballot through the Board, however, required four supervisor signatures. Before I took office, most of my colleagues had already made their positions clear, which meant I needed support from the three who had previously indicated they'd back reopening.

Over the holidays, while the Board was on recess, we worked with the City Attorney to draft ballot language so it would be ready when the Board reconvened in January. Once we returned, we immediately and repeatedly circulated that language, offered to meet, and accommodated requested amendments. Despite that outreach, one office that had previously indicated support did not sign on.

What this means for you: The measure won't be on the June ballot through the Board. Residents who want voters to decide will now need to pursue a signature-gathering effort.

I still believe Sunset residents support restoring the original compromise. I'll keep working toward that and will keep you updated. [More details]

Coming Up

Sunset Night Market

Lunar New Year is here, and so is the Sunset Night Market. Friday, February 27, 5–10 p.m. on Irving Street between 20th and 25th Avenues. Food, local makers, live entertainment, cultural performances. Parking is limited—Muni is your friend.

Want to volunteer? Sign up here [報名成為志願者].
Have questions? Contact Sunsetnightmarket@gmail.com. 

SuperBowl — February 8

The Bay Area is hosting Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8, with the game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara and major events across San Francisco. An estimated 90,000 visitors are expected regionwide.

What's happening in SF: The Super Bowl Experience runs February 3–7 at Moscone Center, with additional events at Palace of Fine Arts, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, and City Hall. Most road closures are concentrated in SoMa and downtown—Howard Street, 4th Street, and Mission Street will see significant restrictions through February 10.

Impact in the Sunset: Minimal direct impact, but expect heavier traffic citywide—especially if you're heading to SFO. Monday, February 9 is projected to be the busiest airport day as visitors head home. Give yourself extra time.

Stay informed: Text SuperBowlSF to 888-777 to receive AlertSF notifications for Super Bowl-related emergencies, road closures, and transit updates. (This is a temporary signup—you'll be automatically removed after the game.)

Extra Muni service: Central Subway will run extra shuttle trains between Chinatown and Mission Bay during downtown events (Feb 3–7).

Public safety: SFPD has canceled all vacation days for Super Bowl week, with increased uniformed presence citywide. Local law enforcement has reiterated that SFPD will not participate in federal immigration operations.

More info: sfbayareasuperbowl.com | SFMTA Super Bowl page

OEWD Budget Town Hall — February 11

Want a say in how the city invests in small businesses and economic development? OEWD is hosting a virtual Budget Town Hall on Wednesday, February 11, 5:30–7:30 p.m. The session includes breakout discussions to gather feedback on priorities for the year ahead. [RSVP here and complete the survey to make sure your priorities are reflected]

Understanding Your Electric Bill — February 19

CleanPowerSF customers: changes are coming to your electric bill, including rate adjustments driven by PG&E's new Base Services Charge. SFPUC is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, February 19 at 10 a.m. to walk through what's changing and share discount programs and energy-saving tips. Live interpretation in Chinese and Spanish available. [Register here - Join via Zoom]

Other PSAs

311: Spot Something? Report It.

Illegal dumping. Graffiti. Broken streetlight. Blocked sidewalk. If the city doesn't know about it, it can't fix it—and 311 is the fastest way to get it on the radar. We've seen issues addressed within an hour.

Download the 311 App | Report Online

Expanded Journey Home Program: Reunification & Relocation Assistance

The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH), in partnership with GLIDE, has expanded and reformed Journey Home: Reunification and Relocation , San Francisco’s citywide program that helps people experiencing homelessness safely reconnect with family, friends, or other supports outside of San Francisco. Beginning in January 2026, the updated program consolidates and builds on the City’s legacy efforts—Homeward Bound, Journey Home, and Problem Solving—into one coordinated system, operated by GLIDE in partnership with HSH.

Soluna: Free Mental Health Support for Young People

Know a teen or young adult who could use support? Soluna is a free, confidential mental health app for Californians ages 13–25. It offers one-on-one coaching, self-guided tools for stress and anxiety, and a moderated peer community—no insurance or referral needed. (Note: Soluna is not a crisis service. For emergencies, call or text 988.) [More info here]

Connect with Us

My office is here to help. Whether it's a pothole, a permit issue, a safety concern, or you just want to share what's on your mind—reach out.

Email: WongStaff@sfgov.org | Phone: (415) 554-7460 | Office: City Hall, Room 282

Thanks for reading. I'm honored to serve this community—and I'm just getting started.