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MESSAGE FROM CATHERINEDear John, As I begin my second term, I am excited to be back at City Hall to continue being a voice for our neighborhoods in District 2. I want to share what we have accomplished this past month in working towards a safer, cleaner, and more vibrant San Francisco. It’s a new year with a new Board of Supervisors, and I am delighted to welcome District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. I am incredibly excited to work with them both on some of the hardest issues facing our city. I’d also like to congratulate our new Board President, Aaron Peskin. This year, I have the honor of serving as Chair of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee and Vice-Chair of the Government Audit and Oversight Committee. Government, in the hands of good people, can do incredible things–when we work together. I’m looking forward to working with you to deliver for San Francisco. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out at [email protected]. Sincerely,
January’s Damaging Storms and Preparing for the Next One This past month, a series of storms caused tremendous flooding citywide, especially in the low-lying areas of our District. My office worked with the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Public Works, and the Public Utilities Commission to help ensure that residents had as much information available to them as possible so that they could prepare as best as they could. Now that the storms have cleared, I will be laser-focused on preparing our District for the next one. I am working with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to determine whether anything contributed to the flooding on Marina Boulevard and surrounding streets and am looking into how what can be done to help prevent it in the future. The city also recently announced the launch of a survey for residents and businesses who experienced damage to their property as a result of the storms that began on New Year’s Eve. Fill out the survey here. The survey will help inform DEM about the extent and range of damages caused by the storms to private property. Once the survey is completed, findings will be considered for eligibility by state and federal agencies overseeing storm relief assistance programs. These programs, such as disaster assistance grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA), can offer much-needed help to San Franciscans recovering from storm damage. While residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to complete the survey, submission does not guarantee that an individual or business will be eligible or receive assistance from state or federal programs. San Francisco’s Community Impact Survey is available now through February 9, 2023, and is available in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Filipino. Nonprofit Accountability San Francisco contracts with hundreds of nonprofit organizations to provide essential services to the city’s most vulnerable populations to the tune of $1.4 billion annually. Unfortunately, according to the Controller’s Citywide Nonprofit Performance Audit published last year, we need to do a much better job evaluating the programs and services the City funds and whether they are meeting the community's needs. In that audit, the Controller outlined a number of recommendations that would empower the city to standardize and streamline existing processes and strengthen performance measurement and performance monitoring of these contracts. I’m looking forward to hearing directly from the Controller’s office during my hearing on the matter that is scheduled for Thursday, February 16th, at the Government Audit & Oversight Committee. For more information, read my column in the Marina Times. Gun Violence Prevention Bruen Decision The Supreme Court’s June decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen has dangerously expanded the right to bear arms and driven an increase in demand for concealed carry permits not just nationwide, but also in the City and County of San Francisco. According to SFPD and the Sheriff’s Office, roughly 230 concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit applications are under review. In response, I am asking the City Attorney to draft legislation to address the imminent risks to public safety that this ruling creates by strengthening the permitting process and creating a list of ‘sensitive places’ where weapons will be prohibited. I am thankful for the partnership with City Attorney David Chiu, SFPD Chief Bill Scott, and Sheriff Paul Miyamoto. They also care deeply about the impacts Bruen will have in our communities and working together we will do what we can at the local level to keep San Franciscans safe. Resolution Acknowledging National Gun Violence Awareness Week In January alone, there were 60 mass shootings across the United States, with 7 in California. These communities have been absolutely shattered by gun violence that was totally preventable. My resolution recognizing February 1-7 as National Gun Violence Survivors Week was passed unanimously at the Board on January 31st. Gun violence, in its many forms, holds us all hostage to collective trauma, and these last few weeks have tragically demonstrated the magnitude of the issue. It is vital to provide survivors space and time to share more about their experiences on their terms and in their own words. Learn about survivors’ experiences at momentsthatsurvive.org. Resolution Supporting the Senate Bill Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 I also authored, and passed unanimously, a resolution in support of Senator Dianne Feinstein’s renewed federal assault weapons ban at the Board yesterday. Congress must act and pass laws to end this vicious cycle of gun violence & to prevent weapons of war from being sold to civilians. I’m grateful to know so many incredible gun violence prevention activists who I know will continue to push back and demand change. Thank you to the following organizations for your incredible advocacy:
Letter of Inquiry Regarding Firearms Procurement and Draft Legislation Just last week I received a report from the Brady United Against Violence campaign that revealed troubling findings related to how law enforcement agencies across California purchase their service firearms and ammunition. The report uncovered that at least 90 law enforcement agencies have contracted with vendors who have violated federal firearm laws. Although it appears that no findings were made specific to our law enforcement agencies in San Francisco, I have asked our public safety agencies to provide me with their existing policies and practices. Additionally, I am working with the City Attorney's Office to draft legislation that would ensure that the City and County of San Francisco only purchases from responsible vendors. Properly vetting firearms industry vendors will ensure that taxpayer dollars are not inadvertently spent on perpetuating the gun violence epidemic. Addressing Recent Burglaries and Resources for Businesses This past month, there have been reports of multiple burglaries affecting our District. These are the harmful consequences of an overworked and chronically understaffed police force. We must do all we can to adequately staff SFPD and ensure a safer San Francisco. I’m happy to be a co-sponsor of Supervisor Matt Dorsey’s resolution to explore ways to become more competitive in recruiting police officers. As the newly appointed Chair of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services (PSNS) committee, I will hold a hearing in the near future on creating the roadmap for the city’s path forward on police staffing. This is another opportunity, through public comment, for you to show your support for increased public safety resources in your neighborhoods and across San Francisco. You can stay up to date on that Committee’s activities here. Until the City can gain a footing on the staffing crisis, it’s even more important to keep vigilant and take steps to keep your business safe, including filing timely incident reports with SFPD. SF SAFE’s services provide people with the tools, knowledge, and skills to help address and prevent crime and violence and to become advocates for safety and wellness in their neighborhoods. Most services are provided cost-free to the San Francisco community. Learn more at sfsafe.org/projects.
My Swearing-In Ceremony
On January 8th, I was incredibly grateful to be sworn in for a second term as District 2 Supervisor. Thank you to State Treasurer Fiona Ma for administering the Oath of Office and to Father Michael Healy, State Controller Malia Cohen, City Administrator Carmen Chu, BART Board Member Bevan Dufty, and my son Dominic for speaking at the ceremony. Thank you as well to Human Rights Commissioner Jason Pellegrini for being an amazing Master of Ceremonies and to Gary Rulli of RistoBar for the delicious refreshments at the reception. I’m so thankful for my family, dearest friends, colleagues, team, community leaders, and last but certainly not least—the residents of District 2. District 2 Town Hall
On January 17th, I hosted a town hall discussion and asked city officials and Department heads to provide an overview of city services and resources related to neighborhood public safety concerns. My panel included District Attorney Brooke Jenkins; SFPD Northern Station Captain Derrick Jackson; SFPD Chief Bill Scott; Director of the Healthy Streets Operations Center, Sam Dodge; Emily Cohen from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing; and, Dr. Jeffrey Hom and Eileen Loughran from the Department of Public Health. Attendees had an opportunity to ask hard questions related to open drug use, drug sales, homelessness, crime, and mental health. Thank you to Kanishka Cheng at TogetherSF Action for moderating, our panelists for informing the public about how city agencies take on these issues, and those who attended and came to learn. I look forward to continuing the conversation as we address these significant issues together. Investing In the Golden Gate Bridge
I'm incredibly grateful to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, President Joe Biden, and Secretary Pete Buttigieg for championing a $400 million investment in the Golden Gate Bridge to maintain this critical piece of infrastructure. As a Golden Gate Bridge Director, I know how important this investment in our local economy is. This funding will help support good-paying union jobs and ensure that everyone will enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge for generations to come. Lunar New Year
I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous Lunar New Year. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the good fortune to attend multiple events throughout the city to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.
I was thrilled to kick off the Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown at a short morning procession! Thank you to the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce for organizing.
Hundreds gathered at the Far East Cafe to celebrate my friend and longtime colleague, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, on his successful election as the next President of the Board of Supervisors. As Acting Mayor that day, I was honored to share a few words to congratulate him.
I also celebrated Lunar New Year
with the community at the Choy Sun Doe Day celebration, with lion
dancers and many other performances. In the afternoon, I was joined by
Millbrae Councilmember Anders Fung as we helped volunteers from the
Love and Care Homeless Foundation distribute red envelopes and gift
bags to over 700 elderly community members. Thank you to everyone who made these festivities possible. And thank you to the San Francisco Police Department and the San Francisco Sheriff's Office for being present, ensuring public safety, and allowing everyone to celebrate together in peace. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On Monday, January 16th, I celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with my colleagues, labor leaders, and gun violence prevention activists to rededicate ourselves to be of service to the community and to continue the fight for civil rights.
How to Get Involved In Your Community With your help, we can make more impact on the issues our District and our city faces. You can get involved in multiple ways–from easily registering to vote, using SF311, and joining community organizations, to name a few. Learn more by reading this handy guide created by my office.
Shop local this Lunar New Year. From red envelopes, sweets, home goods, clothes, and meals, find all that you need for Lunar New Year celebrations and traditions in San Francisco. Learn more at sf.gov/lunar-new-year. Apply to SFUSD Schools for 2023-24 by Feb. 3rd!
If your child is entering Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Middle School, or High School next year, you need to apply to a new school by February 3rd. Learn how to apply today at sfusd.edu/apply! If you need help with your application, call (415) 241-6085 or visit their office in Civic Center at 555 Franklin Street, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can also visit their Bayview office at 1520 Oakdale Avenue on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. They have staff who speak English, Spanish, and Chinese and can help you enroll. Summer Resource Fair
The San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF) would like to invite you to join us at the Summer Resource Fair. The event is scheduled on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 11 AM to 2 PM at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park. Over 100+ summer camps, classes, programs, and services for children in grades K-8, including many free or low-cost summer programs and services, will be featured. Onsite enrollment may be available on the spot. Interpretation services will be available on-site in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish. There will be tons of family-friendly games and good times hosted by San Francisco Recreation and Parks, including a college savings workshop, interactive activities at exhibitor tables, and giveaways galore! Bridge to Excellence Scholarship Program In its fifth year, the city has launched this year’s Bridge to Excellence Scholarship Program, which provides $5,000 scholarships over two years to graduating high school seniors from low-income and under-resourced communities to help overcome the financial barriers they face attending college. Qualifying candidates can apply through Friday, March 17, 2023, at 5:00 PM. More info and eligibility requirements can be found at: sf.gov/apply-bridge-excellence-scholarship. Storefront Vandalism Relief Grant Are you a small business owner and your storefront business has been vandalized? You may be eligible to get a grant for vandalism-related costs for your small business storefront. This grant from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development provides up to $2,000 for vandalism-related costs. Examples of damage include broken windows, broken doors, broken locks, etching on windows, graffiti, and more. Check your eligibility at sf.gov/get-grant-vandalism-related-costs-your-small-business-storefront.
New and Familiar Challenges Await Supervisors in 2023 San Francisco Standard | January 2, 2023 “At the beginning of 2022, Catherine Stefani was the only member of the board who could be reliably called ‘moderate’—San Francisco’s chosen label for the socially liberal, pro-business position that makes up the city’s broader consensus.” San Francisco Chronicle | January 13, 2023 “Stefani said she was ‘very concerned’ about the impact of the Supreme Court decision, which is ‘really unraveling gun safety legislation in California and the counties.’”
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Catherine Stefani · United States
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Paid for by Catherine Stefani for Supervisor 2022. Financial disclosures available at sfethics.org.