SFGov Watch

1. Agenda Items
   1. Housing Code – Operational Elevators (Ordinance 240807)
   2. Administrative Code – Entertainment Zones (Ordinance 240843)
   3. Building Code – Gas Infrastructure for EPCA Appliances in New Construction (Ordinance 240845)
   4. Administrative Code – New Construction Exemption from Rent Control (Ordinance 240880)
   5. Administrative Code – Clarifying Duties of Office of Victim and Witness Rights (Ordinance 240700)
2. Items Introduced
   1. Request for a Comprehensive Audit of the San Francisco Zoo
   2. Ordinance Related to Historic Window Standards
   3. Proposition 6 Resolution to End Forced Labor in California
   4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Inventory and Impact Assessment

Agenda Items

Housing Code – Operational Elevators (Ordinance 240807)

• Discussion: This ordinance would require R-1 and R-2 occupancy group buildings to maintain at least one operational elevator for residents’ use.
• Public Comment: A speaker from District 3 supported the measure, highlighting the importance of elevators for seniors, especially during building maintenance.
• Outcome: The ordinance was finally passed with 10 ayes.

Administrative Code – Entertainment Zones (Ordinance 240843)

• Discussion: This ordinance establishes two entertainment zones in San Francisco—the Mid-Market Entertainment Zone and the Arena Entertainment Zone.
• Public Comment: Supporters emphasized the potential for vibrant community spaces. However, some members of the public criticized the focus on entertainment zones while neglecting more urgent needs like housing.
• Outcome: The ordinance was finally passed.

Building Code – Gas Infrastructure for EPCA Appliances in New Construction (Ordinance 240845)

• Discussion: The ordinance would allow gas infrastructure in new buildings under specific guidelines, with concerns about fire risks and infrastructure support raised during the discussion.
• Public Comment: Supporters emphasized fire safety concerns and urged that the costs not be passed onto tenants.
• Outcome: The ordinance was finally passed.

Administrative Code – New Construction Exemption from Rent Control (Ordinance 240880)

• Discussion: This ordinance clarifies rent control exemptions for newly constructed buildings, subject to changes in state law (Costa-Hawkins Act). Many public speakers emphasized the importance of expanding rent control protections.
• Public Comment: Many tenants and advocates expressed support, noting that rent control is a vital tool in combating displacement and maintaining affordable housing.
• Outcome: The ordinance was finally passed.

Administrative Code – Clarifying Duties of Office of Victim and Witness Rights (Ordinance 240700)

• Discussion: This ordinance clarifies the responsibilities of the Office of Victim and Witness Rights and moves the Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) to this office.
• Public Comment: Comments stressed the importance of ensuring the confidentiality of victims and maintaining relationships with advocacy organizations.
• Outcome: The ordinance was finally passed.

Items Introduced

Request for a Comprehensive Audit of the San Francisco Zoo

• Introduced by: Supervisor Melgar
• Details: Supervisor Melgar introduced a request directing the Budget and Legislative Analyst to conduct a comprehensive performance audit of the San Francisco Zoo. Concerns had been raised about the conditions at the zoo, specifically about the welfare of the animals and the working conditions of employees represented by the Teamsters Union. The last audit of the zoo was conducted in 1999, making it long overdue for reassessment.
• Purpose: The audit would provide better oversight, particularly in light of ongoing efforts to transfer pandas to the zoo, and ensure that both the animals and employees have safe, humane conditions.
• Outcome: The request was submitted for further evaluation and consideration.

Ordinance Related to Historic Window Standards

• Introduced by: Supervisor Melgar
• Details: Supervisor Melgar also introduced an ordinance aimed at revising the city’s standards for historic windows. The current regulations require property owners to invest significant amounts of money into preserving historic windows, which often aren’t energy-efficient. This ordinance would provide property owners with the option to install new, more energy-efficient windows while still preserving the historic aesthetic of the city.
• Rationale: This move is intended to balance climate concerns, wildfire risks, and energy efficiency without compromising the architectural history of San Francisco.
• Outcome: The ordinance was submitted.

Proposition 6 Resolution to End Forced Labor in California

• Introduced by: Supervisor Preston
• Details: Supervisor Preston introduced a resolution supporting Proposition 6, which seeks to amend California’s Constitution to remove the clause that allows forced labor as a form of punishment for incarcerated individuals. Currently, while the state bans slavery, there’s an exemption for prison labor. This resolution supports the removal of this exception.
• Purpose: The resolution aims to align with similar moves by other states (e.g., Alabama, Tennessee, Vermont, and Oregon) that have removed forced labor clauses. Supporters believe this change is necessary to address recidivism, improve rehabilitation opportunities for incarcerated people, and ultimately contribute to a more just legal system.
• Outcome: The resolution was submitted.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Inventory and Impact Assessment

• Introduced by: Supervisor Ronen
• Details: Supervisor Ronen introduced legislation to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in city government. The ordinance requires the city’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) to create an inventory of all AI products and systems being used by the city. The inventory would detail who is using the technology, what testing has been done, and what impact it has on public rights and services.
• Goals:
  • Ensure transparency about how AI is being deployed by city departments.
  • Assess potential biases in AI systems.
  • Involve public input, including from unions, nonprofits, and advocacy groups.
  • Create procurement standards for AI products, focusing on their impact on public rights.
• Significance: This is a forward-looking measure that reflects growing concerns about AI’s influence on public policy and governance, and the lack of regulation in many jurisdictions.
• Outcome: The ordinance was submitted, and further discussions and refinements are expected during the legislative process.