SFGov Watch

1. Major Items Discussed
   1. Bayview-Hunters Point Redevelopment Plan Amendments
   2. Safeway Grocery Closure in Fillmore
   3. Whole School Lesson Study Math Pilot Program Evaluation
   4. Public Health Initiatives
   5. Affordable Housing and Labor Agreements
   6. Infrastructure and Environmental Projects
   7. Community and Arts Support
   8. Traffic Safety and Vision Zero Update
2. Public Comment
   1. Educational and School District Concerns
   2. Neighborhood and Community Issues
   3. Support for Cultural Institutions
   4. Calls for Government Accountability

Major Items Discussed

Bayview-Hunters Point Redevelopment Plan Amendments

Summary: The Board reviewed amendments related to the Bayview-Hunters Point redevelopment, authorizing the transfer of up to 2 million square feet of office space within the project area. This adjustment aims to support extended redevelopment activities by lifting certain project time limits, allowing additional flexibility for continued development efforts.

Key Considerations: Supervisor Walton highlighted the importance of these amendments, which had been discussed in previous meetings. The amendments were supported as a move to maintain consistency with the General Plan and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.

Safeway Grocery Closure in Fillmore

Overview: Legislation was introduced to address the abrupt Safeway grocery store closure in Fillmore, a site with historical significance as a redevelopment location. This new measure mandates that grocery stores provide six months’ notice to the city and the community before closing.

Legislative Context: In response to community backlash following the announcement of the closure, the legislation intends to prevent future surprises for residents reliant on such grocery facilities. The measure requires grocery stores to notify the public and explore alternative solutions to ensure continuity in food accessibility.

Whole School Lesson Study Math Pilot Program Evaluation

Program Background: A special hearing was held to assess the Whole School Lesson Study Math Pilot Program, a city-funded initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The $8 million investment in the program focuses on addressing the achievement gap, especially for African-American and Asian American Pacific Islander students, by supporting math instruction enhancements in select schools.

Insights and Future Outlook: Supervisor Ronen expressed optimism about the program’s potential, noting the success in certain schools. This program was framed as an antidote to broader challenges facing the district, aligning with community-driven educational improvements.

Public Health Initiatives

Resolution for Community Health Engagement: The Board extended a contract with the San Francisco Public Health Foundation, adding $1.3 million to support ongoing community health engagement initiatives. This includes extending outreach and intervention programs crucial to addressing the city’s pressing public health needs, particularly in underserved areas.

Impact of Extension: This funding aims to provide stability and continuity for health services up to mid-2026, ensuring ongoing support for populations reliant on community health programs.

Affordable Housing and Labor Agreements

Citywide Labor Agreement (CLA) for Affordable Housing: The Board discussed an ordinance to incorporate a CLA policy, ensuring competitiveness and transparency in selecting contractors for affordable housing projects. The CLA is modeled after successful frameworks in Los Angeles and aims to establish a steady pool of construction workers to meet San Francisco’s aggressive housing targets.

Rationale: This approach seeks to address both labor shortages and affordability in construction, fostering a stable workforce that could support the development of 80,000 housing units. Supporters argue that it will provide laborers with fair wages and benefits, helping elevate workers to the middle class and sustaining project timelines.

Infrastructure and Environmental Projects

Electric Transit Buses for San Francisco International Airport: A new contract with Gillig LLC was approved for the purchase of electric transit buses, totaling nearly $68.8 million. This contract aligns with San Francisco’s goal of reducing emissions in its public transportation fleet and marks a critical investment in greener airport operations.

Community and Arts Support

Recognition of Mission Culture Center for Latino Arts: The Board celebrated the contributions of the Mission Culture Center for Latino Arts, an institution recognized for its resilience and impact amid leadership transitions and operational challenges. The center plays a vital role in San Francisco’s cultural landscape, providing access to arts education and preserving Latinx heritage within the community.

Implications for Cultural Preservation: This acknowledgment by the Board serves as a testament to the value placed on cultural institutions in San Francisco, especially those promoting diversity and inclusivity in the arts. It highlights the city’s dedication to supporting cultural resilience through ongoing investments and partnerships.

Traffic Safety and Vision Zero Update

Status on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Goals: Supervisor Mandelman raised concerns over the rising fatalities in pedestrian crosswalk incidents, indicating a lack of progress toward the Vision Zero goal established over a decade ago. San Francisco’s Vision Zero initiative aspires to eliminate traffic-related fatalities but faces setbacks due to inconsistent traffic enforcement and infrastructure challenges.

Anticipated Measures: An update on the city’s approach to traffic enforcement is scheduled for December, aimed at assessing and enhancing protective measures for pedestrians. The discussion highlighted the need for heightened vigilance and resource allocation to curb traffic incidents and safeguard vulnerable road users.

Public Comment

Educational and School District Concerns

• Math Pilot Program: Parents and educators voiced support for the Whole School Lesson Study Math Pilot, sharing stories of how the program has improved student confidence and understanding in math. Parents emphasized the importance of expanding this program to other schools to bridge achievement gaps.
• School Closures and District Transparency: Several parents and SFUSD employees criticized recent school closures and the lack of community engagement in decision-making processes. Concerns were raised about how these closures could impact neighborhood stability and public trust in the district. Some also called for greater transparency and a halt to what they described as “privatization efforts” within the district.
• Staffing and Compensation Issues: SFUSD employees highlighted the need for fair wages and better job security, noting that many district staff hold multiple jobs due to low pay. There were calls for the district to retain skilled employees by offering wages competitive with other city jobs.

Neighborhood and Community Issues

• Safeway Closure in Fillmore: Community members expressed concern over the sudden closure of a Safeway grocery store, emphasizing how such closures can disrupt access to essential services in their neighborhoods. They urged the Board to take steps to prevent similar closures in the future.
• Environmental and Noise Concerns: Some residents voiced frustration about environmental noise and traffic issues, particularly in areas near Ocean Beach. A resident proposed converting sections of a major road into a park to reduce pollution and support wildlife habitat.

Support for Cultural Institutions

There was significant support for the Mission Culture Center for Latino Arts. Residents and community leaders praised the Center’s resilience and impact, particularly in promoting Latinx heritage. They called for continued city support to ensure this institution remains a vital part of San Francisco’s cultural landscape.

Calls for Government Accountability

• Financial Transparency: Some attendees requested an audit of SFUSD’s finances, citing issues such as fund mismanagement and ineffective allocation of resources. They expressed concern about the impact of financial instability on public education quality, particularly for students with disabilities.
• Community Engagement in Policy Decisions: Public speakers encouraged city officials to involve communities in significant decisions that impact their neighborhoods, from school closures to the use of local resources.