Future of the Castro: Bay Area Reporter Op-Ed

The BAR just published an editorial I wrote on the future of the Castro. The neighborhood has seen many challenges and triumphs through the years, and will continue to see more. Looking forward, the future is bright, with burgeoning economic vibrancy, new housing options, improvements to the public realm, and a continued commitment to the Castro's LGBT cultural significance. Read the editorial here.  

Micro-Unit Legislation Passed 

San Francisco has surpassed New York as the most expensive rental market in the country. Alleviating pressures on rising rents requires a variety of flexible and creative solutions that will improve housing options for families, individuals, students, the elderly and others. My micro-unit housing legislation, which was passed at the Board of Supervisors, is one of these tools. These micro-units with 150 square feet of living space (220 square feet total when bathroom, closet and kitchen area are included) will offer a more affordable option to those who want to live alone but can't afford current studio prices.

Urban Forest Update  

Last month I held a hearing about the state of our urban forest, including the city's current stewardship plan for our street trees. There has been a lot of concern about DPW's current plan to transfer ownership, and therefore maintenance responsibilities, of street trees from the City to adjacent property owners. I share this concern, because it places an unfair burden on property owners who didn't plant the trees, leads to inconsistent maintenance, and puts our urban forest's health in jeopardy. At the hearing we discussed alternatives to this plan, including finding a funding source so the City can assume full maintenance responsibility for our city's street trees.

At the hearing, we also discussed the findings from the City's new Urban Forest Master Plan, which was the result of a collaborative effort between the Planning Department, Recreation and Parks Department, Department of Public Works, and Friends of the Urban Forest. The project study is not online yet, but you can get more information about it by clicking here.

Mobile Food Trucks have quickly become an exciting, innovative part of San Francisco's rich culinary tradition. However, the current rules regulating these trucks are ad hoc and antiquated, such that some parts of town may become saturated with food trucks while other areas are almost entirely off-limits. To address this issue, I introduced legislation to reduce some extreme restrictions (which, for example, make most of the Mission and a number of university and hospital campuses off-limits for food trucks), while taking into account the needs of brick-and-mortar restaurants by not allowing food trucks to be located right out front of restaurants. The legislation will also allow MTA parking control officers to cite food trucks in violation of their permits. Currently, the enforcement of food truck permits falls on DPW, which doesn't have an enforcement division. Finally, the legislation requires that formula retail food trucks (for example, the Burger King food truck that recently came to New York City) go through the same process as other formula retail.

These new regulations will strike a balance between encouraging the growth of the food truck industry, while respecting the space of established brick and mortar restaurants. I'm continuing to work with various stakeholders on bringing this legislation forward with broad support.      

Scott at the Giants World Series Celebration with Supervisors David Chiu and Malia Cohen

Muni Funding and Reliability:  Maintenance and Vehicle Purchases

Muni service has been deteriorating, and I've been very focused on helping the agency reverse that decline.  One of the agency's fundamental problems is its long-term lack of investment in maintenance and vehicle rehabilitation. Muni doesn't have enough buses and light rail vehicles, has broken down vehicles it can't afford to fix, and has numerous vehicles that are beyond their useful life.  I've been working on several aspects of this problem:

Fighting the Diversion of Muni Maintenance Money
In other Muni funding news, I authored a resolution at the Board stipulating that all public funds eligible for Muni maintenance be used for that purpose and not for other programs, like Free Muni for Youth. While transit access for underprivileged youth is an important goal, it shouldn't be enacted with funds that can be used to improve Muni service. Unfortunately, not all of my colleagues agreed with me on the urgency of Muni's lack of funding, and the resolution failed by a 7-4 vote. I thank Supervisors Elsbernd, Farrell, and Carmen Chu for standing with me on this important issue.  Despite this result, it's essential that we continue to fight for every dollar for Muni, as the department has a $100,000,000 yearly operating deficit and $420,000,000 in deferred maintenance costs. These are very real numbers and we can't wish them away.

Improving Muni Funding by Closing a Development Loophole
One solution I proposed at the Board of Supervisors was to close a significant loophole in our Transit Impact Development Fee (TIDF) that allows large nonprofit developments like hospitals, private schools, university campuses, and museums not pay a dime in traffic/transit impact fees.  When development occurs in San Francisco, a fee is charged to take into account the traffic and transit strain the development causes.  This thirty-year-old legislation has a blanket exemption for all nonprofits, no matter how large or how much impact they have on Muni.  I proposed applying this transit impact fee to nonprofits developments larger than 25,000 square feet, in order to avoid impacts on smaller nonprofit projects.  Unfortunately, the hospitals and Chamber of Commerce, along with some other nonprofits, fought any change - even for the largest mega-developments - and my proposal did not succeed.  

These two funding fights show that a major shift in consciousness needs to happen at City Hall.  City Hall talks a good game on transit funding but rarely makes the hard political decisions necessary to make Muni as reliable as we need it to be.  Although I was unsuccessful in these two funding efforts, I will continue to fight hard to improve Muni's reliability.   

Transgender Health Benefits

In July, the Board unanimously passed my resolution ensuring that Healthy San Francisco covers all medically-necessary healthcare costs for transgender people, including transition-related procedures.  Last month, the Health Commission agreed to the change.  This victory - ending this blatant discrimination against transgender people in providing what the American Medical Association states to be medically necessary care - was the result of a long collaboration between city agencies and community groups. I was proud to support the change and to provide the political support to push it across the finish line.  

Scott at the Boeddeker Park groundbreaking

Taxi and Car Services

Nudity

My narrow and focused legislation restricting public nudity was passed by the Board of Supervisors. This means that as of February 1, 2013, people will no longer be able to display their genitals on public streets, sidewalks, plazas, parklets, and public transportation. The legislation exempts street fairs like Pride, Folsom, and Bay 2 Breakers and also has no impact on nude beaches.

There were passionate views on both sides of this debate, and I respect those who disagreed with me on the legislation.  In recognition of our City's tolerant and accepting culture, the legislation is quite narrow, indeed, much narrower than the ban on public nudity in our parks that has been in place for over 30 years.  Fundamentally, the legislation is about use of our public spaces in residential and commercial neighborhoods.  We all need to be able to use these spaces, and people hanging out in public spaces displaying their genitals isn't consistent with that community approach.

Hurricane Sandy and San Francisco's Good Samaritan Rental Law

There are many lessons to be taken from how Hurricane Sandy devastated the East Coast, and as a major urban area, San Francisco will experience its own major challenges when a major disaster hits us. Like San Francisco, New York has rent control laws, which has made it challenging for New York to provide temporary rentals to displaced tenants while their units are being fixed.  Shortly after I took office, I passed legislation - the Good Samaritan Rental Ordinance- to address this precise issue:  to create a temporary tenancy for displaced tenants, at affordable rents, without creating a long-term rent control relationship.  This new kind of lease will provide better incentives for landlords to rent temporary units to displaced tenants at low rents.  The legislation was passed unanimously by the Board and was supported by both tenant and landlord groups.  If New York had this law in the aftermath of Sandy, it would have had more flexibility to deal with short-term displacements.  

Hearing on Robberies

Recently there has been an alarming rise in robberies on our streets and on Muni. Many of these robberies involve personal mobile devices, like smart phones and iPads, and occur in broad daylight hours. SFPD is working hard to address this threat to public safety. On Tuesday, I called for hearing to hear from SFPD and the District Attorney on strategies being employed to address this problem and to educate the public about how to avoid being a victim.    

Community Updates   

Celebration: Church and Duboce Rail and Streetscape Improvement Complete 

My office is co-hosting a celebration of the completion of MTA's Church and Duboce Track and Street Improvement Project on Saturday, December 8 at 11 AM. Please join me and other city officials, community groups and neighbors at the corner of Duboce and Church to see the great work done by everyone involved in this project.   

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Fundraiser

Last month we had a fundraiser at my office in City Hall to benefit the creation of a Nuns Memorial Rock in the AIDS Memorial Grove for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence who are no longer with us. I'm happy to say that we helped raise over $2400 for the Memorial. This was a great event for a worthy cause, and I want to thank everyone who attended and donated. I look forward to seeing the Nuns Rock Memorial in Golden Gate Park soon.

Scott with John Cunningham, Aaron Baldwin, Neil Giuliano, and former Supervisor Bevan Dufty

Castro Country Club Announces Sponsorship Agreement with SF AIDS Foundation

In November, the Castro Country Club announced that it had entered into a fiscal sponsorship with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, which will replace Baker Places, Inc, the previous fiscal sponsor. This is great news for the CCC, which has been a safe haven for LGBT people in recovery. I'm very pleased that the SF AIDS Foundation is stepping in, and I'm certain these two great organizations will provide continued and valuable support to the LGBT community. For more information about 12-step meetings and other free programs at the Castro Country Club, visit www.castrocountryclub.org. For more information about the free, local programs of San Francisco AIDS Foundation, visit www.sfaf.org.  

Mission Pool to Open in Summer 2013 

See the below message from the Recreation and Parks Department concerning the opening of the Mission Pool: 

We apologize for the current delay related to unforeseen conditions discovered during the pool renovation. The deterioration of the pool, building and the foundation systems were discovered to be in a more severe condition during the project. Additional replacements of locker room walls, pool deck, drain system, pool plumbing, and filtration system were necessary to meet health and safety requirements. We are working hard to make sure Mission Pool will be safe and clean for everyone to enjoy for many years to come.

The Mission Pool is a public outdoor  pool serving children and families in San Francisco. The renovation is funded by 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond.

For information about the pool renovation, please contact Toks Ajike at 415-581-2543. And for more information about SF Recreation and Park Department's aquatic programs, please visit our website at www.sfrecpark.org.  

Bike Plan Project: New Left Turn at Market and Valencia

SFMTA has finished the new bike lane project on Market at Valencia that will serve as a protected left turn area from Market onto Valencia. The 38 foot wide sidewalk was reduced by 5 feet to make room for the queuing area, and a new dedicated bicycle signal phase controls the right of way between through and left-run vehicles and bicycle traffic.  

The new left turn lane at Market and Valencia

Saturn Steps Solar Street Lighting Installed 

The Department of Public Works has installed new lighting on the Saturn Steps, which has improved an unsafe situation by lighting a dark area. This was a collaboration between the PUC, the Department of Public Works and the Saturn Street neighbors. Our office worked to get everyone together to come up with a solution to enhance public safety.   

The new lighting on the Saturn Steps

The Planning Department is looking for your input on the City's Green Connections project. The Green Connections project aims to improve routes to open space throughout San Francisco. The project builds on current efforts to create sustainable corridors that enhance mobility, green neighborhood streets, and improve pedestrian and bicycle access to our city's parks, open spaces and the waterfront.  Click here to visit the project and learn more. Take the online survey and provide feed back. Join the mailing list.  

At a recent of Board of Supervisors meeting, I was honored to recognize Castro Tarts as part of Restaurant Appreciation Month.  Castro Tarts is a fantastic local business on Castro Street that has offered excellent food, coffee and pastries to the neighborhood for years. Their service is always friendly and relaxing, which makes Castro Tarts a great place to visit in the neighborhood.   

Scott and with Andy and Judy from Castro Tarts

Safety in the Castro Event

Monday, December 10th

7:00 PM

Magnet, 4122 18th Street 

The District Attorney is leading a safety in the Castro event to talk about recent trends that San Francisco Police Department, Castro Community On Patrol and others have been seeing.   

Please contact Rebecca Prozan of the DA's office at (415) 558-2449 for more information.   

 

Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association Meeting 

Monday, December 10th 

7:00 PM 

CPMC Davies Campus at Castro and Duboce Streets 

Gazebo Room, Plaza Level between North and South Towers 

The Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association (DTNA) represents residents, businesses and property owners in San Francisco's Duboce Triangle neighborhood, bordered by Market St., Castro St., Divisidero St., Waller St., Webster St. and Duboce Avenue.  Their goal is to protect, maintain and improve neighborhood quality of life, and ensure that the Duboce Triangle continues to be San Francisco's very best neighborhood in which to live, work and play.  Click here for more information.  

   

Scott at the Tree of Hope Ceremony at City Hall

 

Castro/Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association Meeting

Wednesday, December 12 

7:00pm

Castro Community Room, 501 Castro Street

The Castro/Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association (EVNA), formed in 1881 as the Eureka Valley Promotion Association (EVPA) provides a public form for the people who live, work and play in the great Eureka Valley area to discuss common issues and concerns, and help develop solutions to improve the neighborhood. Click here for more information.  

 

Santa Skivvies Run 2012

Sunday, December 16

1:00 PM 

Start and Finish at The Lookout, 3600 16th Street  

The Santa Skivvies Run 2012 will be on Sunday, December 16th. Drop your trou and help raise funds to support the free and local services of San Francisco AIDS Foundation!  The route of the Santa Skivvies Run begins and ends at Lookout (16th and Market) in San Francisco. The route is a spontaneous romp through the Castro district of San Francisco consisting of unplanned twists, turns, stops and hijinks. Once you cross the finish line, continue the fun at Lookout, the official host for the Santa Skivvies Run. Drink and food specials will also be available for participants thanks to our friends/hosts at Lookout. Each runner in the Santa Skivvies Run receives their own personal fundraising page on the >1 website. Fundraising is optional for all runners but creating a fundraising goal is encouraged to help support San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Online tools and experience are provided to help each participant reach their fundraising goals. Click here for more information.   

 

Noe Valley Town Square Meeting  

Wednesday, January 16th

7:00pm 

St. Philips Community Hall, 725 Diamond Street

Residents for Noe Valley Town Square will be holding a meeting in January to discuss next steps for the Town Square Project. The group is tentatively scheduled to appear before the Recreation and Parks Department Open Space Advisory Committee (PROSAC) on January 8th, which will be the first official step towards securing money from the City from the Open Space Fund. Click here for more information 

  

Scott at the North Beach Library groundbreaking

Access Viewing Day at the De Young 

September 15th-December 30th -The William S. Paley Collection: A Taste for Modernism 

October 6th-February 17th -Rudolf Nureyev: A Life in Dance

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive

On Access Days, people with disabilities have the option of attending the exhibition when the numbers of visitors are reduced and extra seating and other access features are provided.  By appointment only, contact rbradley@famsf.org or call (415) 750-7645.