San Francisco Magazine Profile

I was profiled in the March issue of San Francisco Magazine. Check out the profile here.   

 

 

           

Micro-Units on CBS This Morning

CBS National News interviewed me as part of a story on the new micro-unit developments in San Francisco and my legislation allowing for micro-units. You can watch the story here.  

 

Chronicle Q&A 

I recently sat down for a Q&A with the San Francisco Chronicle. If you ever wanted to know why I didn't become a veterinarian, click here.    

 

Join Me for Pride 

 

Please join me for the 44th SF Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30th! Don't miss out on all the colorful and outrageous fun that makes Pride a must-attend event every year.  For those who have never marched in the Parade before, this will be an unforgettable experience.  Friends, families, children and pets are all encouraged to join in the festivities.  Date &  time for the start of the parade are as follows:

 

Sunday, June 30th

10:00am-1:00pm (tentative) 

 

To join us in the celebration, please email your name, t-shirt size and mobile number to Adam Taylor at adam.taylor@sfgov.org or call my office at 415-554-6968.  Don't miss out on this fantastic, only in San Francisco celebration!

  

Scott at last year's Pride Parade with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

 

 

My Policy Work

 

Pedestrian Safety

We have one of the highest pedestrian injury rates in the State, and it's imperative that we do all that we can to make our streets safer. Recently, I introduced legislation that will expedite delivery of pedestrian safety projects -- like bulb-outs and sidewalks extensions -- by streamlining city processes and amending City codes to favor pedestrian upgrades. While our city polices identify pedestrian safety as a priority, our actual rules undermine pedestrian safety by causing projects to get tangled up by interagency bureaucracy, conflicting policy priorities, and outdated codes.

 

This legislation is composed of four parts: an ordinance that mandates interagency coordination by creating a centralized Street Design Review Committee; an accompanying resolution calling for city agencies to modernize street code provisions, better coordinate their efforts around public projects, and formulate clear procedures to do so; an ordinance making it easier for developers to build pedestrian safety projects and gift them to the city; and an ordinance amending the Fire Code to ensure that pedestrian safety projects are not unnecessarily impeded by the code's definition of minimum street width.

 

Improving Entertainment and Nightlife

Entertainment and nightlife are a central part of our city's cultural identity and economic strength. According to an Economic Impact Report released by the City Economist last year, the industry creates $4.2 billion a year in economic activity, 50,000 jobs, and $50 million in tax revenue. In my continued work to ensure a vibrant and responsible nightlife sector, I've introduced amendments to the Police Code to allow for more live music and DJ performances. Specifically, the legislation will simplify permitting for venues (e.g., cafes, art galleries) that want to use a DJ before 10 p.m., allow limited outdoor music in plazas and courtyards, and enhance and expand the enforcement powers of the Entertainment Commission. The legislation will also clarify and clean up outdated or redundant parts of the Code. This legislation fosters live entertainment while also heightening our ability to monitor and regulate people violating the law, which will help us to ensure that we have a thriving nightlife that draws residents and visitors to our local businesses.

 

Scott presenting an award with Sister Roma at the Nitey Awards

 

 

Public Safety

The recent rash of robberies in various parts of the district - indeed, all over the city - has been jarring to many in the community. We need to stay safe and make sure we are holding these perpetrators accountable. Over the past two months, I've held several community meetings in the district with residents, community groups, the police and the district attorney to discuss these crime trends. These meetings have been productive in connecting the police, residents, and neighborhood safety organizations. I also continue to communicate almost daily with our local police stations and to work as part of our budget process to continue funding new academy classes. For a number of years, SFPD had no academy classes, and as a result, the department is short 300 officers. That shortage undermines our ability to have enough officers on the street. We are now funding three academy classes per year, and the shortage will eventually end.

 

It's critical that everyone participate in making our neighborhoods safe. Even with a fully staffed department, true public safety requires strong public participation. There are a number of ways you can help:

 

--Form a neighborhood watch on your block. SF SAFE (www.sfsafe.org) provides free training to neighbors about how to have an effective neighborhood watch. You'll learn safety tips and also get to know your neighbors better, which is key to neighborhood safety.

 

--Join your neighborhood's public safety organization, or organize one if none exists. In the Castro, Castro Community on Patrol (www.castropatrol.org), which I co-founded in 2006 after a series of rapes in the Castro, engages in walking patrols and public education efforts around safety. For those who are interested in getting involved, there is a volunteer training on Sunday, March 24th from 1pm-4:30pm at the Chase Community Meeting Room. In order to register, anyone interested must send their full name, mailing address, and primary contact telephone number to Training@CastroPatrol.org.  The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence started the "Stop the Violence" program to educate the public about personal safety. More information here.  

 

--Report burned out streetlights by calling 311. Ask for a tracking number, and if the light isn't fixed within one week, please call my office (554-6968) and provide the tracking number so that we can follow up. The Glen Park Association is trying to identify particularly dark spots in the neighborhood that can use more lighting. Encouraging neighbors to keep their porch lights on at night can also improve street lighting.

 

--Always be safe when you are walking outside, including in broad daylight. Don't use your phone unless necessary, and don't be oblivious on the phone. When walking at night, try to walk with someone else if that is possible.

 

We also need to pressure cell phone manufacturers and carriers to make it possible to "brick" (i.e., kill) cell phones that are stolen. As long as these phones can be reused, a black market will exist for them, and there will be an incentive to rob people of them. I recently conducted a hearing about smart phone and tablet robberies. At the hearing, SFPD, the District Attorney's Office, and representatives from MTA discussed robbery trends and prevention strategies. District Attorney George Gascon has been pushing hard on this issue, and I support his efforts.

 

City-Wide Bike Share Program

Starting this year, San Francisco will participate in a bike-sharing pilot program that will include 350 bikes and service a small portion of the downtown core of the city. While this is an important first step, it's not enough, and we need to ensure that this pilot quickly leads to a broader city-wide program. That's why I introduced a resolution at the Board of Supervisors calling on the MTA to implement a full-scale, citywide bike share program by 2014. By offering residents publicly accessible bicycles at stations throughout the city, a larger bike-share program will reduce traffic, improve public transit, and stimulate our economy.

 

 

Scott throwing out the first pitch at opening day of the San Francisco Gay Softball League

MUNI Update

 

Muni Funding Op-Ed

I recently published an op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle urging the City to start prioritizing transit funding. Transit funding has been deprioritized in San Francisco, and too often, money that should be going to Muni is used for other policy needs that - while important - should be funded in ways that don't reduce money that is critical for Muni's maintenance and reliability. I look forward to a continuing dialogue about how we can better prioritize transit funding and make the system more reliable.

 

Transportation Task Force

Mayor Lee is convening a Transportation Task Force to address both local and regional long-term transportation planning and funding, and the Mayor has asked me to serve on the Task Force. I applaud the Mayor for focusing on transportation issues, and I look forward to working with various stakeholders to improve the way we fund and plan for our transportation system.

 

CEQA Appeals Reform Legislation

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is an important state law that ensures both public and private projects don't have a negative impact on the environment. This is a good law for our city and state, but San Francisco's local process for appeals of CEQA determinations is badly flawed. The process is unpredictable and chaotic and in bad need of reform. Last fall, I introduced legislation to establish a transparent, predictable CEQA appeals process for our city that encourages public participation through an increase in public noticing as well as creation of a clear timeframe for CEQA appeals. (Currently, the deadline to file CEQA appeals in San Francisco is unclear, which leads to delays and confusion.) My legislation is supported by various good-government, neighborhood, transit, affordable-housing, and labor organizations. After months of public outreach and 34 amendments to the legislation, the Planning Commission, last week, recommended approval. The legislation will come to the Board of Supervisor for consideration next month.

 

As my legislation moves towards the Board, one of my colleagues, Supervisor Jane Kim, has introduced alternative CEQA appeals legislation. Supervisor Kim's proposal will make the CEQA appeals process longer, more bureaucratic, and more expensive, which is the exact opposite of what this process needs. I will continue to work to bring my legislation to the full Board in the coming weeks, so we can see meaningful reform of this broken process.

 

2001 Market Pedestrian Plaza

Last week, the Planning Commission approved a plan to dramatically improve the Market/Dolores intersection by improving pedestrian access and creating a beautiful new plaza in this growing area . I'm a big supporter of this project and worked to move it forward. These improvements, which will be built as part of the development that is bringing the Whole Foods to the area, will increase pedestrian safety and activate public space. I look forward to seeing this underutilized public space become a more attractive place for pedestrians.

 

 

Scott and Mayor Ed Lee sporting orange ties in honor of MS Awareness Month

The State of Urban Trees

Trees beautify our streets, clean our air, filter storm water and cool our neighborhoods. A report by the National Recreation and Parks Area demonstrates the important of these effects on air quality near parks, including how they relate to air temperature, pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and carbon dioxide levels.  Unfortunately, we have not been doing a good job of protecting and growing our urban forest to ensure these benefits. Recently, a report by American Forests came out listing the top 10 best cities for urban forests, and we didn't make the cut. Though we strive to be environmentally conscious in San Francisco, we are failing in the development and maintenance of our urban forest. We must do a better job maintaining, replacing, and adding to the trees in our parks and on our streets. We also need to stop forcing property owners to care for street trees that they may not have planted, may not want, may not know how to care for, and may not have the ability to care for. For a number of months, I've been working with people in the community, city departments, and my colleague John Avalos to develop a dedicated funding stream for our urban forest, conditioned on the city taking back full responsibility for street trees. I hope that we can come up with a solution that works for our city and that better maintains and expands our urban forest.

 

HIV/AIDS Funding Hearing

Last year, at my urging, the City worked to backfill federal and state cuts to HIV/AIDS programs by adding in funding to our local budget. Thankfully, we accomplished that, but this year the same problem has arisen, and before we go into the budget process, we need to know what these federal and state cuts are, and how much we need to replace. Next week, I will hold a hearing at the Budget and Finance Committee on this critical healthcare issue. It's essential that we protect funding for these HIV care and prevention programs, so that we ensure uninterrupted treatment for our most vulnerable citizens.

 

Community Spotlight

 

Dr. Sue Carlisle   

Vice Dean of University of California, San Francisco

As part of Women's History Month, I honored Dr. Sue Carlisle at the Board of Supervisors for her years of work at San Francisco General Hospital and the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Carlisle has been invaluable to our community in leading UCSF's efforts in the rebuild of SFGH, educating the next generation of doctors at UCSF, and elevating the status of women at UCSF and SFGH. 

 

Scott and Dr. Carlisle at the Women's History Celebration at the Board

   

 

Community Updates   

 

Castro Streetscape Project

The design process for the Castro Streetscape Project is continuing full steam ahead. We are continuing to work to implement the long-desired widening of the Castro Street sidewalks, as well as other pedestrian upgrades on this critical thoroughfare. The community design phase will be wrapping up in the next couple of months. The next community meeting for the project will be April 3rd from 7-9 pm at Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy (19th St., between Collingwood and Diamond). Please join us to hear about design plans and to add your input to the project.  To stay up-to-date on the project, add yourself to the project's mailing list by signing-up at: http://signup.sfplanning.org. Just check the box for the "Castro Street Design Project."     

 

Glen Canyon Park Construction

Construction at Glen Canyon Park started in early January and is progressing steadily. When complete, the project will feature improvements to the tennis courts, children's play area, recreation center, landscaping, and Elk Street entrance. There are signs around the park that direct visitors to the open entrances, as well as provide information about the renovation project. Also, there are ADA-accessible porta-potties available seven days a week; they may be found near the Bosworth Street entrance. To date, the tennis courts and their surrounding retaining walls, as well as the old children's play equipment, have been removed to make way for the new courts, playground and other amenities. Some of the park's benches and tables have been removed for safekeeping; they will be returned when the renovation nears completion. Later this month, the construction crew will begin to make way for the new tennis court walls. There will be some new equipment on site to perform the work. Some folks have noticed that it has been quieter around the site for the past couple of weeks. Over the last few weeks there has been work performed by utility companies, which is less visible.  Assuming there are no additional delays, the project is anticipated to be completed in November 2013. For more information, visit the project's website or contact Karen Mauney-Brodek at karen.mauney-brodek@sfgov.org or (415) 575-5601. 

 

Dolores Park Renovation Update

The Dolores Park renovations remain on schedule to be completed by the Fall of 2014.  The Environmental Review process is anticipated to be completed by mid-April.  Under the phased construction plan, the project will take place in two six-month stages beginning in Fall 2013.  The new Helen Diller Playground will remain open throughout construction. Last week I attended a meeting held by Dolores Park Works where I spoke about the project. Jake Gilchrist from the Recreation and Parks Department also attended and gave a presentation on the project. For more information, visit the project's website or contact Jake Gilchrist at Jacob.Gilchrist@sfgov.org or (415) 585-2561.  

 

 

Scott with Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White and Police Chief Greg Suhr at the  St. Patrick's Day Parade

Entertainment and Nightlife Project Manager 

LGBT Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Clinic

Saturday April 6th

10am-4pm

Low-income households can take advantage of a FREE tax filing assistance clinic. Skilled volunteers will make sure that your taxes are filed correctly, confidentially and securely. Registered domestic partners and same sex married couples are welcome, and childcare is available upon request. Appointments are strongly encouraged.  Maximum household income is $51,000. To reserve a spot, please email econdev@sfcenter.org.  

 

The SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street

The Center's Workforce Development Program is pleased to provide a free workgroup open to all job seekers.  Come network and get support with your job search. The Job Club is a peer-to-peer discussion group where you can share experiences / best practices and receive ongoing direction and advice from a career coach to help manage a productive job search. One-On-One drop-in is the best first step before attending the workgroup.  If you have question regarding the group please contact Clair Farley, clairf@sfcenter.org. If you are interested in One-on-One job search and coaching please contact christinar@sfcenter.org or (415) 865-5614. Please note the building does not open to the public until noon. Job Club attendees please wait at the Center's main door and someone will let you in by 10:00am. Click here for more information

For merchants who are struggling with ADA compliance issues, please attend a meeting hosted by the ADA Merchant Committee.  They are seeking the active participation of all merchants and all agencies city-wide to assist small businesses in coping with this very complex situation.  The library is closed at that time, so please knock on the door to enter.  Any questions, please contact Gwen Sanderson, Video Wave, nvgwen@gmail.com, 415-509-6261 or Susan Walia, Castro Computer Services, susan@modcore.com, 415-826-6678.

Basketball players of all skill-levels and ages are invited to Open Gyms every Sunday. For $5, the San Francisco Gay Basketball Association hosts these open-court style games. All are welcome. Bring a dark t-shirt and a white t-shirt to signify which team you are on. Click here for more information

Free Rapid HIV testing for youth 24 and under offered by Larkin Street Youth Services.