|
|
|
This past month has once again been incredibly active both inside and outside of City Hall. Inside the building, I've been working long hours on our condo conversion legislation, and negotiating the final terms for our ballot measure to deal with our $4.3 billion unfunded healthcare liability. As always, more inspiring, has been spending time out in our neighborhoods - with annual neighborhood meetings in Presidio Heights, the Marina, Cow Hollow and Russian Hill, as well as the first round of Budget "Town-halls" I have led together with Mayor Ed Lee out in the different neighborhoods of San Francisco. As Chair of our Budget and Finance Committee, my staff and I are gearing up for the heart of budget season in the next two months, and look forward to holding our District 2 Budget Town Hall on May 18th at Galileo High School from 10:00-12:00.
Best wishes for a great rest of May - look forward to being back in touch shortly next month.
Best,
Mark |
Office of Supervisor Mark Farrell
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-7752 Fax: (415) 554-7843
Legislative Aides: Catherine.Stefani@sfgov.org, Margaux.Kelly@sfgov.org, & Jess.Montejano@sfgov.org
|
|
LEGISLATION AND POLICY UPDATE
|
|
|
Tenancy in Common Lottery Bypass Legislation
At the April 15, 2013 Land Use and Economic Development Committee, Supervisors Norman Yee, David Chiu, and Jane Kim introduced amendments to my original legislation. The ordinance, as recently amended, was forwarded out of committee on a 2-1 vote - with Supervisors Kim and Chiu voting to support, and Supervisor Scott Wiener voting in opposition. Although I decided to stay on as an author of the legislation, I am opposed to the legislation in its current form. Some of the amendments introduced by my colleagues have unintended consequences that need to be fixed. Since the amendments to my legislation were introduced, I have been convening regular meetings between tenant rights and TIC rights advocates to ensure we get to a true compromise that helps vulnerable TIC owners, enhances tenant protections over current law, and adds badly needed revenues towards our City's affordable housing funds. The first vote on the legislation at the full Board of Supervisors happened on May 7, 2013, and the issue was sent back to the Land Use Committee to be discussed again. I hope to have a compromise in place by that time, and am confident given the good faith negotiations that are ongoing between the two sides, that we will reach a compromise that the entire Board can support.
|
|
$4.6 Billion Unfunded Healthcare Liability Hearing
At the April 10, 2013 Budget and Finance Committee meeting, I held a hearing regarding our City's current $4.6 billion unfunded healthcare liability. At the hearing, our city's Controller - Ben Rosenfield - made a presentation on San Francisco's actuarial liability for retiree health benefit costs and San Francisco's current and future costs for retiree health care benefits. The purpose of this hearing was to bring the magnitude of this problem into the public sphere. I have asked the Controller's office to begin work on drafting different scenarios that could potentially help San Francisco fully fund its healthcare costs into the future. I look forward to working collaboratively with the City, labor organizations, and business organizations to put forward a common sense solution that puts our City on further stable financial ground for years to come.
|
|
Sidewalk Sales Temporary Fee Waiver for Small Business Week
On April 23, 2013 the Board of Supervisors unanimously (11-0) passed an ordinance I introduced on behalf of our City's Office of Small Business that will temporarily waive the fee necessary to have a sidewalk sale during Small Business Week on May 11-18. It has always been a top priority to support our small business community not only in District 2, but citywide as well. Be sure to support your local small businesses not only during Small Business Week, but whenever possible!
|
 Technology Hearing
On April 17, 2013, my hearing on technology needs for our emergency personnel was heard in the Budget & Finance Committee. I called for the hearing after learning that the radio systems used by our emergency personnel were seriously outdated and in need of replacement. My intent as Budget Chair is to find out what the needs are for our emergency personnel and how we can meet those needs. Here in San Francisco we boast about being the "innovation capital" or the "tech capital" and must make sure that in any kind of man-made or natural disaster, our City's first responders have the tools they need to keep our citizens safe.
At the hearing we heard from the Mayor's Budget Office, the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Police, Fire, the SFMTA and the Department of Technology. DEM is in the process of hiring a consultant to evaluate and advise the City on upgrading our public safety communications systems. DEM stated that it is imperative that the City replaces the public safety 800 MHz public safety radio system by 2018, as the current system is 13 years old and the vendor has stated they will no longer provide service or parts for the system. As we go through the budget process, I will be mindful of what our needs are and how we can meet those needs through various methods - including federal and regional grants and other non-General Fund sources. DEM has also created the 800MHz Radio Steering Committee to coordinate projects for all our critical communications systems in order to find every opportunity for collaboration and efficiency. We will keep you posted. |
|
Parking Meter Expansion Hearing
On May 2, 2013, I held a hearing at our City's Neighborhood Services Systems Committeeabout the SFMTA's plans for expanding parking meters into our neighborhood. At the hearing, I asked the SFMTA to provide information on SFMTA's policy rationale for the expansion, the revenues SFMTA anticipates from the expansion and an update on future SFMTA plans and projects that include parking meter expansions into our neighborhoods. Merchant and community leaders presented on their unique concerns and needs, and how they hope the parking meter expansion process will proceed. Everyone's voice and attendance at this hearing was crucial in letting the SFMTA know that they must consult with the community first before moving forward with any parking meter expansions into our neighborhoods. The hearing was continued to the "Call of the Chair," and I plan on holding another hearing during the Fall to get an update from the SFMTA on how the parking management plans are being implemented.
|
|
Inside San Francisco's Budget (Part 1 of 3), Marina Times
As chair of San Francisco's Budget and Finance Committee this year, I have welcomed the opportunity to dig deeper into our City's fiscal condition and financial well-being. My goal as budget chair is to be as open and transparent as possible - these are your dollars with which we are making major policy decisions, and you should know how they are spent. This article is the first in a three-part series intended to inform everyone on how the budget process works in San Francisco, what the budget actually funds, and what priorities are ultimately reflected in this year's budget cycle for Fiscal Year End (FYE) 2014 and 2015 (San Francisco operates on a June 30 FYE). Part 1 focuses on the basics of our city budget. Please view the full article here: http://bit.ly/18gkuFV.
|
Honoring Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Girls Basketball Team
I had the pleasure of presenting the Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Girls Basketball Team with a Certificate of Honor from the Board of Supervisors. This year, the team became the WCAL Champions, Division III NorCal Champions, and State Runners-Up. The Board of Supervisors applauds the Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Girls Basketball Team for achieving these well-deserved titles through hard work and dedication.
|
 April 5, 2013 - "Ceremonial First-Toss" at the San Francisco Giants Opening Game I was thrilled to have the opportunity to throw the first pitch at opening day for the Giants.Growing up in San Francisco and playing baseball as a child and throughout college, I have always loved our local team.Having the chance to participate in their opening day festivities was an unforgettable experience, and I thank the Giants for welcoming me. Go Giants! |
 April 8, 2013 - Alice Toklas Middle Class Housing Crisis Discussion It was my pleasure to attend the Alice Toklas Community event discussing how to mitigate high living costs in San Francisco. Everyone agrees that housing in San Francisco is becoming extremely expensive, but there are different views on how to help San Francisco's middle class families. I talked about my TIC condo conversion legislation, a policy which aims to make housing more affordable for our residents. |
|
April 10, 2013 - District 2 Neighborhood Business Summit
I was happy to have the chance to speak with small business owners in District 2 about legislation updates which are pertinent to them.Specifically, I discussed progress with the the City Budget, Invest in Neighborhoods Program, and America's Cup. I'd like to thank the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce for putting on the event, as well as all the small businesses and merchants who attended. |
April 11, 2013 - Exploratorium Art Show
As you may know, the beloved Exploratorium Museum has moved from its home at the Palace of Fine Arts in the Presidio to Pier 15. To commemorate the museum and its residence in District 2, I hosted an art show which features classic images from the first few years following the museum's founding in the early 1970s.I was so pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate a San Francisco institution and I encourage residents to stop by and enjoy the pictures in our office. |
April 12, 2013 - Walk to Work Day
This year marks the first time a U.S. city has implemented a city-wide walk to work day, and I was thrilled to participate in San Francisco's festivities. I had a lovely time meeting with community members at a local Peet's coffee before walking to City Hall. We are blessed with a mild climate, compact geography, and pedestrian friendly streets. Walking to work was a great reminder of the beautiful city we live in, as well as how easy it is to be environmentally friendly!
|
April 12, 2013 - Presidio Middle School Tour of City Hall
I was happy to meet with the Presidio Middle School Student Council and show them around City Hall and answer their questions. It is important to foster and encourage our youth to be leaders and upstanding community members and it was a pleasure to meet with, what could be, San Francisco's future leaders.
|
 April 17, 2013 - Police Officers Association Briefing Following the passing of Proposition C last year - housing trust fund money has been set aside for our city's first responders.I was pleased to speak to the San Francisco Police Officers Association and brief them on the money effectively being set aside and the language of eligibility. Should a natural disaster occur in San Francisco, our first responders will be integral in addressing the problem and helping the community. I was thankful for the opportunity to speak with them. |
 April 17, 2013 - Giant Sweep at St. Vincent de Paul School The San Francisco Giants and Department of Public Works have teamed up for the anti-litter campaign "Giant Sweep." I was grateful to be able to talk to students at the St. Vincent de Paul School about the importance of keeping our city clean. Specifically, students are encouraged to sign the "Giant Sweep" pledge, enter into a poster contest, and volunteer to help clean up. Everyone must have a part in ensuring San Francisco's cleanliness, and I was happy to remind our youth that they can make a difference. |
April 17, 2013 - Francis Scott Key Elementary School PTA Meeting
I gladly attended the most recent Francis Scott Key Elementary School PTA meeting to speak about the Shared Schoolyards Project. The project allows schoolyards to be open on weekends year-round, and with summer around the corner this will be a great place for young families to build community even when school is out. I appreciate the Francis Scott Key PTA for hosting me.
|
April 17, 2013 - San Francisco Towers Community Meeting
I had the pleasure of speaking to the San Francisco Towers senior community about the California Pacific Medical Center development project. The proximity of the CPMC development to SF Towers directly affects these community members and I was happy to brief them on the legislation.
|
 April 18, 2013 - George Washington Carver Elementary School PTA Meeting I was grateful to have the opportunity to speak about the Shared Schoolyards Project at George Washington Carver Elementary School's PTA meeting. This project provides space for San Francisco's youth to play on school playgrounds on weekends year-round. The project is so important for building community amongst young families in the city and I am pleased George Washington Carver invited me to speak on the topic. |
 April 18, 2013 - Russian Hill Neighbors Annual Meeting I was excited to meet with the Russian Hill Neighborhood association to brief the community on local issues affecting them. Specifically, I discussed the community's budget needs in the coming year and the importance of new policy to increase funding for disaster first responders. I am very glad to have had the opportunity to keep the Russian Hill community informed on progress at City Hall. |
 April 19, 2013 - Chamber Monthly Meeting At this month's annual meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, I gave the members of the Chamber an update on a variety of issues currently being addressed by the Board of Supervisors. 2013 has proven to be a very busy year in City Hall and I am happy to consistently have the opportunity to share policy updates with the Chamber. |
 April 25, 2013 - Marina Community Association Meeting I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the Marina Community Association and update them on top agenda items in City Hall, along with various initiatives that affect District 2. I gladly took questions from community members, so we could have an open dialogue on how to improve District 2 and the Marina. |
 April 27, 2013 - Healthy Kids Day I was thrilled to participate in the Healthy Kids Day event hosted by the Presidio YMCA. I was honored to be able to announce the raffle prize and speak about the importance of encouraging health and fitness in our youth. Thank you to the YMCA for putting on a successful event which advocates for healthy youth! |
District 2
San Francisco Budget Town Hall Series 2013
May 18, 2013 from 10- 12pm
Galileo High School Auditorium
Please join Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisor David Chiu, other City officials and myself in engaging in budget discussions this month. This is a great opportunity to speak directly with City officials and share what matters most to your neighborhoods and communities.
SFMTA Traffic Calming Request
Application must be submitted by August 1, 2013
The SFMTA Traffic Calming Program is now accepting applications. The Traffic Calming Program is designed for San Francisco Residents to alert the SFMTA on street issues in their community, so they can help make streets safer for all residents. Applications must be submitted by August 1, 2013 and locations near schools and other community oriented facilities will receive increased consideration. For more information and applications visit: http://www.sfmta.com/cms/ocalm/indxlicalm.htm
Museo Italo Americano Launches Year of Italian Culture
April 18, 2013 - July 21, 2013
From April 18 through July 21, in celebration of Italy's "Year of Italian Culture in the United States," the Museo Italo Americano will present "Contemporaneity: Signs of Modern Times." The exhibit is a compilation of work by five Sedna Italian artists, linked together by the common language of art. While the styles and media used by these experiences artists differ, they all share the challenge of transferring the reality of nature into their respective work. The exhibit explores art's meaning in contemporary society via sculpture, painting, and a variety of styles and media. For more information, please visit www.museoitaloamericano.org.
"Off the Grid" Friday Night Food Truck Party
Friday's 5pm to 10pm
Fort Mason Center
This weekly outdoor food truck bonanza features over 32 food vendors with 4 bars and live music. The event is open to the public. For more information and a list of vendors visit: http://offthegridsf.com/
Young Performers Theatre: Winnie The Pooh
Saturday, April 27 - Sunday, May 19
Young Performers Theatre, Bldg C Fort Mason Center
Everyone knows the exciting adventures and misadventures of Winnie the Pooh. Enjoy a wonderful frolic with Christopher Robin, Piglet, Owl, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, and Winnie the Pooh! So popular was the success of this splendid production that Young Performers Theater is delighted to share it with audiences again!
2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
Saturday, April 27, 2013 - Monday, May 27, 2013
The Georgian-style Mansion located at 2800 Pacific Ave will be transformed by the region's top interior and landscape designers. Known as the Herbst Manor this historically significant home built in 1899 by Ernest Coxhead has stunning old-worlds craftsmanship and sweeping panoramic views of the bay and city. For more information and tickets visit: http://decoratorshowcase.org/
Bike To Work Day
Thursday, May 9, 2013, 7:45AM
Peet's Coffee (3419 California St @ Laurel St., in Laurel Village)
This citywide celebration is a great time to try commuting by bike or to ride together with tens of thousands of other San Franciscans. We'll start our morning in the District by meeting up for a cup of coffee at Peet's Coffee in Laurel Village and then we'll all head out for work on our bikes. I will be leading the District 2 Commuter Convoy, which leaves from Peet's Coffee at 7:45 AM and will end at City Hall for a press conference at 8:15 AM. These rides are a small group of neighbors who will leisurely bike ride safely and legally. Join me, or stop by one of the 26 Energizer Stations for free prizes for bike commuters on May 9th. Find out more about Bike to Work Day and RSVP here to ride with my Commuter Convoy.
Mother's Day Marina Green 5K
Sunday, May 12, 2013, 9am
Celebrate Mother's Day with a flat, fast, out and back course through Crissy Field and Marina Green. Register online at http://www.active.com or on race day beginning at 8am. Kids Half Mile run at 9:45am, free for kids ages 12 & under.
City of San Francisco
AT&T Now Hiring and Bringing More Jobs to the Bay Area
AT&T has announced the company is now hiring more than 500 new employees in key locations across California, including new opportunities in many parts of the greater San Francisco Bay Area. AT&T needs outside plant technicians and splicing technicians to support growing customer demand for the company's award-winning U-verse suite of services, which includes advanced digital TV, high-speed internet and voice services. The jobs are full-time positions for a term of up to 3 years. People living in the Bay Area and seeking work can now apply for available AT&T positions in San Francisco, San Bruno, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Rafael, and Napa. AT&T is also hiring in Santa Rosa. Selected candidates will receive paid job training. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and 401k, company-provided vehicles and tools and a wide range of potential career opportunities. AT&T is urging interested candidates to apply online at www.att.jobs/TERMtechnicians.
Shape Up Walking Challenge
April 1 to June 7, 2013
Shape Up SF is proud to announce the dates for the 2013 Walking Challenge. You can join the 2013 Shape Up Walking Challenge from April 1 to June 7, 2013. The Walking Challenge is a ten week program designed to motivate those who live and work in San Francisco to get more physically active and develop or maintain healthy habits. In 2012, over 2,500 people participated by walking over 340,000 miles. That's equivalent to 13.6 trips around the world! Online registration began on Monday, March 11. Please visit www.shapeupsfwalkingchallenge.org to create or join a team, set a physical activity goal, and track your progress toward meeting that goal. All your miles will contribute to your team's goal, which is to collectively walk 1,016 miles - equivalent to the California coastline - within the ten weeks of the challenge. Check the website throughout the spring to find local walking and running events, view safety tips, and find other resources to help get you moving!
Candlestick Park Stadium Tours
Monday thru Friday, 11am and 2:30pm and Saturday 11am
Home to the five time Super Bowl champions, the San Francisco 49ers, and the original home of the San Francisco Giants, Candlestick Park brims with memories and legacies! Take a tour and get the scoop behind the scenes like never before in the second-oldest and only concrete stadium in the NFL! On this sixty minute guided tour you'll experience the 49ers Locker Room and walk through the tunnel onto the field! You can run the gridiron, get inside the old Giants dugout, see the views from the football press box way up high, peek inside a luxury suite, and more! You even have a chance to re-enact "The Catch" by Joe Montana and Dwight Clark that led the 49ers to their first Super Bowl right where it happened! The tour is great for all from the most fervent 49ers & Giants fans to those just along for the walk. We showcase Candlestick's fun, historical and structural facts, and even have trivia questions for adults and tour-related games for the kids. For more information visit: http://sfrecpark.org/parks-open-spaces/candlestick-stadium-tours/
San Francisco Rose Society's Annual Mother's Day Rose Show
Sunday, May 12, 2013, 12:30pm - 4pm
The San Francisco Rose Society continues its tradition this May, in Golden Gate Park, with the ANNUAL MOTHER'S DAY ROSE SHOW. On Sunday, May 12, 2013, Golden Gate Park's Hall of Flowers will be filled with a variety of rose exhibits, the top honor taking "Queen of Show". Admission to the event is FREE and open to the public between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. After the exhibition at 4:00 p.m., show roses will be given away -- for FREE -- on a first-come, first-served basis!
San Francisco Small Business Week
May 13-18, 2013
Join us during the 9th annual San Francisco Small Business Week from May 13 to 18, 2013. As we celebrate the theme of "Small Business: Shaping Our Communities," this week-long event will honor San Francisco small businesses because you are the creators of jobs, innovators that put us on the map, builders of diverse neighborhoods, and most of all, shapers of our communities! For more info visit: http://www.sfsmallbusinessweek.com/
SFPUC's 8th Annual Construction Contractor's Breakfast
Thursday, May 16, 2013
The Construction Contractors' Breakfast provides contractors the opportunity to learn more about construction contracting opportunities with the SFPUC, receive updates on SFPUC Capital Programs and Initiatives (including WSIP, SSIP, and Power Enterprise capital programs), and partner with other contractors, trade associations, suppliers, small and minority businesses, engineering and CM firms, community based organizations, and other SFPUC stakeholders. If you are interested and help us spread the word about this great event by sharing with your district. You can register by following the link: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=jparvmmab&oeidk=a07e7bvntb724ce860e&oseq=a0218ahfn357xg
Uncorked! San Francisco Wine Festival
Saturday, May 18th, 1pm to 6pm
In partnership with a local non-profit organization, Uncorked is a public event which provides an opportunity to taste, learn and experience wine from throughout Northern California. The Seventh Annual Uncorked Festival drew over 7,500 attendees. Activities for the event will take place throughout the courtyards of Ghirardelli Square as well as extend onto Beach Street adjacent to the Square. Beach Street will be closed to traffic for the event to provide room for wine and food purveyors. For more information visit: http://www.sresproductions.com/uncorked.html
|
April 1, 2013
The San Francisco Chronicle, "Condo conversion legislation making progress"
http://blog.sfgate.com/cityinsider/2013/04/01/condo-conversion-legislation-making-progress/
April 1, 2013
The San Francisco Examiner, "Push to make reservoir in Russian Hill a park is renewed"
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/development/2013/04/push-make-reservoir-russian-hill-park-renewed
April 2, 2013
The San Francisco Chronicle, "Public Defender supplemental sent back to committee"
http://blog.sfgate.com/cityinsider/2013/04/02/public-defender-supplemental-sent-back-to-committee/
April 3, 2013
The Bay Area Reporter, "HIV cuts concern supes"
http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=68666
April 3, 2013
The San Francisco Examiner, "San Francisco Law Library suing over facility size"
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2013/04/san-francisco-law-library-suing-over-facility-size
April 3, 2013
The San Francisco Examiner, "San Francisco should allow rent control for converted condos, report says"
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/development/2013/04/san-francisco-should-allow-rent-control-converted-condos-report-says
April 9, 2013
The San Francisco Examiner, "SF's Fleet Week air show canceled with Blue Angels grounded"
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2013/04/sf-s-fleet-week-air-show-canceled-blue-angels-grounded
April 10, 2013
CBS SF Bay Area, "Plan Urging San Francisco to Divest From Oil Companies Moves Forward
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/04/10/plan-urging-san-francisco-to-divest-from-oil-companies-moves-forward/
April 11, 2013
The San Francisco Examiner, "San Francisco state Sen. Mark Leno's fake campaign generating real money for Democrats"
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2013/04/san-francisco-state-sen-mark-lenos-fake-campaign-generating-real-money-democrats
April 11, 2013
The San Francisco Examiner, "Ashley Judd's San Francisco values"
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2013/04/ashley-judd-s-san-francisco-values
April 11, 2013
CBS SF Bay Area, "SF Supervisors Struggle to Solve Long-Term Cost of Retired City Workers' Health Care"
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/04/11/sf-supervisors-struggle-to-solve-long-term-cost-of-retired-city-workers-health-care/
April 11, 2013
Asian Week, "Mommy, What's that mean?"
http://www.asianweek.com/2013/04/11/mommy-whats-that-mean/
April 12, 2013
The San Francisco Chronicle, "Reservoir on Russian Hill"
http://www.sfgate.com/news/slideshow/Reservoir-on-Russian-Hill-60272.php
April 12, 2013
The San Francisco Chronicle, "Neighbors still hopeful reservoir will become a park"
http://blog.sfgate.com/cityinsider/2013/04/12/neighbors-still-hopeful-reservoir-will-become-a-park/
April 15, 2013
The San Francisco Examiner, "Condo conversion proposal could mean deal for San Francisco tenancy-in-common owners"
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/development/2013/04/condo-conversion-proposal-could-mean-deal-san-francisco-tenancy-common-own
April 15, 2013
The San Francisco Chronicle, New amendments on condo conversion introduced
http://blog.sfgate.com/cityinsider/2013/04/15/new-amendments-on-condo-conversion-introduced/
April 17, 2013
KQED, "San Francisco Inches Toward Deal on 'Tenants in Common' Condo Conversions"
http://blogs.kqed.org/newsfix/2013/04/17/new-tic-to-condo-plan-would-impose-10-year-conversion-moratorium-in-exchange-for-lottery-bypass/
April 18, 2013
The Bay Area Reporter. "Supes panel amends condo legislation"
http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=68705
|
|
|
|
Office of Supervisor Mark Farrell
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-7752 Fax: (415) 554-7843
Legislative Aides: Catherine.Stefani@sfgov.org, Margaux.Kelly@sfgov.org, & Jess.Montejano@sfgov.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
