The Inaugural Meeting of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on January 8, 2021, focused on the election of the Board President and hearing public commentary. Supervisor Walton was elected as the new President of the Board. Public comments largely centered on expressing support for the newly elected and re-elected Board Members and President Walton, but a significant portion also voiced concerns about defunding the San Francisco Police Department. The meeting also included the certification of election results, administration of the oath of office to new members, and remarks from Mayor London N. Breed and individual Supervisors.
Clerk Calvillo announced that Board Members would participate remotely via videoconference due to the COVID-19 health emergency, ensuring the same extent of participation as if physically present.
Clerk Calvillo informed the Board that she received certificates of election for newly elected and re-elected Members who won a majority of votes on November 3, 2021, including Connie Chan (District 1), Aaron Peskin (District 3), Dean Preston (District 5), Myrna Melgar (District 7), Hillary Ronen (District 9), and Ahsha Safai (District 11). She also confirmed receipt of communication from the Controller verifying surety bond requirements for these Supervisors.
The Honorable Samuel K. Feng, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, administered the oath of office to the newly elected and re-elected Members of the Board.
Supervisor Melgar, seconded by Supervisor Ronen, nominated Supervisor Walton for the Office of the President of the Board of Supervisors. With no further nominations, the nominations were closed.
Numerous members of the public provided comments, with a significant portion expressing support for the newly elected and re-elected Board Members and the newly elected President of the Board. A recurring theme was concern regarding defunding the San Francisco Police Department, with speakers like Trina, Ellen Dell, Eddie Hernandez, Sara Shockey, Jordan Davis, Gayland, Gracie, Marie Courtier, Yvette Brackett, Meghan, Azuri Tram, Bruce Callger, Alyssa, Jeremy Nate, Melly, Pete Reynolds, Destiny, Merva, and Speaker voicing their worries. Others, such as Hillary Nacano, Lydia Richardson, Calvin Quick, Glendan Brown, Nate Ford, Sharkey Laguna, Alice Gibbons, Ken Lambock, Itzel Estrada, Tiffany Carter, Sean Buford, DJ Brookter, Tina Talon, Veronica Shephard, Descan, Dale Seymour, Kiely Hosmon, Roger Merenco, Dante King, John Anderson, Sheryl Smith, Emily Rogers Fly, Susan Murphy, Barry Toronto, Gabriel Medina, Monique Guidry, John Anna, Raymonds Rocks, Monica Chinchilla, Dr. Veronica Honeycutt, Lashawn Walker, Anastasia Yoganopolis, and Marianne, voiced support for the newly elected President and/or the new and re-elected Members of the Board, with concerns regarding policy also being voiced.
The roll was called on the nomination of Supervisor Walton to the Office of the President of the Board of Supervisors. The nomination passed with a vote of 11 ayes.
President Walton introduced Mayor London N. Breed, who congratulated the new and re-elected Members of the Board of Supervisors and the newly elected President Walton.
President Walton called on each newly elected and re-elected Member of the Board of Supervisors and afforded each an opportunity for brief remarks.
President Walton thanked his colleagues for their support, acknowledged previous Presidents, and addressed the Board regarding his vision to address the current crises facing the City and nation.