The San Francisco Board of Supervisors convened on October 24, 2023, addressing a diverse agenda ranging from housing and homelessness to budget and code updates. Mayor Breed appeared before the Board, discussing topics like affordable housing, behavioral health, and the implementation of Senate Bill 43. The Board approved a series of ordinances on the consent agenda, covering areas such as city budget, police salaries, empty homes tax, park code modifications, and labor laws. New business included resolutions for commemorative street designations and plaques. Notably, the Board adopted a resolution prioritizing communities impacted by the upcoming APEC summit. Several pieces of legislation were introduced, spanning topics like real property lease amendments, the SoMa Community Stabilization Fund, and senior center renovation progress. Public testimony focused on a wide array of concerns, including APEC, homelessness, affordable housing, and community safety. The Board also scheduled committee of the whole meetings to address delinquent real property transfer taxes.
The Board approved the minutes from the previous meeting on September 19, 2023. Supervisor Safai motioned to approve, Supervisor Dorsey seconded, and the motion carried with all eleven supervisors present voting in favor, following general public comment.
Mayor Breed addressed the Board to discuss three key topics: affordable housing goals, behavioral health and homeless services for Westside neighborhoods, and the implementation of Senate Bill 43. Supervisor Preston questioned the Mayor about issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for affordable housing on Parcel K by the end of the year, but the Mayor declined to commit. Supervisor Melgar inquired about dedicating staff to assist homeless individuals and those with behavioral health needs on the Westside, which the Mayor indicated she would work on. Supervisor Mandelman asked about the City's readiness for Senate Bill 43 implementation, to which the Mayor responded with details about an Executive Directive to prepare City departments. The matter was then filed after public comment with no further action.
The Board passed a series of ordinances under the consent agenda, including amendments to the Administrative Code regarding the preparation of the City budget and multi-year grants. They also approved changes to the Salary Ordinance for the Police Department, the Business and Tax Regulations Code concerning the administration of the Empty Homes Tax, and delegated authority to amend certain leases for 100% affordable housing. Further ordinances passed related to restricting private vehicles on John F. Shelley Drive, prohibiting armed guards from drawing firearms, requiring retail pharmacies to stock opioid antagonists, and clarifying the suspension or debarment of contractors for labor law violations. Finally, the Board approved a surveillance technology policy for the Department of Elections and established the Labor and Employment Code.
The Board approved a resolution to retroactively accept and expend a $100,000 grant from the Purchaser Business Group on Health for the "CalHIVE Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) Improvement Collaborative" program, spanning from July 1, 2023, through January 31, 2027, for the Department of Public Health.
The Board adopted resolutions for several commemorative designations: "Elsie Tonelli Street" on Mission Street, Lodginghouse District historical markers, SoMa Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District historical markers, and Compton’s Transgender Cultural District historical markers. Additionally, the Board approved a resolution of intent to establish a Street Plaza at Eagle Plaza 383-12th Street, urging Public Works to solicit a Plaza Steward.
The Board approved on first reading ordinances amending the Administrative Code to establish the Library Laureate Programs, to authorize remote and hybrid remote hearings and conferences for the Assessment Appeals Board (AAB). It also approved removing cash revolving funds for certain City departments and reduce the maximum amount for the Port of San Francisco. Finally, the Board passed an ordinance to establish a Graffiti Advisory Board. Supervisors Mandelman and Melgar were briefly noted absent during the cash revolving fund vote.
The Board approved the appointment of Jane Redmond, Edda Mai Johnson, and Mara Math to the In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority. They also approved the Mayor’s nomination of Amy Campbell to the Historic Preservation Commission, with a term ending December 31, 2026.
Supervisor Stefani presented a Certificate of Honor to Tony Delorio for his accomplishments as a Teamsters leader and Italian American advocate. Supervisor Melgar presented a Certificate of Honor to Vernon Ng for his heroic intervention in a violent incident. Supervisor Mandelman presented a Certificate of Honor to the Castro Street Fair Board of Directors for their exceptional efforts in organizing the Fair.
The Board approved on first reading an ordinance to change zoning controls in the Castro Street Neighborhood Commercial District to allow Nighttime Entertainment with Conditional Use authorization on the second floor. Supervisor Dorsey requested to be added as a co-sponsor. Supervisor Peskin voted against this one. They also passed on first reading an ordinance creating the Non-Profit Arts Education Special Use District at 800 Chestnut Street.
During the public comment period, numerous speakers voiced their opinions on a range of topics. Concerns were raised about artificial intelligence, religious matters, affordable housing in Hayes Valley, homelessness, and the placement of mini cabins. Many individuals expressed support for the Resolution urging the City to prioritize and protect impacted communities during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, while others raised concerns about cleaner streets, public safety, social media exposure of personal information, the political climate, hate, and surveillance technology. Additional concerns were shared regarding a proposed homeless tent village in the Mission District and the lack of resources for family members of homicide victims. Finally, speakers discussed the Western Addition center, the Housing Element and affordable housing goals, and the APEC Summit.
The board adopted without committee reference a number of resolutions including a retroactive 90 day extension for the Planning Commission review of the Family Housing Opportunity Special Use District, recognizing October 2023 as American Pharmacists Month, urged the SFMTA and HSH to create a joint plan on RV residents, recognized October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and finally urged SFMTA to implement the San Francisco Automated Speed Safety Program Pilot.
The board approved several motions regarding personnel and scheduling. A motion reappointing Chris Dillon to the Commission on Aging Advisory Council was approved. Additionally, motions were approved scheduling the Board of Supervisors to sit as a Committee of the Whole on January 9, 2024, and February 27, 2024, to hold public hearings on reports of delinquent real property transfer taxes.
The board adopted without committee reference a resolution urging prioritization of impacted communities during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. In addition, a motion was made by Supervisor Dorsey to request a referral of the resolution supporting the SOMA Pilipinas Gateway Cultural Marker to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee.
The Board introduced several new legislative items. These included a resolution for the commemorative street name "MTT Way," real property lease amendments for the Mission Rock Project, authorization of expenditures for the SoMa Community Stabilization Fund, acceptance and expenditure of a grant from the California Energy Commission, and urging a report on the implementation of Assembly Bill No. 57. The Board also introduced requests for hearings on the Richmond Senior Center renovation progress and the status of San Francisco's residential treatment bed expansion plan.
The board also scheduled hearings on the reports of delinquent real property transfer taxes for a number of addresses. In addition to legislation introduced by the Supervisors, legislation was offered at the request of various departments including but not limited to Planning Code landmark designation, settlement of a number of law suits and unlitigated claims, authorization of agreements with ARIN, and contracts regarding historical properties.
Supervisor Connie Chan requested a report from the Department of Elections on their process of reviewing and approving submitted translations of non-character-based language names for use on San Francisco ballots, comparing it with the requirements of California Assembly Bill No. 57 (Low).