Supervisor Chan 101823 Newsletter

Supporting Small Businesses

New Legislation to Protect Small Businesses

During the Legislative Summer Recess in August, I worked with Katy Tang, former District 4 Supervisor and now our Director of Office of Small Business, on how to make sure we protect our small businesses in the Richmond and also encourage growth and tackle empty storefronts.

To that end, I talked to Director Tang about her proposed commercial zoning legislation. I asked her to make sure we continue to ban corporate chain restaurants on Geary in Central Richmond, so our unique local eats like Joe's Ice Cream can thrive against chain restaurants like McDonalds. I also asked that we continue to ban big box pet stores and instead support our local pet shops in the Richmond.

Now the legislation, which will be voted on next month, will allow flexible use of our small business spaces for multi-use like arts, professional services, restaurant and retail. This will help our small businesses get the permits they need more easily, and commercial property landlords to more easily lease out their spaces.

Welcoming Our New SFPD Ambassadors

As your district representative, and Board of Supervisors' Budget Committee Chair, I have been advocating for San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) retired police officer ambassadors for Richmond for over a year.

Finally, after the recent budget approval, the Police Department is now deploying retired police officers to patrol our neighborhood commercial corridors. The ambassadors will act as deterrents to crime and provide support to our residents, visitors, business and the Richmond Station officers.

We Need More Public Safety Measures

While we welcome the support from the SFPD Ambassadors, it is not enough. Our small businesses continue to face break-ins and other public safety issues. I recently convened a working group with our District Merchant Associations, Balboa Village, Greater Geary Blvd, Clement Street Merchants, and Captain Chris Canning of our Richmond District Police Station.

I am committed to holding regular meetings of this working group, with one scheduled next week. Our merchant associations, SFPD, and other city departments will join us to discuss specific crime prevention strategies and funding opportunities to improve safety in the Richmond.

Supporting Chinese Merchants

After a series of break-ins, Community Youth Center's Ambassadors and I visited the New Lung Fung Bakery on Clement and had an in-depth conversation with the owner about what we can do support to him and his team.

They thanked us for the visit and the community's support. They shared that they received so many orders after our visit that they completely sold out of mooncakes for the Autumn Moon Festival!

But our support for them and all our small businesses does not stop here. Let's make sure we do our best to eat and shop local!

Don't Forget to Eat and Shop Local!

My family and I recently tried one of the newest additions to the Richmond: Sonamu, a great Korean spot on Geary. Please check it out! They have a great selection of beer and Korean eats.

Community Updates

Internet Archive Hero Awards

Last week I was honored to be recognized by the Internet Archive with their Hero Award for my legislation to support the digital rights of all libraries, preserving their ability to provide free access to thousands of books and digital content.

Thank you Internet Archive for preserving free access to information! And thank you to our Richmond District neighbors for supporting our district institution.

Celebrating the Richmond Neighborhood Center

It was wonderful to join so many of you at the Richmond Neighborhood Center's 10th Annual Wine (and Whiskey) on the Westside at the Park Chalet.

I was also honored that founding members, Dennis and Hene Kelly helped me present a certificate to honor the amazing staff and volunteers of the center. I thank them for their contributions to our community.

Meeting Senator Laphonza Butler

After honoring the life and amazing accomplishments of Senator Dianne Feinstein last week, I was honored to meet our new United States Senator Laphonza Butler at the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) reception in her honor.

I was impressed with her commitment to her roots, to standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and her record supporting working families. I am excited to see what she accomplishes in her new role.

Clement Street Farmers' Market

On Sunday I shopped our at Clement Street Farmers' Market and presented a certificate from the Board of Supervisors to the Agricultural Institute of Marin to celebrate their 10th anniversary providing delicious and fresh produce and groceries to our neighborhood.

Look forward to seeing you out there next week!

Community Events

SFMTA Public Hearing

On Friday, October 27th, at 10:00am SFMTA is holding a public hearing for their proposed creation of 5 minute limit Passenger Loading Zones at 298 4th Avenue, in front of a newly opened bakery; and at 350 9th Avenue, in front of a new preschool.

If you'd like to weigh in on this proposed change, you can join from a computer to view shared material or join by phone, by calling (415) 523-2709 and entering the code 629 657 949#.

de Young Open

I stopped by the de Young's 3rd annual de Young Open exhibit which runs through January 2024. This wonderful exhibit showcases local artists from the Bay Area and I highly recommend you check it out if you can!

“The AVENUES” Exhibit

Please stop by "The AVENUES" exhibit at 210 Clement to check out over 60 local artists making work about our neighborhood!

2024 Covered California Open Enrollment

If you need health insurance or are a Covered California enrollee, 2024 Open Enrollment for Covered California begins November 1, 2023 and closes January 31, 2024. During the 2024 Renewal Period, Covered California will automatically renew enrollments effective January 1, 2024.

Visit the Covered California website or call Covered California directly at 800-300-1506 to speak with either a certified insurance agent or certified enrollment counselor.

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Board of Supervisors | District 1 | Connie Chan 陳詩敏
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-7410 | Fax: (415) 554-5163

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