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As fall settles in, there's a renewed focus on community—from neighborhood gatherings to preparations for the holidays. I’m excited to share some important updates on our recent work together.
This year, we established the Office of Victim and Witness Rights to provide essential support for those affected by violence in our community. We also passed new legislation to help our seniors age safely at home and bolstered protections for reproductive rights amid growing challenges. In the months ahead, I look forward to continuing our efforts to make our neighborhoods safer and more inclusive for all.
Stay tuned for more updates on these initiatives and other efforts to support and revitalize our community. For any questions or assistance, please reach out to StefaniStaff@sfgov.org or 415-554-7752.
Sincerely,
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Article 43 - Protecting Reproductive Rights
Last week I introduced legislation to expand protections for reproductive health facilities in San Francisco. Recent events remind us that vulnerabilities remain, even in California, for those seeking and providing care. This ordinance comes in direct response to the increased harassment and violence that has followed the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
Reproductive healthcare clinics have long been targets of harassment, intimidation, and violence—a national issue that has escalated with abortion care becoming a focal point of the upcoming election. Opponents of reproductive rights have grown more aggressive, and clinics nationwide, including in San Francisco, increasingly rely on volunteer escorts and security personnel to protect the privacy and safety of patients and healthcare providers.
This legislation is a critical step to ensure San Franciscans can access care without fear or intimidation. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this ordinance forward. Let’s be clear - San Francisco will not go back.
Elevator Maintenance
In September, I passed legislation requiring that all passenger elevators in existing apartment buildings be kept operational for residents, regardless of the building's height. Before this ordinance, owners of buildings under 50 feet tall were not obligated to maintain their elevators. This allowed some landlords to let elevators fall into disrepair indefinitely, leaving residents who relied on them, particularly seniors and people with mobility challenges, effectively stranded in their own homes.
This legislation closes that loophole, ensuring that all tenants, including those with mobility needs, have the accessible housing they counted on when they moved in. I'm proud that this common-sense measure passed unanimously at the Board of Supervisors. I remain committed to making sure that all San Franciscans have the accessibility they deserve in their homes.
Pedestrian Safety on Lombard
This past September, two pedestrians lost their lives after being hit by vehicles traveling along Lombard Street. These tragedies underscore the reality that Lombard Street continues to be unsafe for pedestrians and that this major transit corridor is in urgent need of safety improvements. Following these crashes, I’ve worked extensively with SFMTA, as well as state partners, to advocate for legislation to reduce speeds and implement needed street design changes on this city highway. We must all commit to doing better to protect everyone who uses our streets and prevent further traffic fatalities.
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Keep up with me in the community by following my social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Here are just a few highlights over the last few months.
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First Day of School
I’m so glad I was able to join Tule Elk Elementary and Marina Middle School to kick off their first day of school celebrations. It was a joy to see so many bright and excited faces, especially with the surprise visit from Festus Ezeli of the Golden State Warriors!
St. Vincent de Paul’s Centennial Celebration
I was honored to help celebrate St. Vincent de Paul School’s 100th anniversary at City Hall by declaring September 27, 2024, as ‘St. Vincent de Paul School Day’ in San Francisco. As a proud mom of two Viking alumni, I’m grateful to celebrate a century of friendship, community, and educational excellence. Go Vikings!
Italian Heritage Month Celebration at City Hall
Italian Heritage Month at City Hall was a joyful celebration once again! San Francisco’s vibrant Italian-American community continues to inspire us with its rich heritage and lasting contributions to our city. Grazie mille to everyone who helped make this year’s event truly memorable!
Chief Nicholson’s Retirement Party
Congratulations, Chief Nicholson, on your retirement! Honored to join so many to celebrate your 30+ years of incredible service at the San Francisco Fire Department and to the people of San Francisco.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
I’m grateful to live and work in a city that’s deeply committed to ending the epidemic of domestic violence. Every year, we come together to reaffirm this commitment and hear from city leaders, community partners, and survivors who work tirelessly to make a difference.
A special thanks to organizations like the Domestic Violence Consortium, Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence, La Casa de Las Madres and so many others. Their unwavering dedication to supporting survivors and ending domestic violence in our communities is truly inspiring.
Italian Heritage Parade
My favorite parade of the year — the Italian Heritage Parade!
It was an honor to celebrate my Italian heritage alongside my mom and so many friends and loved ones at the festival in North Beach. Andiamo!
Triple I Luncheon
I had a great time at the annual Triple I lunch with friends from the Irish, Italian, and Israeli communities! Thanks to the Irish-Israeli-Italian Society for celebrating the amazing cultural contributions these groups bring to San Francisco. Congrats to this year’s honorees, Father Healy & Sandy Gandolfo!
Richardson Triangle
I’m partnering with Cow Hollow residents to revitalize the Richardson Triangle, located at the southeastern corner of Richardson Avenue & Lyon Street. This collaboration with the Department of Public Works, the Presidio Trust, and local neighbors will transform the grassy area with native plants and trees, creating a welcoming and scenic gateway to San Francisco for those heading southbound on Highway 101. I look forward to seeing this project completed and leaving a lasting impression on visitors’ first glimpse of our city.
Fillmore Street Update
In response to concerns about the potential loss of longstanding businesses on Fillmore, I’ve been working to foster open communication between new property owners, local merchants, and neighborhood groups. I’ve consistently emphasized the need to protect existing small businesses and preserve Upper Fillmore’s unique commercial character, while encouraging the activation of vacancies along the corridor.
I’m proud to have helped designate La Mediterranee and Ten-Ichi as legacy businesses, giving them access to additional city grants and support. Although Ten-Ichi is leaving its longtime location, I am assisting with their relocation efforts and providing government support wherever possible. I’m also closely monitoring lease renewal discussions between La Mediterranee and the new property owners and remain committed to supporting a fair lease extension for this beloved restaurant.
Longstanding small businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods, and the loss of legacy businesses on Fillmore Street is something I take extremely seriously. The voices of residents like you are essential to Fillmore’s future. I am committed to ensuring that all decisions about the corridor reflect the community’s values and character.
A community meeting will be scheduled soon, where the new property owners can discuss their plans for the Clay Theater and the other properties they have acquired. My office is always available to answer any questions about the ongoing conversation regarding the future of Fillmore at StefaniStaff@sfgov.org.
Serving Small Businesses
This summer, my team and I had the pleasure of connecting with over 200 small businesses across District 2. Engaging directly with local merchants, learning about their challenges, and sharing resources to support their growth and success has been incredibly rewarding. Small businesses are the heart and backbone of our community, driving both the economy and the unique character of our neighborhoods. I’m committed to ensuring they have the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive, and I’ll continue to advocate for policies that empower our small business owners to succeed.
Street Safety Upgrades: New Barrier & Speed Bumps
I’m excited to share two recent improvements enhancing neighborhood safety and accessibility.
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I’m happy to report that the damaged traffic barrier at Scott and Green Streets has been successfully repaired, restoring an important safety feature for everyone who travels through this busy intersection. Barriers like this play a key role in protecting pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers by providing a clear and reinforced boundary.
Additionally, two speed bumps on Commonwealth Avenue were installed. I want to thank Public Works and SFMTA for working with me to make these repairs and installations possible. Keeping our streets safe is a top priority, and I’m proud to support Vision Zero with practical measures like these.
If you’re interested in traffic calming measures for your residential street, visit SFMTA.com/TrafficCalming to apply.
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Renegade Craft Fair
Saturday, November 2nd - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday, November 3rd - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Discover unique gifts and support indie artisans at the Renegade Craft Fair on November 2-3, 2024, at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion, featuring over 250 makers offering everything from ceramics to leather goods, with workshops, gourmet food, and live DJ music.
NEON Presents: Illuminate November
Thursday, November 7th - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Join NEON for Illuminate - November at 1974 Union Street on Thursday, November 7th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. You'll hear from founders & community leaders. Each will be presenting a 5-minute lightning talk. Food and drink to be served.
Premier: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Documentary
Friday, November 8th - 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Join Sports Basement Presidio and the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research for a free (donations encouraged) screening of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch documentary, which highlights Captain Charles Moore’s 1997 discovery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and his ongoing efforts to research and educate on the dangers of plastic pollution.
- Free dental screenings, hearing screenings and blood pressure tests
- Questions answered by University of the Pacific dental and audiology professionals
- Info on how you can become a patient and get discounted dental care
Appointments are required.
Please call 415.780.2055 or email pr@pacific.edu for an appointment.
Next VillageSF Presents: Lunch with The Bunch
Thursday, November 14th - 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Join other vaccinated NEXT VillageSF members for their monthly Lunch with The Bunch. For November, it will be held at Dragon Well (2142 Chestnut Street). Most menu items are under $30. Advance registration is required so NEXT Village can know how many seats to reserve. You can register by going to nextvillagesf.org/upcoming-events, going to Thursday, November 14th on the calendar, then selecting “11:30am Lunch Is Served! Lunch With The Bunch!” to enter your info to register.
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SF Supervisors Advance Overhaul of Much-Criticized Office for Sexual Assault Survivors
KQED | September 26, 2024
“In May, a San Francisco Chronicle investigation revealed that SHARP had not proposed any policy changes to some major city departments and could identify only a single meeting between a city employee and a survivor who filed a complaint.
City leaders responded by drafting a proposal to move the office under the oversight of the newly created Mayor’s Office of Victim and Witness Rights, which aims to help victims of all types of crimes. Its current home, the Human Rights Commission, has since come under mounting scrutiny as its executive director resigned this month amid allegations of misspending public funds.
The proposal, introduced by Supervisor Catherine Stefani, also clarifies that the office must offer trauma-informed support for survivors who choose to report crimes to the police, including helping fill out police reports and accompanying them to interviews with law enforcement.”
Longtime neighborhood advocate embraces ‘adapting to the change’ of SF
San Francisco Examiner | October 18, 2024
“Lynne Newhouse Segal has been a member of the Pacific Heights Residents Association since moving to The City from New Jersey in 1985 and served on its board of directors since 2003. The retired attorney previously served as its president, remaining active in the group to this day.
Segal’s longstanding interest in politics has turned the group’s annual meeting — which dates back to around the time of its 1972 founding and was held Tuesday at Flood Mansion — into a yearly opportunity to share concerns with local leaders. Mayor London Breed and District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani attended Tuesday’s event.”
SF Getting Another Mosaic Tiled Stairway, This One In Anza Vista, as a Tribute to ‘Grandpa Vicha’ Ratanapakdee
SFist | October 23, 2024
“But there’s another new tiled mosaic stairway already in the pipeline, though this one's more of a memorial. On Tuesday, the SF Board of Supervisors voted to eliminate permit fees for the forthcoming Vicha Ratanapakdee Mosaic Stairway, a project to commemorate the 84-year-old Thai immigrant “Grandpa Vicha” Ratanapakdee who was brutally killed in the Anza Vista neighborhood the morning of January 28, 2021.
'This stairway is a community-driven project led by Grandpa Vicha’s daughter Monthanus and the Justice For Vicha Ratanapakdee Foundation,' said Supervisor Catherine Stefani, while introducing a measure to eliminate the permit fees for the project. 'The installation will not only beautify the neighborhood, but also serve as a symbol of peace, a core value that guided Mr. Ratanapakdee’s life.'”
Police-code amendment would expand security zone around SF abortion clinics
San Francisco Examiner | October 23, 2024
“San Francisco lawmakers will consider an amendment to The City’s police code that the legislation’s author says is designed to minimize harassment patients face from protesters at reproductive health clinics.
'In San Francisco, we believe that everyone has the right to access healthcare without fear or intimidation,' District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani said in a statement. She introduced the measure at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. A committee will consider the bill before it goes back to the full board for approval.
'This legislation reaffirms our commitment to protecting the health and safety of our community, ensuring that all can seek and provide care in peace,' Stefani said.”
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Office of Supervisor Catherine Stefani
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 273, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-7752 Fax: (415) 554-7843
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