<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a nonpartisan analysis of the San Francisco ballot for the Nov. 8, 2022, election. It was created by Madison Alvarado, Liana Wilcox, Sylvie Sturm, Mel Baker, Camellia Burris, Yesica Prado, Lisa Rudman, Kurt Aguilar, Ambika Kandasamy and Lila LaHood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you appreciate our work, consider becoming a monthly member<\/a>. To receive updates about this guide and other reporting from the San Francisco Public Press, sign up for our newsletter<\/a>. Subscribe to \u201cCivic<\/a>,\u201d our radio show and podcast, on Apple<\/a>, Google<\/a>, Spotify<\/a> or Stitcher<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Need information on how and where to vote? This page from the San Francisco Department of Elections<\/a> explains how to register to vote or update your registration, and gives details on your options for voting by mail and in person through early voting and on Election Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jump to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn how we chose the order for listing names<\/a> in this guide and how we came up with questions for the candidates<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are collaborating with KALW this election season. You\u2019ll hear audio segments from our \u201cCivic\u201d team on our own KSFP 102.5 FM and on KALW 91.7 FM. You\u2019ll see ballot summaries from our election guide on KALW.org. We are also partnering with CalMatters to bring you their statewide coverage of California ballot measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This charter amendment would adjust supplemental cost-of-living benefits for people in the San Francisco Employees\u2019 Retirement System who retired before Nov. 6, 1996. It would eliminate a requirement that the retirement system be fully funded based on the prior year\u2019s market value of its assets. Also, the system would adjust those retirees\u2019 base allowance to account for the five years when they didn\u2019t receive supplemental payments because of the full-funding requirement, and supporters say this change would affect approximately 4,400 retirees, in a system of 74,000 active and retired employees and their families. This measure includes a provision that would allow the system\u2019s executive director to be hired with an individual employment contract \u2014a departure from the city\u2019s standard relationships with government employees. This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition A<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Proposition B would undo a charter amendment approved by voters in November 2020 to take responsibilities away from the Department of Public Works and form a Sanitation and Streets Department. The charter amendment was meant to address enduring complaints about the city\u2019s dirty streets and overflowing garbage containers, and about how much is spent cleaning up. And, in the wake of numerous corruption charges within Public Works, it also established oversight commissions for both departments, and annual controller\u2019s performance audits and cost and waste evaluations. The problem with the charter amendment, according to those who now want it gone, is that it boosts city costs by $6 million annually. This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition B<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proposition C is a proposed charter amendment that creates the Homelessness Oversight Commission to oversee the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. In 2016, former Mayor Ed Lee established that department to manage all housing and social services for San Franciscans experiencing homelessness, including street outreach, homeless shelters, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing. The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing is the eighth largest city services department with a spending budget of approximately $672 million in FY 2022-23, and $636 million in FY 2023-24. The department is not subject to direct oversight by a city commission. This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition C<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of two proposals focused on streamlining affordable housing projects, Proposition D is backed by Mayor London Breed and YIMBY groups \u2014 those who say they support adding housing of all types, including market-rate housing. If the measure passes, 100% affordable projects, multi-family developments for educators and mixed-income projects with 15% more affordable units than currently mandated by the city, will receive expedited approvals. Proposition D exempts 100% affordable projects from discretionary approval by city commissioners and officials, allowing them to bypass the California Environmental Quality Act, which Proposition D\u2019s backers say slows or endangers projects, and creates mandatory time frames within which the Planning Department must respond to project applications. Opponents criticize the measure\u2019s changes to income requirements for 100% affordable developments, noting that the average income for an affordable building would be raised from 80% of area median income to 120%, and that some units could have rent higher than market-rate. This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition D<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Written by Supervisor Connie Chan and passed by the Board of Supervisors, Proposition E would amend the city\u2019s charter to expedite affordable housing. As with the competing Proposition D, Chan\u2019s policy streamlines approval for 100% affordable projects and teacher housing but has different requirements for mixed-income projects to qualify: 30% of the entire project must be affordable. Proposition E has mandates for two and three-bedroom units for families in addition to higher labor standards, requiring a \u201cskilled and trained\u201d workforce. The measure also requires the city to create an annual Affordable Housing Allocation report on the progress and funding of affordable housing. Opponents of the measure said that affordability requirements are so high that they would make projects infeasible, and criticized it for allowing the Board of Supervisors to maintain discretionary funding approval over 100% affordable projects. This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition E<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Proposition F would extend the Library Preservation Fund for another 25 years. The fund draws 2.5 cents out of every $100 from existing property taxes and would continue at this rate if the extension is approved. The fund is designated to provide library services and materials, and to operate library facilities. The fund is in addition to the baseline amount allocated to the library calculated by the controller based on San Francisco\u2019s discretionary revenues. The new measure also outlines temporary freezes to the baseline funding when the city\u2019s budget experiences a deficit. The measure would also continue the practice of setting system-wide weekly hours and maintain the process of holding public hearings every five years to evaluate the possibility of adjusting service hours. This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition F<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Proposition G is a charter amendment to establish a Student Success Fund that would be operated by the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families for 15 years. The purpose is to provide grants of up to $1 million to San Francisco Unified School District schools to improve academic achievement and social\/emotional wellness of students. The fund is modeled on the community school framework and would be paid for using a designated amount from the city\u2019s excess property tax revenue, which is separate from existing funding. This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition G<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Proposition H would move elections scheduled for odd-numbered years to even-numbered ones. Proponents argue that a much larger proportion of the electorate votes in presidential elections \u2014 which occur in even-numbered years \u2014 and say that consolidating elections would strengthen democracy. If approved, this measure would save the city $7 million every election cycle. Other cities, including Los Angeles and San Jose, have already made similar changes. Mayor London Breed, who would get an additional year in her tenure should this pass, opposed the measure. Proposition H requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition H<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Proposition I \u2014 Vehicles on JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park and the Great Highway<\/strong> https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/b31c33cc-7b50-4a18-adc0-338855db2fa2?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proposition I would overturn an ordinance that has closed John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park to most private motor vehicles seven days a week and closed the Great Highway along Ocean Beach to such traffic on weekends and holidays. The city would be forbidden from proceeding with plans to eventually close the Great Highway between Sloat and Skyline boulevards \u2014 a stretch that is subject to coastal erosion. This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition I<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Proposition J would change the city\u2019s park code to make permanent the closure of John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park to car traffic and closing the Great Highway at Ocean Beach on weekends and holidays. Supervisors approved those changes in April 2022. Some of those elected leaders put Proposition J on the ballot to combat Proposition I, which would overturn their spring decision and change the city charter to prevent similar legislation in the future. This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition J<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n To help fund public transportation projects, Proposition L would continue a 0.5% city sales tax for 30 years and allow for the issuance of up to $1.91 billion in bonds to be repaid with proceeds from the tax. Revenue would be used for programs outlined in the 2022 Transportation Expenditure Plan, including public transit maintenance and station improvements, neighborhood-level investments in pedestrian and bike safety, support for paratransit services, the extension of Caltrain downtown, and funding for equity-focused projects. Proposition L would initially generate around $100 million per year, and increase to $326 million by 2052, giving a boost to San Francisco\u2019s Municipal Transportation Agency after a $400 million bond measure failed in June. Proponents say the tax will increase the city\u2019s chances of getting state and federal funding for projects in the future. Opponents say voters showed their lack of interest in funding transportation when they rejected the Muni bond in June, and that spending by the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, which oversees the use of transportation sales tax proceeds, is out of control. This measure requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition L<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Proposition M imposes a tax on owners of residential buildings with three or more units who have kept units vacant for more than 182 days in a year. While disincentivizing prolonged vacancies, authors of the Empty Homes Tax Ordinance aim to increase the number of housing units available in San Francisco,while also raising revenue for rent subsidies and affordable housing. Opponents say encouraging housing construction is a better way for addressing the city\u2019s housing crisis than punishing owners of vacant units.This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition M<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Proposition N would give the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department control of the Music Concourse Garage in Golden Gate Park. The 800-space parking garage is managed by a nonprofit created by a ballot measure in 1998 that raised private donations to help finance the facility. Supporters of Proposition N cite a series of financial scandals and mismanagement of the garage and say the parking lot is underutilized because parking rates are set too high. They want to amend the earlier ballot measure to give control of the facility to Rec and Park. This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition N<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This proposed parcel tax will generate funding for services at the City College of San Francisco, including skills-focused programs for residents (such as English tutoring), workforce development training, student support and academic enrichment for historically underrepresented students. The Controller\u2019s Office estimates the tax will generate $37 million annually, a boost to City College\u2019s funds after years of class cuts, faculty layoffs, shrinking enrollment and financial crises. The tax would be levied from 2023 to 2043, and would be based upon the size and type of property, with adjustments for inflation. In 2023, rates would range from $150 for single-family homes up to $4,000 for large commercial properties. City College must submit an annual spending plan to the mayor and Board of Supervisors to receive the revenue. This measure requires more than 50% affirmative votes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Read our full analysis of Proposition O<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In September, the San Francisco Public Press asked residents to identify issues that concern them. Those responses informed the questions we posed to candidates for this election guide, and we will use them in our ongoing reporting. Would you like to tell us about your concerns? We are continuing to gather responses<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Question for the candidate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We asked San Francisco residents to tell us about the most pressing issues in their districts. According to survey responses we received, homelessness and housing affordability are the top concerns citywide. As supervisor in District 2, what do you plan to do about those issues, and how will you address concerns about reckless drivers and pedestrian safety in your district?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Running unopposed, Catherine Stefani is the District 2 Supervisor, a role she has filled since 2018. Before her current position, she worked as a senior aide to Supervisors Michela Alioto-Pier and Mark Farrell from 2007 to 2016 and as the San FranciscoCounty Clerk from 2016 to 2018. The top three issues she has focused on include ending gun violence, prioritizing public safety and supporting small businesses. In 2021, city leaders signed into law a bill authored by Stefani to ban the sale of ghost guns\u2014untraceable firearms without serial numbers that are often made from kits ordered online. The following year, voters approved a ballot initiative she authored<\/a> to create an Office of Victim and Witness Rights with the goal of offering free legal services and other assistance for victims of domestic violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Website <\/a>\u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/88800e24-933c-4a1d-b233-e29616598486?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Question for the candidates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We asked San Francisco residents to tell us about the most pressing issues in their districts. According to survey responses we received, homelessness and housing affordability are the top concerns citywide. If you are elected supervisor in District 4, what do you plan to do about homelessness and housing affordability? And how will you address the tension in your district between residents who want more access for cars and those advocating for preservation and expansion of slow streets, as well as the interests of neighbors asking for better public transit?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Joel Engardio \u2014 who has run for District 7 supervisor three times (due to redistricting, he now resides in District 4) \u2014 previously worked as a columnist at the San Francisco Examiner and as a director and producer at PBS\u2019 Independent Lens. Public safety and education are part of Engardio\u2019s platform. He is a leader of the local organization Stop Crime SF. Engardio is gay and married to a Taiwanese immigrant, which he cites when discussing his desire to stop anti-Asian hate. On his website, he has expressed support for criminal justice reform, calling for the prosecution of serious crimes and repeat offenders while seeking police accountability, as well as ensuring funding for crime prevention programs. He was in favor of the recall of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Regarding education, Engardio has stated that he supports permanent merit-based admissions to Lowell High School and a return to a public school system rooted in neighborhood access<\/a> as opposed to the current lottery system. He was a strong advocate for the San Francisco School Board recall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/5576eabd-5338-4fe7-a921-8ab9dfad52d3?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gordon Mar has served as the District 4 Supervisor since 2018. Previously, he worked as executive director of two local organizations: Jobs with Justice San Francisco and the Chinese Progressive Association. Mar, whose father immigrated from China, has focused on neighborhood safety and anti-Asian hate, creating a five-point community safety plan for his district and requiring police to report crime victim demographics. Housing affordability and education are among his other top issues. On his campaign website, he has cited his work on promoting the Sunset\u2019s first two affordable housing projects solely for teachers and working families. He has also mentioned leading negotiations to guarantee free tuition for residents to attend City College classes for a decade and obtaining raises for public school teachers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/ea347392-5502-49f4-aa92-d951cfa9541d?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Question for the candidates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We asked San Francisco residents to tell us about the most pressing issues in their districts. According to survey responses we received, homelessness and housing affordability are the top concerns citywide. If you are elected supervisor in District 6, what do you plan to do about homelessness and housing affordability? And how will you address concerns in your district about public access to bathrooms and the need for more supportive services for people who don\u2019t have permanent housing as well as for those living in supportive housing?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Matt Dorsey is the District 6 Supervisor, a role he was tapped to fill by Mayor London Breed after former D6 Supervisor Matt Haney was elected to the state Assembly in April. Previously, Dorsey worked as the director of strategic communications for the San Francisco Police Department and as a senior adviser and communications director for the city\u2019s Attorney\u2019s Office. Dorsey, who has spoken about his recovery from addiction, has focused on the city\u2019s drug crisis in his campaign. He has pushed for safe consumption sites and in June laid out a plan for \u201cright to recovery zones\u201d<\/a> around treatment facilities with increased police presence and enforcement of drug laws. Dorsey has supported Breed\u2019s Affordable Homes Now bill and was in favor of the Boudin and school board recalls. Dorsey is openly gay and HIV positive, both of which are part of his public persona. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We were unable to reach or did not receive either an audio or text response from Matt Dorsey.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Longtime Tenderloin resident and transgender LBGTQ+ activist Ms. Billie Cooper is an HIV\/AIDS survivor and a veteran focused on equality, low-income housing and residential equity. Cooper is the founder of TransLife, a multiracial group for trans and nonbinary people to connect and receive support on issues related to gender-affirming care, sexual health, sex work and more. In a debate<\/a> held in August, <\/strong>she spoke about the high rents of new construction in the Tenderloin as a barrier for most of the neighborhood\u2019s residents. Regarding Boudin\u2019s recall, she said in the debate that the \u201cjury\u2019s still out.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We were unable to reach or did not receive either an audio or text response from Ms. Billie Cooper.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Honey Mahogany is the chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party. She was formerly the chief of staff to former Supervisor Matt Haney and co-president of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club. Mahogany has also supported Breed\u2019s Affordable Homes Now bill, but she was not in favor of the school board and Boudin recalls. She has stated that the city\u2019s police department is understaffed and has called for more police accountability and the expansion of street ambassadors<\/a>. She has said she would prioritize mental health crises among people who are unhoused by expanding Mental Health SF, in addition to focusing on affordable housing. If elected, Mahogany would be the first<\/a> queer, transgender and nonbinary city supervisor, and the first out Black board member, according to The Bay Area Reporter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 TikTok<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/367d150c-727f-4036-8b57-474cb9b5f5cb?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cherelle Jackson is the co-chair of the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Workers with Disabilities Committee. She is an activist for a wide range of causes supporting marginalized groups, and has served as a delegate for the California Democratic Party. In her candidacy questionnaire<\/a>, she expressed interest in investing in community ambassadors, supporting small businesses and working with local partners to build job skills, though she refrained from picking her top three issues, stating that it is important to tackle all issues impacting residents. In an August debate, she called for increased investment in harm reduction practices and workplace programs for people struggling with addiction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/5ba08cc3-9b98-4cb3-9287-b0bda2c12ea5?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Question for the candidates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We asked San Francisco residents to tell us about the most pressing issues in their districts. According to survey responses we received, homelessness and housing affordability are the top concerns citywide. If you are elected supervisor in District 8, what do you plan to do about homelessness and housing affordability? And how will you address concerns about the need for supportive services in your district and other help for people without permanent housing?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kate Stoia, an attorney, has served on the boards of three nonprofits. On her campaign website, she has stated that she has a son and a daughter and became a foster parent in 2017. She has also detailed how the process of having five houses remodeled has given her insight into the \u201cbureaucracy and corruption that is holding San Francisco back.\u201d Stoia is a proponent of building more housing at all levels<\/a>, including luxury housing, as a solution to the housing crisis. In addition to streamlining the permitting process for housing, Stoia has mentioned that she will push for ending local comment on new businesses that is currently required through the permitting process, adding that new businesses should be permitted by the city within 30 days. She is also pushing for more court-ordered treatment for those struggling with addiction and mental health crises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a> \u2022 TikTok<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/28cab923-0305-4263-8e07-187fb6ce03c2?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has been on the city\u2019s Board of Supervisors since 2018. In his campaign, Mandelman has underscored his record on homelessness and mental health, highlighting legislation he has authored regarding conservatorships for unhoused people struggling with mental health and substance use disorders and preserving board-and-care facilities. Regarding public safety, Mandelman opposes reducing several items in the police department\u2019s budget including training and overtime and told The San Francisco Bay Times that he believes that \u201cpublic safety requires the detention and effective rehabilitation of serial offenders.\u201d He has also said he supports the expansion of community policing efforts like neighborhood foot patrols. Affordable housing is another area Mandelman has spotlighted in his campaign, citing legislation he introduced to allow for more fourplexes<\/a> though it was rejected by Breed. Mandelman is one of two current supervisors who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/f37234e9-f5af-490c-a4fa-621d098a1581?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Question for the candidates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We asked San Francisco residents to tell us about the most pressing issues in their districts. According to survey responses we received, homelessness and housing affordability are the top concerns citywide. If you are elected supervisor in District 10, what do you plan to do about homelessness and housing affordability? And how will you address concerns about the condition of public infrastructure in your district, in particular, crumbling streets and trash on sidewalks and roadways?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Brian Sam Adam is a public information officer for San Francisco\u2019s Department of Technology and became involved in politics after interning for Assemblymember Evan Low, who represents parts of Silicon Valley. Campaigning on a promise to represent \u201cALL of District 10,\u201d Adam is spotlighting three key issues: housing, transit and public safety. He is a proponent of expediting approval of the Affordable Housing Element, reallocating more funding for constructing new housing, and streamlining permitting for properties with high levels of affordability. Regarding public safety and transit, Adam called for expanding camera usage and lighting throughout the city, redirecting low priority calls to entities like the Street Crisis Response Team, and expanding funding for San Francisco\u2019s Municipal Transit Agency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/77ea3436-51a2-40a3-a380-6c8867a4592d?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n District 10 Supervisor and President of the Board of Supervisors, Shamann Walton previously served as the president of the Board of Education. Walton, who identifies as Black, underscored his equity-focused response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which hit Black communities and the Bayview especially hard. He launched the Bayview Essential Services hub to provide access to healthcare providers, vaccine and food distribution, among other things. He also met with community stakeholders when creating a District 10 Community Safety Plan to address violence, and set up the city\u2019s first Sheriff\u2019s Oversight Board to develop a use-of-force policy and other oversight measures. Walton is backing the Board of Supervisors\u2019 affordable housing ballot measure and is against car-free JFK, a policy he called \u201csegregationist.\u201d<\/a> Walton listed his top three issues as housing affordability, equitable distribution of law-enforcement resources, and local hiring and workforce training, especially in the Black community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We were unable to reach or did not receive either an audio or text response from Shamann Walton.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Voters may select up to three candidates to sit on the San Francisco Board of Education.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Question for the candidates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the pandemic, the switch to remote learning revealed and exacerbated major disparities in access to education, especially for students of color and low-income students. In our survey of San Francisco residents, many respondents also reported that inequality and mental health were the most pressing issues in their districts. Given the lessons we learned from the pandemic, if elected, how do you plan to address mental health crises among students and inequalities across San Francisco Unified School District schools?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lisa Weissman-Ward is the third temporary appointment to the school board by Mayor London Breed. She is an immigrants\u2019 rights lawyer and educator at Stanford Law School. She highlighted the balancing of the SFUSD budget \u2014 from a projected $125 million shortfall \u2014 as a key achievement of the school board during her recent tenure, in addition to rescinding staff and teacher layoffs and hiring a new superintendent. Weissman-Ward, a half-Jamaican, half-Jewish parent to two SFUSD students, cited loss of trust as a major issue the school district is facing. To address this problem, she says she wants to focus on tools, staff and programs that are improving the leadership gap, use her listening skills as an educator to hear from all stakeholders, and have the school board be more transparent about financial decisions in the district. She is campaigning alongside fellow incumbent Lainie <\/em>Motamedia, though the two have split from Ann Hsu<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/c00b744a-3f38-47f3-8d55-456eb2e407a1?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n The former president of the SFUSD Board of Education, Gabriela L\u00f3pez is an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco and previously taught at San Francisco\u2019s Flynn Elementary. L\u00f3pez was one of three school board members recalled by voters in February<\/a>, in part due<\/a> to the board\u2019s push to rename schools while students struggled with remote learning, and her support of a lottery-based admissions system for Lowell High School. The only K-12 educator running for a seat, L\u00f3pez spotlighted her experience teaching in public schools, volunteering at San Quentin State Prison and organizing educators as a union-building representative as hallmarks of her efforts to center social justice in her work. L\u00f3pez lists values such as increasing school funding, improving special education and investing in college preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/928a74a0-4623-4133-acaa-be9b66df7dff?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another Breed appointee, Lainie Motamedi served for four years as the co-chair of the Public Education Enrichment Fund Committee before her current role as a board member. Like other incumbent board members, she cited the hiring of a new superintendent, approval of a balanced budget and the restoration of merit-based admissions at Lowell High School as part of her efforts to improve SFUSD schools. Motamedi also critiqued the slow return to in-person schooling and decried its effects on her two children. The daughter of two Los Angeles Unified School District teachers, Motamedi listed student success, fiscal responsibility and engaging with the community as her top priorities. She is campaigning alongside fellow incumbent Lisa Weissman-Ward, though the two have split from Ann Hsu<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/772de1e8-e34a-4262-90b5-bf971b6c785e?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ann Hsu holds a temporary appointment to the Board of Education made by Mayor London Breed following the recall of three former members<\/a> in February. She is running for reelection and listed academic excellence for all students, safe schools and fiscal discipline as some of her top priorities. Hsu has come under fire for racist comments<\/a> she made about Black and brown parents, causing several organizations<\/a> and politicians to call for her to step down from her current role. Hsu, who is Chinese, was a vocal advocate for the recall of three former board members, citing frustration among Chinese\/AAPI and other parents regarding slow school reopenings during the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of leadership from SFUSD. She supported the return to merit-based admissions at Lowell High School. Hsu is a parent to twins at Galileo Academy of Science and Technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/7bff5f24-9c7c-400e-af90-eb2e0b58c1d9?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alida Fisher in her campaign emphasizes her experience navigating schools as a parent \u2014 formerly a foster parent and now an adoptive parent to four African American children. She is the advocacy chair for San Francisco Unified School District\u2019s Community Advisory Committee for Special Education. Fisher\u2019s children have attended seven district schools. She says her journey to identifying their various learning differences \u201ctransformed me from active parent into parent activist,\u201d and opened her eyes to her white privilege. Building on her emphasis on equity, Fisher wants to reinvest in restorative practices, mandate implicit bias training for all employees, and create more support systems in schools to improve outcomes for students, especially students of color. Her top three concerns are staffing shortages, lack of mental health support in schools and poor reading scores. Fisher is against merit-based admissions at Lowell High School, which recently returned to that system after two years of admitting students by lottery. She previously ran for a board seat in 2018. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We were unable to reach or did not receive either an audio or text response from Alida Fisher.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Karen Fleshman played on her identity as a white woman named Karen when starting her organization Racy Conversations, which facilitates workshops on racism, bias and sexual harassment in the workplace. In addition to being a parent to two children in SFUSD schools, Fleshman has also worked as a consultant for youth-serving nonprofits in San Francisco, which she said brought her to visit most SFUSD schools. If elected, her priorities include encouraging the adoption of practices across district school sites to address student mental health crises, advocating for more benefits and on-time pay for teachers, working to create more budget transparency, and creating a multi-year plan with community stakeholders to create consensus around priorities and equity in the school district. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/7a29e667-b991-4ad2-9a64-71dc35b8896f?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Voters may select up to three candidates to sit on the City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees for four years.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Question for the candidates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n City College has experienced declining enrollment and financial woes over the past several years, leading to the loss of courses meant to provide opportunities to students of diverse backgrounds, such as ESL or trade classes. In our survey of San Francisco residents regarding the most pressing issues in their districts, several respondents highlighted access to quality public education and economic opportunity in a city with an extremely high cost of living. If elected, how do you plan on balancing the realities of CCSF\u2019s existing budget and smaller course catalog with its mission to serve a diverse community of students who have a wide array of educational needs?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A former CCSF student, professor, department chair and academic dean, Jill Yee is banking on her decades of experience at City College to garner support. Yee helped establish the school\u2019s Asian American Studies program and developed educational programs for incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated students. During massive budget cuts in 2019 that resulted in cancellation of classes across City College and jeopardized some students\u2019 on-time completion of programs, Yee emphasized<\/a> prioritizing classes for first generation students who will be affected by California\u2019s new funding formula<\/a> for community colleges over others, such as lifelong learners who want to take classes for fun. Her vision includes developing enrollment-based budgets, promoting classes that lead to careers, developing strong internship programs, and building student and faculty housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/48f706db-62ee-457c-a86c-af2e3b1addc3?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigitte Davila has served on the City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees since 2015 and has been a professor at San Francisco State University for 28 years. Davila, who is Latina, has worked closely with many Latinx organizations in her role as program director of the Raza Studies Community Service Learning Program. In May she voted to make cuts to faculty<\/a>, including over 100 part-time teachers, stressing the importance of making \u201cpainful decisions\u201d to be in good standing for the accreditation process. She points to convincing voters in 2020 to approve a $845 million bond for developing and maintaining City College facilities as a board success. Enrollment is a central focus for Davila, who said the board is launching a dual enrollment program for high schoolers who wish to take college courses, as well as a new enrollment plan to address pandemic losses. Davila is campaigning with candidates John Rizzo, Thea Selby, and Murrell Green, who is running for a two-year term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a> \u2022 Shared Campaign Link<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/618a256d-556b-4a23-9133-f5e4e770afb1?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n John Rizzo has served on the City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees since 2006 and is the vice president and chair of the board\u2019s facilities committee. He is also on the Standards Review Team of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. A longtime environmental activist, Rizzo said he used this experience to help create the City College\u2019s first Sustainability Plan, which he plans to update if reelected. Rizzo voted to lay off 38 faculty<\/a> members in May to balance the college\u2019s budget following decreased enrollment and tax revenue during the pandemic. Through various \u201chard decisions\u201d to end structural deficits, he contends the board has placed itself in a strong position for the accreditation process it will begin this year, including building up a fully-funded reserve two years in a row, replacing outdated equipment and repairing student facilities. Rizzo is campaigning with candidates Thea Selby, Brigitte Davila and Murrell Green, who is running for a two-year term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a> \u2022 Shared Campaign Link<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/a82244f0-b93d-4d8f-a12d-67a58f0f8e1a?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vick Chung, a former student trustee who sat on the board in 2021, is drawing on experiences as a student leader in programs such as Project SURVIVE in their campaign. Chung, who uses gender-neutral pronouns and identifies as queer and Asian, pointed to their experiences as the child of refugees as important groundwork for their ability to serve immigrant communities and people of color at CCSF. Building on a shared platform with Solomon and Martinez, Chung also trumpeted the trio\u2019s collective vision of providing fully-funded support services for a diverse range of students, including hosting events with community-based organizations and providing more courses for lifelong learners, transfer students, cultural enrichment and civic engagement. Chung is campaigning with Anita Martinez and Susan Solomon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Twitter<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a> \u2022 Shared Campaign Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We were unable to reach or did not receive either an audio or text response from Vick Chung.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Born and raised in San Francisco, Susan Solomon is a former educator who recently retired from her role as president of the United Educators of San Francisco. She is vice president for political activities of the San Francisco Labor Council. <\/em>Solomon led the school district\u2019s union through the first 15 months of the pandemic, including a prolonged negotiation with the district over how to reopen schools with the city suing the school district to reopen<\/a> in February 2021. Solomon cited City College layoffs, course cancellations and other austerity measures as key motivators for her decision to run for office. Her vision includes promoting and expanding Free City College, providing workforce training and transfer degrees, hiring more Black and brown faculty, rescinding layoffs and creating a budget through a transparent and inclusive process that listens to community stakeholders. Solomon is campaigning with Anita Martinez and Vick Chung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Website<\/a> \u2022 Facebook<\/a> \u2022 Instagram<\/a> \u2022 LinkedIn<\/a> \u2022 Shared Campaign Link<\/a>https:\/\/player.simplecast.com\/583d3af4-330c-437c-ba18-9764756feca6?dark=false<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NOV22_Banner-Final-1170x148.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nElection Guide Index<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/SFballotmeasures-mini-771x95.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/localraces-mini-771x95.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/californiaraces-mini-771x95.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/californiameasures-mini-771x95.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"San](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/ballotmeasures-1170x91.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nProposition A \u2014 Retiree Supplemental Cost of Living Adjustment; Retirement Board Contract with Executive Director<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition B \u2014 Public Works Department and Commission, Sanitation and Streets Department and Commission<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition C \u2014 Homelessness Oversight Commission<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition D \u2014 Affordable Housing \u2013 Initiative Petition<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition E \u2014 Affordable Housing \u2013 Board of Supervisors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition F \u2014 Library Preservation Fund<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition G \u2014 Student Success Fund \u2013 Grants to the San Francisco Unified School District<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition H \u2014 City Elections in Even-Numbered Years<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition J \u2014 Recreational Use of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition L \u2014 Sales Tax for Transportation Projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition M \u2014 Tax on Keeping Residential Units Vacant<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition N \u2014 Golden Gate Park Underground Parking Facility; Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProposition O \u2014 Additional Parcel Tax for City College<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Local](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/localraces-1170x91.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCommunity Survey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBoard of Supervisors, District 2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Catherine-Stefani-771x771.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCatherine Stefani<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBoard of Supervisors, District 4<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Joel-Engardio.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJoel Engardio<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Gordon-Mar-771x771.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGordon Mar<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBoard of Supervisors, District 6<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Matt-Dorsey.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMatt Dorsey<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Ms.-Billie-Cooper.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMs. Billie Cooper<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Honey-Mahogany.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHoney Mahogany<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cherelle-Jackson-771x771.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCherelle Jackson<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBoard of Supervisors, District 8<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Kate-Stoia-771x771.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKate Stoia<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rafael-Mandelman.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRafael Mandelman<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBoard of Supervisors, District 10<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Brian-Sam-Adam.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBrian Sam Adam<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Shamann-Walton.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nShamann Walton<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBoard of Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Lisa-Weissman-Ward.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLisa Weissman-Ward<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Gabriela-Lo%CC%81pez.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGabriela L\u00f3pez<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Lainie-Motamedi.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLainie Motamedi<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Ann-Hsu.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnn Hsu<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Alida-Fisher.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAlida Fisher<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Karen-Fleshman.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKaren Fleshman<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCommunity College Board, 4-year term<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Jill-Yee.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJill Yee<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Brigitte-Davila.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBrigitte Davila<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/John-Rizzo.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJohn Rizzo<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Vick-Chung-771x771.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nVick Chung<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.sfpublicpress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Susan-Solomon.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSusan Solomon<\/h5>\n\n\n\n