Ahead of the high-stakes November election, El Tecolote asked readers: What questions do you have for candidates in the District 9 supervisor’s race? Here are the four major themes that emerged, reflecting the pressing issues Latinx communities face in the Mission, Bernal Heights, and Portola neighborhoods.
Public safety along Mission Street
Illegal street vending and drug use along Mission Street continue to beleaguer the commercial corridor. When Supervisor Hillary Ronen announced a blanket ban on all street vending along the street in November, it removed a critical source of income for permitted street vendors without eliminating illegal activity. Readers want a supervisor who will address public safety concerns while also providing a path for permitted street vendors to be permanently reinstated to Mission Street.
Preventing, and reversing, gentrification
As Latinx communities continue to face economic displacement throughout the city, readers want a leader who can increase affordable housing and strengthen cultural districts, including the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District and the neighboring American Indian Cultural District. Street accessibility was also a top concern, with readers asking how leaders would make the streets more welcoming to seniors, disabled people, families, and commuters who depend on cars and public transportation.
Unhoused immigrant families
There is an influx of immigrant families with young children from Latin America sleeping on city streets. According to the Department of Homelessness, there are currently 437 families experiencing homelessness in San Francisco, with 90% of them sleeping in vehicles. Without enough shelters or hotel vouchers to support these families, readers are questioning how supervisor candidates will uphold San Francisco’s role as a sanctuary city and address the growing crisis.
Holding leaders accountable for sexual assault
Multiple allegations of sexual assault against Latinx leaders including Jon Jacobo, and more recently, Kevin Ortiz, have upended the district’s political life. Frustrated readers ask whether supervisor candidates will make leaders accused of sexual assault accountable for their alleged conduct.
El Tecolote is interviewing all eight candidates in July via recorded video interviews that will be published with English and Spanish captions starting in August. Have any questions about the upcoming San Francisco election? Email our elections reporter at cami@eltecolote.org.
This report is part of “The Pueblo’s Agenda,” El Tecolote’s ongoing civic engagement project focused on answering questions and making local election information accessible to San Francisco’s bilingual Latinx communities.