Here\u2019s how these issues are playing out across key Latinx communities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Living in San Francisco<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Latinx residents, though only 15% of San Francisco\u2019s population, are essential stakeholders in neighborhoods like the Mission (26.2%), Bayview (14.5%), and Excelsior (21.1%), according to the city\u2019s 2022 redistricting map. Despite their presence, these communities face increasing displacement pressures as the cost of living and development surge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Working in San Francisco<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Latinx people are overrepresented in low-wage sectors such as service, construction, and gig work, as well as informal labor economies like street vending. In November, District 9 Supervisor Hilary Ronen\u2019s 90-day street vending ban sidelined nearly 140 permitted vendors\u2014most from working-class Latinx families\u2014who lost a critical income source, with some now facing heightened risks of homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experiencing homelessness in San Francisco<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the latest Point-in-Time count, 34% of those experiencing homelessness in San Francisco identified as Hispanic or Latino, up from 30% in 2022. Limited shelter beds and housing options have left 90% of homeless Latinx families sleeping in vehicles, with others on the streets or split across shelters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As highlighted by El Tecolote\u2019s ongoing coverage of Latinx RV communities, vehicle living has surged by 37% since 2022, with nearly 1,500 people now relying on vehicles for shelter. Among them, the number of families has nearly doubled, reaching 130.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Latinx communities facing these challenges, the stakes in November\u2019s election couldn\u2019t be higher. Here\u2019s what District 9 candidates had to say about why they deserve Latinx support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n JULIAN BERMUDEZ<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I believe the Latinx community should support me primarily because of representation\u2014real representation from someone who grew up in this community. I went to school down the street at Saint Peter\u2019s and Archbishop Riordan. I’ve been part of this community my whole life. Kids often ask me, \u201cWhat\u2019s the point of going to school if someone bigger and better always comes in and takes what you feel is yours?\u201d And I tell them, you have to fight for it. You need to be visible and take your shot. Even if you miss, at least you know you tried. You won\u2019t spend your life wondering “what if” or thinking about what you could have done. Whatever happens in this campaign, I know I won\u2019t have any “what ifs” because I gave it my best to do something for my community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H. BROWN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m a hard-working visionary. I spend one to two hours a day with my dog, picking up trash, glass, and anything else in the streets, trying to stay humble\u2014but I can\u2019t help it, I\u2019m brilliant. I know everything: from your roof to the sewers below, from military strategy to medicine. I\u2019m the best representative you could ask for. But honestly, don\u2019t vote for me\u2014I\u2019m still figuring it all out. I\u2019m looking at the other candidates, crossing them off left and right. But I\u2019m serious about this campaign, and I appreciate your vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eltecolote.org\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/609_236aa253-234d-4f4e-ad71-4689ae8a95ac_1_1720714498_236aa253-full.jpg?resize=600%2C399&quality=89&ssl=1\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eltecolote.org\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/609_2e3674c1-195d-4c69-89f8-56aead3d9ba9_1_1721932848_2e3674c1-full.jpg?resize=600%2C399&quality=89&ssl=1\")