Meet the Candidates: San Francisco’s District 9 supervisor race

Roberto Hernandez

• Job: CEO, Cultura y Arte Nativa de Las Americas (CANA).
• Age: 67
• Residency: Homeowner, born in the Mission in June 1956 and has not left
• Transportation: Car and bicycle
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in sociology from University of San Francisco
• Languages: English and Spanish

Jackie Fielder

• Job: Nonprofit co-director at Stop the Money Pipeline. Former educator at San Francisco State University, co-founder of the San Francisco Public Bank Coalition. Democratic Socialist 
• Age: 29
• Residency: Tenant, lived in District 9 September 2017 to June 2018, October 2019 to August 2020 ,and April 2021 to present
• Transportation: Public
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy and master’s degree in sociology from Stanford University
• Languages: English and Spanish

h brown

• Job: Retired special education teacher
• Age: 80
• Residency: Tenant, at current address for nine years, redistricted into District 9 in April 2022
• Transportation: Walking
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in special education from Clemson University 
• Languages: English

Julian Bermudez

• Job: Works in and directs his family business, Rancho Grande Appliance
• Age: 27 
• Residency: Born San Francisco in 1996, raised on and off in District 9 until he left for college in 2015, then the army in 2019 and now back, living in the Mission
• Transportation: Carpool/catch a ride
• Education: City College of San Francisco, Chico State University
• Languages: English and Spanish

Stephen Torres

• Job: Bartender at Twin Peaks Tavern, customer service at Flowercraft Nursery and freelance writer  
• Age: 46
• Residency: Tenant, lived in District 9 summer 2001 to fall 2003, and returned in the summer 2010
• Transportation: Public
• Education: Moorpark Community College and San Francisco City College as work has permitted
• Languages: English and Spanish 

Trevor Chandler

• Job: Public school teacher since 2023. Former director of government and public policy at Citizen, a public safety app.
• Age: 37
• Residency: Tenant, living in District 9 since July 2021
• Transportation: Public
• Education: Plymouth State University
• Languages: English

Roberto Hernandez

• Job: CEO, Cultura y Arte Nativa de Las Americas (CANA).
• Age: 67
• Residency: Homeowner, born in the Mission in June 1956 and has not left
• Transportation: Car and bicycle
• Education: BA in Sociology from University of San Francisco
• Languages: English and Spanish

Trevor Chandler

• Job: Public school teacher since 2023. Former director of government and public policy at Citizen, a public safety app.
• Age: 37
• Residency: Tenant, living in District 9 since July 2021
• Transportation: Public
• Education: Plymouth State University
• Languages: English

Jackie Fielder

• Job: Nonprofit co-director at Stop the Money Pipeline. Former educator at San Francisco State University, co-founder of the San Francisco Public Bank Coalition. Democratic Socialist 
• Age: 29
• Residency: Tenant, Lived in District 9 September 2017 to June 2018, October 2019 to August 2020 and April 2021 to present
• Transportation: Public
• Education: Bachelor’s in public policy and master’s in sociology from Stanford University
• Languages: English and Spanish

Julian Bermudez

• Job: Works in and directs his family business, Rancho Grande Appliance
• Age: 27 
• Residency: Born San Francisco in 1996, raised on and off in District 9 until he left for college in 2015, then the army in 2019 and now back, living in the Mission
• Transportation: Carpool/catch a ride
• Education: City College of San Francisco, Chico State University.
• Languages: English and Spanish

h brown

• Job: Retired special education teacher
• Age: 80
• Residency: Tenant, at current address for nine years, redistricted into District 9 in April 2022
• Transportation: Walking
• Education: Bachelor’s in education and Master’s in Special Education from Clemson University 
• Languages: English

Stephen Torres

• Job: Bartender at Twin Peaks Tavern, customer service at Flowercraft Nursery and freelance writer  
• Age: 46
• Residency: Tenant, lived in District 9 Summer 2001 to Fall 2003, and returned in the Summer 2010
• Transportation: Public
• Education: Moorpark Community College and San Francisco City College as work has permitted
• Languages: English and Spanish 

Michael Petrelis

• Job: AIDS and LGBTQ activist
• Age: No response given
• Residency: Has lived on Clinton Park since May 1996, which became part of District 9 in April 2022
• Transportation: Petrelis asked not to participate in the series
• Education: Petrelis asked not to participate in the series
• Languages: English

Stephen Torres

Bartender at Twin Peaks Tavern, Customer Service at Flowercraft Nursery and freelance writer. Tenant.

“I have endorsed Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin. Throughout his career he has maintained a community-centered approach that preserves self-determination of neighborhoods and prioritizes a livable and accessible San Francisco for middle and low income residents over giveaways to the City’s top percent.

In terms of knowledge of how our city works and functions and developing relationships with its many departments and stakeholders, one would be hard pressed to find a more appropriate candidate for the city’s top administrator. On a personal note, his dedication to the preservation of our City’s rich history and culture as well as his..Read More.

“Endorsed by: Mark Leno, Former State Senator, Aaron Peskin, President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Hillary Ronen, Supervisor, District 9, More here.

Trevor Chandler

Public School Teacher since 2023. Former director of government and public policy at Citizen, a public safety app. Tenant.

“My focus is on ensuring D9 gets the attention and resources it deserves no matter who is elected mayor. Too often D9 has been neglected because of a poor relationship between the mayor and our Supervisor, my foremost priority will always be putting D9 first so we get the respect, attention, and services we deserve from City Hall.

That’s why I will not be endorsing in the mayor’s race and will be happy to talk with anyone running for mayor about D9 priorities and ensuring their campaigns take our voices, and our votes, seriously.”

Endorsed by: Latino LGBTQ political organization HONOR PAC, State Senator Scott Wiener, Assembly Member Rick Chavez Zbur, Brownie Mary Democratic Club, Supreme Court Marriage Equality Lead Plaintiff Jim Obergefell. More here.

Jackie Fielder

Nonprofit co-director at Stop the Money Pipeline. Former educator at San Francisco State University, co-founder of the San Francisco Public Bank Coalition. Democratic Socialist. Tenant.

“I’m supporting Aaron Peskin. We may not agree 100 percent of the time but he is the clear progressive choice and I know he will restore good governance.”

Endorsed by: City College Board President Alan Wong, Former D9 Supervisor David Campos, Former Mayor Art Agnos, City College Trustee Vick Chung, D3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin. More here.

h brown

Retired special education teacher. Tenant.

“Aaron Peskin, because he’s been training to be Mayor his entire life.

This is a guy who has hit over .400 in Triple A for over 20 years.

He knows every crack and crevice of SF’s City government at the top levels and most importantly knows every top Civil Service employee.

He won’t have to waste time being briefed by Staff and consultants and lobbyists and friends and family about whom he should trust or hate across the negotiating table.

I just wish he were smart enough to let the Voters choose their own elected Police Chief.

Lurie’s my Second.”

Jaime Gutierrez

 Transit supervisor for SFMTA/Muni. Tenant.

“Whichever Mayoral candidate gets elected I will be able to work with. Whoever it is should have roots in the city, who is not business as usual, and has a vision that will return San Francisco back to a destination for tourism and conventions.  Public Safety and Small Business promotion and retention should be a priority along with getting rid of needless Bureaucracy.  Leadership is the key to the change that the city needs right now,  Mark Farrell I believe exhibits these qualities.  Aaron Peskin is an apt fit for this job as well, and Dan Lurie might be considered..”

Endorsed by: Transportation Workers Union Local 200. More here.

Roberto Hernandez

CEO, Cultura y Arte Nativa de Las Americas (CANA). Homeowner.

“As a lifelong D9 advocate, I’ve worked with every mayor, from George Moscone to Art Agnos to London Breed, to get things done on behalf of our community. While I haven’t always agreed with them, I believe in the power of collaboration—and accountability—in service of building a better city. 

I’m not endorsing anyone in the mayoral race at this time, as I’m focused on my own campaign and would like to hear more specifics from the candidates in the coming months. However, as District 9 Supervisor I’ll continue to work collaboratively with, and hold accountable, our mayor.”

Endorsed by: State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Supervisor Myrna Melgar, Supervisor Shamann Walton, State Senator Scott Wiener, BART Director Bevan Dufty. More Here

Michael Petrelis

AIDS and LGBTQ activist

Petrelis said he wishes not to participate.

Endorsed by: Not seeking endorsements, and I see much of the Endorsement Industrial Complex as corrupt, rife with payola and favor-trading, and for gotcha responses.

Julian Bermudez

Works in and directs his family business, Rancho Grande Appliance. Tenant.

“At the movement I do not support anyone or have made a decision on who to vote for in this coming mayoral election.”

More Here

Jaime Gutierrez

 Transit supervisor for SFMTA/Muni; Tenant

“The best element of Proposition E is the attempt to put a stop or reduce crime and improve public safety. The worst element of Proposition E has to do with technological oversight and accountability.  The police using the technology have to be free of bias and should be regulated to the point where persons are not mistakenly accused without hard evidence and real police work. Judiciary oversight is a cornerstone of American democracy and surveillance capabilities by law enforcement are too easily abused. The officers using the technology must be required to obtain a warrant for use in every case.”

Endorsed by: Transportation Workers Union Local 200. More Here.

Roberto Hernandez

CEO, Cultura y Arte Nativa de Las Americas (CANA). Homeowner.

“The passage of Prop. E reflects increased citywide support for improving public safety outcomes. I believe it is a positive step forward to reduce administrative requirements in order to allow police officers to spend more time in the community, building trust with our residents.

However, I am still concerned about the impact of increased surveillance and use of car chases on our civil liberties. I am also worried that a weakened Police Commission will lead to decreased community accountability and stalled progress toward completing necessary police reforms.”

Endorsed by: State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Supervisor Myrna Melgar, Supervisor Shamann Walton, State Senator Scott Wiener, BART Director Bevan Dufty. More Here

Michael Petrelis

AIDS and LGBTQ activist

Petrelis declined to respond.

Endorsed by: Not seeking endorsements and I see much of the Endorsement Industrial Complex as corrupt, rife with payola and favor-trading, and for gotcha responses.

Stephen Torres

Bartender at Twin Peaks Tavern, Customer Service at Flowercraft Nursery and freelance writer. Tenant.

“Prop E has a number of fundamental flaws. It’s no surprise it was rejected by D9 residents. The worst (among many) is weakening the existing policy on car chases – a policy SFPD said was fine as it was. This will almost certainly lead to more accidents and more deaths.

Theoretically, the community meetings are good, but in practice, unless outreach is robust, they are little more than checking the box. (We’ve seen with bike lanes, poor outreach leads to policy outcomes as bad as no outreach at all).

Elsewhere, it de-prioritizes effective community policing, including regular foot beats, while giving….Read More

Endorsed by: Mark Leno, Former State Senator, Aaron Peskin, President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Hillary Ronen, Supervisor, District 9,More Here.

Trevor Chandler

Public School Teacher since late 2023. Former director of government and public policy at Citizen, a public safety app. Tenant

“I’m glad that it prioritizes reducing officer time behind a desk to no more than 20%, we need them out in the community walking beats and responding to 911 calls more quickly. I’m also glad it ensures accountability measures remain in place such as requiring body cam footage for any use-of-force incident.

I have serious concerns about facial recognition technology and will be looking to the City Attorney as to whether the city’s previous ban on it overrides what was included in Proposition E. We can maintain our values while also having safe and clean streets.”

Endorsed by: Latino LGBTQ political organization HONOR PAC, State Senator Scott Wiener, Assembly Member Rick Chavez Zbur, Brownie Mary Democratic Club, Supreme Court Marriage Equality Lead Plaintiff Jim Obergefell. More here.

Julian Bermudez

Works in and directs his family business, Rancho Grande Appliance. Tenant

“In my opinion, the worst is the use of facial recognition technology without board approval. Facial recognition technology has constantly proven to have difficulties identifying between people of color accurately as lighter-skinned people. 1 “Studies show that facial recognition technology is biased. The error rate for light-skinned men is 0.8%, compared to 34.7% for darker-skinned women, according to a 2018 study titled “Gender Shades” by Joy Buolamwini and Timnit Gebru, published by MIT Media Lab.” 

For the better portion of the proposition, based on my knowledge of military surveillance and tracking, the best element is using drones for…Read More

More Here

h brown

Retired special education teacher. Tenant

“Voter Passage of Prop E brought San Francisco closer to being a Police State.

SFPD’s power was significantly increased while that of their oversight Police Commission was decreased.

I found the legislation’s formula for tying together civilian cameras with those of LE to be particularly fascinating.

As SFPD now is free to add Facial Recognition Capacity to the system you can run but you can’t hide.

Personally, I love the system including the drones which will only get better and could free cops for Foot Patrols.

Give us an Elected Police Chief to make that happen.”

Jackie Fielder

Nonprofit co-director at Stop the Money Pipeline. Former educator at San Francisco State University, co-founder of the San Francisco Public Bank Coalition. Democratic Socialist. Tenant

“One reason the SFPOA put Prop E on the ballot, in their words, was to free up officers from doing administrative paperwork to “focus their efforts on law enforcement and crime prevention.”  It’s true, we need officers to be out responding to true emergencies and violent crimes unfolding on our streets. But 9 out of 10 District 9 residents I’ve spoken to lament that the police we do see out on the streets just drive around in their cars all day, with elusive results for public safety outcomes. We need more effective use of law enforcement resources, and we need to focus on prevention….Read More

Endorsed by: City College Board President Alan Wong, Former D9 Supervisor David Campos, Former Mayor Art Agnos, City College Trustee Vick Chung, D3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin.More here.

Jackie Fielder

Nonprofit co-director at Stop the Money Pipeline. Former educator at San Francisco State University, co-founder of the San Francisco Public Bank Coalition. Democratic Socialist. Tenant

“I live around the corner from the bike lane’s most dangerous intersection, where a driver killed an elderly pedestrian making a (prohibited) left-hand turn and, just recently, a car rammed into El Buen Sabor’s corner pillar.

Valencia is featured on Vision Zero’s High Injury Network, so I think the center bike line is a good step in the right direction, but needs some serious work.

It’s clear SFMTA needs to be with the community in the room — cyclists, pedestrians, neighbors, public housing residents, and small-business owners to solicit feedback and come up with a new design to satisfy everyone’s concerns…..Read More

Endorsed by: City College Board President Alan Wong, Former D9 Supervisor David Campos, Former Mayor Art Agnos, City College Trustee Vick Chung, D3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin.More here.

Jaime Gutierrez

 Transit supervisor for SFMTA/Muni; Tenant

“As a daily bike rider. I do not support the Valencia center bike lane. It is dangerous, and not intuitive for bike riders, pedestrians or cars.  A life was taken already! (Editor’s note: The accident involved an 80-year-old woman and a driver. It does not appear to be connected to the bike lane.) How many lives were lost in the previous design? 

A true bike “route” could be created on Capp Street so bikes would not feel the threat of fast-moving cars while they are leisurely enjoying a ride through the neighborhood. A city-wide bike route could be established so….Read More

Endorsed by: Transportation Workers Union Local 200. More Here.

Roberto Hernandez

CEO, Cultura y Arte Nativa de Las Americas (CANA). Homeowner.

“I’ve long been an advocate for cycling in San Francisco: I participated in some of the earliest Critical Mass rides, I worked on the first bike lane on Valencia Street, and I helped arrange for more than 2,000 bicycles to be donated to kids during the pandemic. 

But the Valencia center bike lane is a disaster, and SFMTA’s top-down approach to its implementation disregarded the needs of our community. As District 9 supervisor, I’d champion a community-driven task force to create a ‘bike master plan’ that ensures we prioritize safe, sustainable bike lanes citywide that benefit commuters, pedestrians, and…Read More

Endorsed by: State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Supervisor Myrna Melgar, Supervisor Shamann Walton, State Senator Scott Wiener, BART Director Bevan Dufty. More Here

Michael Petrelis

AIDS and LGBTQ activist

Petrelis declined to respond.

Endorsed by: Not seeking endorsements and I see much of the Endorsement Industrial Complex as corrupt, rife with payola and favor-trading, and for gotcha responses.

Stephen Torres

Nightlife worker in addition to LGBTQ activism, journalism and events. Tenant.

“This week saw the latest in a string of multiple crashes, near misses and, sadly, deaths. It is hard to see how the center bike lane has improved safety for pedestrians, cyclists or drivers. It has created a high-risk environment for the corridor and the economic impacts are also endangering businesses. It has limited accessibility for those who are dependent on autos, including first responders, seniors and families. I grew up in a transportation family, and I believe that we need more streets dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, but we must do so with a comprehensive vision informed by the…Read More

Endorsed by: Mark Leno, Former State Senator, Aaron Peskin, President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Hillary Ronen, Supervisor, District 9,More Here.

Julian Bermudez

Works in and directs his family business, Rancho Grande Appliance. Tenant

“No, I do not support the center bike line. Primarily, because local businesses, residents, and even bikers do not like how it is structured, how it affects business and the flow of traffic. As a local who’s driven on Valencia before the bike lane, I agree with the local businesses and residents in the Valencia Street area.

My plan for Valencia Street is to move the bike lane to Capp Street and return to its original state (2 lanes with a center turning lane), with added infrastructure for bike lanes on the side. This also comes with making Shotwell Street…Read More

More Here

h brown

Retired special education teacher. Tenant

h brown wrote:

 “hate the Valencia Bike Lane Design!

Two things particularly trouble me.

First, the Center Bike Lane forces cars to make a much tighter right turn at every single intersection.

I pick up trash and clean storm drains and the like every day.

My dog goes with me, and it’s gotten more dangerous.

Second reason is that they did not complete it from “4 Barrels” to 14th, and daily parents on bikes bearing kids on back going to school are in danger.”

Trevor Chandler

Substitute teacher at SFUSD. Former director of government and public policy at Citizen, a public safety app. Tenant

“The data has shown the center bike lane is not the correct answer for Valencia Street small businesses or cyclists, it’s time to change course. I am most optimistic about the “floating parklet” option that would allow for both a protected bike lane and the preservation of parking for Valencia Street customers.

Any bike lane on Valencia must have sturdier bollards than the plastic ones currently being used, and be capable of preventing vehicles from entering the bike lane and injuring cyclists.

By creating safe streets we can increase foot traffic to Valencia, and support our community and small businesses.”

Endorsed by: Latino LGBTQ political organization HONOR PAC, State Senator Scott Wiener, Assembly Member Rick Chavez Zbur, Brownie Mary Democratic Club, Supreme Court Marriage Equality Lead Plaintiff Jim Obergefell. More here.

Jackie Fielder

Former educator at San Francisco State University, co-founder of the San Francisco Public Bank Coalition. Democratic Socialist. Tenant.

SF should create housing at all income levels, striving for 100% affordability wherever possible. The State mandates 57% of our new housing be affordable to people of extremely low to moderate incomes, which is what I’ll fight for.

However, the market will never build enough affordable housing, even in economic booms, because it’s not as profitable. City government must ensure continuous construction, especially in downturns such as these. Establishing a public bank with low- and no-interest loans and utilizing revenue bonds for patient capital investment is crucial. We need a robust housing finance infrastructure to address these challenges effectively.

Jaime Gutierrez

 Transit supervisor for SFMTA/MUNI. Tenant.

Housing is a basic fundamental human right that should be regulated by local, state, and federal governments. San Francisco should involve itself in the business of creating adequate housing that is not only affordable but must be environmentally conscious in its construction and maintenance. 

It should create a sense of community and safety for its residents.  Housing involves planning, financing, permitting, materials, and quality craftsmanship. Housing like food and shelter is a need for survival. By this definition, housing must be affordable. Therefore, I shall champion policies that aid with securing housing.

Roberto Hernandez

CEO, Cultura y Arte Nativa de Las Americas (CANA). Homeowner.

D9 is special because people all over the world want to live here — yet many families struggle to stay in their homes. I’ve prioritized affordable housing throughout my career because despite years of promises from City Hall, we haven’t built enough, especially on SF’s west side. 

But the crisis has reached a point where we must urgently devise creative solutions to benefit all residents seeking housing, including mixed-income for the missing middle that helps fund our affordable housing program. We need first-time homebuyer programs because ownership creates stability for future generations. And I want our housing built by union members.

Michael Petrelis

AIDS and LGBTQ activist.

Petrelis wrote in to say, “I’m skipping sending a reply this week, as is rather obvious.”

Stephen Torres

LGBTQ activist, producer and journalist. 

Our city requires intention and actual planning. To thrive equitably, we need to prioritize affordable and deeply affordable housing.

Under the previous Housing Element, we exceeded our market-rate goals while falling short on affordable housing by 8,000 units. Meanwhile, working families have been forced out of our city.

Trickle-down economics didn’t work in the 80s and trick-down housing won’t work now. To borrow from the current supervisor, it is possible to be both pro-housing and pro-neighborhood.

Julian Bermudez

Works in and directs his family business, Rancho Grande Appliance. Tenant.

Creating Affordable Housing First. The solution to our housing crisis is rent control. Rent regulation is the fastest way to see our city change overnight and to put money back into everyone’s pockets. When I am doing jobs around the city, it’s common to be told by a tenant that their rent rises even though there haven’t been any updates to the building or even regular upkeep. I have a 3 step plan to rehabilitate our renting market and possibly revitalize the housing market. 

First, I plan to replace property taxes with a “land use” tax to help property owners with affordable or below-market-rate housing…Read more.

h brown

Retired special education teacher. Tenant.

Build for the people living on the streets first.

Only way to do that is through federally subsidized housing like in the old days.

City should be land banking every Veritas property in foreclosure.

Buy whatever property SFUSD is about to sell and land bank that too.

Land bank Laguna Honda for certain and fast.

Buy the giant failed department stores and landbank them, too.

Build no higher than 45′, which is tallest SFFD ladder that can operate manually in rubble.

For Maximum Density go ahead and Land Bank 45′ dwellings under the ground.

Build a statue of Henry George !

Trevor Chandler

Substitute teacher at SFUSD. Former director of government and public policy at Citizen, a public safety app. Tenant.

Building the 41,000 units of affordable housing mandated by the Housing Element will require an all-of-the-above strategy pursuing both mixed and 100% affordable housing. It’s why I support eliminating fees on 100% affordable housing and modernizing our broken permitting process.

I also support enforcing Neighborhood Preference to ensure affordable units are prioritized in immediate area market-rate units so we can fight gentrification.

We can build the housing we desperately need while protecting our neighborhoods, but we must move beyond the stale ideological fights that led us to this crisis in the first place.

Trevor Chandler

Former director of government and public policy at Citizen, a public safety app. Substitute teacher at SFUSD.

We will create permanent night markets at our BART Plazas, providing a guaranteed income to approved local vendors who sell food, handmade crafts, and perform until 9pm allowing them to keep the profits from their sales on top of that.

By bringing safety and vibrancy back to our plazas, along with common sense measures like increased lighting and consistent security, we can ensure local artisans and vendors can make a living as well as increase foot traffic for the small businesses on our commercial corridors.

This and all my plans are at www.trevor4sf.com.

Jackie Fielder

Former educator at SF State University, co-founder of the San Francisco Public Bank Coalition. Democratic Socialist.

I’m against a citywide vendor ban, vending is a cultural and economic backbone of Latin America and the Mission. It’s great seeing taco stands serving people of all walks of life along Mission St at night, kids blowing bubbles to music; It’s a refreshing vibrancy.

Permitted vendors can vend in an organized fashion in high foot-traffic areas; but vendors, non-profits, small businesses, city workers, and police need a coordinated safety strategy. Public workers shouldn’t do police officer enforcement. Equilibrium keeps the ban in place at the expense of permitted vendors. We can have vendors in high-foot traffic areas through a coordinated strategy.

Jaime Gutierrez

 Transit supervisor for SFMTA/MUNI

I supported the ban on street vendors from the position of safety. Street vending, legal and illegal, were blocking the walking pathways of the elderly and young.  Boarding and alighting public transit was not only treacherous but was a trash-filled eyesore. 

My solution to the problem would be to take advantage of the streets next to the 24th Street Bart Station. Lilac and Osage Alleyways could be cleaned, regulated, and monitored; by police, ambassadors, and DPW. This would promote community by establishing pride in El Tiangue because it would be an ongoing place of business on alternating days.

Roberto Hernandez

CEO, Cultura y Arte Nativa de Las Americas (CANA)

As a lifelong resident, I know firsthand the importance of street vending to our district’s culture, from the iconic Mission Dog to the delicious tacos. However, illegal vending has spiraled out of control, impacting both merchants and our collective sense of safety.

My community-based task force will include input and collaboration from the SFPD, neighborhood ambassadors, and legal vendors to ensure a proper permitting process is enforced across the district.

Together we will implement a plan that results in appropriate consequences for illegal actors and provides the support and resources for permitted vendors to operate safely.

Michael Petrelis

AIDS and LGBTQ activist

Mission Local asks more than a single question about an intractable concern to many, using over 100 words to do so, same count for our replies, and the change in this series, moving away from one short question, must be noted.

Communication in writing and in-person meetings is needed from the street vendors, the surrounding small businesses, BART leaders, San Francisco officials from Sup. Ronen to the SFPD.

I support some regulations for sidewalk vendors and oppose an outright ban, taking into account the vast differences at the BART plaza during the daytime and evenings.

Stephen Torres

LGBTQ activist, producer and journalist. 

Earlier efforts to regulate vending were plagued by a failure of administration. City employees tasked with monitoring vendors lacked training and permitted vendors lacked support, creating a vacuum filled by illegal vending.

I believe conflating crime with legitimate businesses that have long existed in District 9 and furthering blanket bans will be devastatingly destabilizing for the community. Why must it be chaos or nothing? 

BART after nightfall shows that empty space also brings problems. With coordination, training, and communication, we can reactivate vending (through protected “tianguis” and activations) while maintaining free and safe access to businesses and rights-of-way.

Julian Bermudez

Works in and directs his family business, Rancho Grande Appliance. 

First, I stand with the Newly formed Mission Street Vendors Association and their proposed solutions: Phased reintegration, resource allocation, respectful dialogue, and temporary relocation if necessary. As a leader, I know the best approach to this is to include the options of who this Ban affects the most. 

I will propose to make it into an official daily “farmers market” style with a permanent stage for performances and events. First, I want to build an area for a bungalow, where city officials can expedite permits for vendors on Mission Street. Then, add more trash cans, seating areas and portajohns, water fountains, and shaded areas. Next, adding paint and infrastructure to designate where vendors can sell. Lastly to build a stage-like area, on the 24th street BART area, where community organizations can plan events and performances. This will make the area bring in a different crowd via its cleanliness and the organization of the streets.

h brown

Retired special education teacher.

Tourism and nightlife are the lifeblood of the Mission.

To be successful both depend upon a properly deployed police presence. Six cops and DPW workers standing in a circle are not a proper use of Labor.

SFPD Kobans at the BART stops and Dolores Park staffed 24/7/365 will work. (Editors Note: a Koban is a small police kiosk or station.)

That’s a force of 27 Patrol cops and 3 Supervisors.

Cops rotate one at a point in Koban.

Two others walk single Officer Foot Patrols and meet some new friends.

Kobans need adjoining platforms for first-come, first-serve performances.

Invite vetted permit holders back home and legalize prostitution.

h brown

About all a supe can do is to call for committee hearings on topics like this.

Again, I’d promote someone else’s idea: Tidal power.

A Gonzalez hearing featuring a firm called ‘Hydro-Ventura’ calculated they could power all of Northern California with units installed in Bay trenches.

Zero pollution as “fuel” is power of Pacific Ocean translated by compression into air suction to rotate turbines.

Something like that.

Go Niners!

Trevor Chandler

The most significant way we can reduce San Francisco’s carbon footprint is reducing our car usage by making public transit safe, clean, and reliable. We must also significantly expand our tree canopy, fully implement the SF Climate Action Plan, and meet all goals of Chapter 9 of the SF Environment Code.

We can also protect San Franciscans from extreme weather changes with common-sense updates to our outdated window code. By removing costly barriers to installing modern, energy-efficient windows, we can protect residents from poor air quality caused by fires.

Jackie Fielder

Bordered by freeways and crossed with high traffic streets, District 9 suffers disproportionate pollution.

My goals include building affordable, green social housing along transit corridors; cutting red tape on window replacements; and tapping federal funding to establish a green bank. To cut emissions from private passenger vehicles, including ride-shares, I would provide incentives for biking, walking and rolling; invest in public transit; and make streets safer for bikers, pedestrians, and wheelchair users. PG&E’s delay of decarbonizing must stop.

To finance San Francisco’s climate action plan, we need a green bond, green bank and a tax on polluting corporations.

Jaime Gutierrez

The city owns its own electrical power source: Hetch Hetchy Dam and reservoir provide clean-air electricity that is free of greenhouse gases. This electricity could power San Francisco homes, businesses and infrastructure at a lower cost to its citizens, and possibly create a city-run EV-charging-station network.

This would fall in line with the state zero-emissions mandate that wants no more fossil fueled vehicles sold in California moving forward from 2035. Why do we continue to allow PG&E to monopolize San Francisco power, and sell it back at a higher price? Does this seem wrong?

Roberto Hernandez

We must act locally to combat the climate crisis globally.

As Supervisor, I’ll guarantee completion of the Village SF, a nationally recognized urban farming, community wellness, and neighborhood sustainability initiative based right here in the Mission, and led by members of our Native American community.

Other climate priorities will include habitat restoration, sustainable transit, clean energy incentives and tech partnerships, while collaborating with other districts and cities on effective solutions.

Through climate town halls, we’ll engage our residents and businesses to ensure we’re responsive to both the urgency around climate change and the realities of day-to-day life.

Michael Petrelis

Start with riding my bike, or using Muni to travel to City Hall, and around the Mission, as is my personal habit now.

I’d propose requiring City agencies that use vehicles to purchase only electric automobiles, reduce the number of SUVs, and mandate a bicycle fleet for official business.

Create a fund for community food gardens, planting one at City Hall, and expand composting efforts.

Ban bottled-water purchases by City departments. San Francisco tap water tastes great!

Tax billionaires, and use the money to make SF MTA rides free, create cement-barrier bike lanes, offer residents free bicycles, and fund existing repair shops.

Stephen Torres

District 9 stands to be heavily impacted by accelerating climate change. The first peoples of this place understood that we must work with nature, not against it. Ways we can do this:

• Municipalizing PG&E
• Hardscape removal, swales, daylighting and habitat restoration along watersheds like former Mission Creek, to beautify neighborhoods and mitigate flooding
• Community led re-envisioning of the Central Freeway
• Expand green building/infrastructure
• Permanent funding for maintenance and expansion of the urban canopy to cool/insulate  our neighborhoods
• Truly affordable housing and expanded public transit

District 9 is San Francisco’s heart. Our future is only sustainable with a healthy heart.

Julian Bermudez

By promoting and investing in practical solutions for climate change, that can make everyone’s lives easier and cleaner.

An idea that I have been working on for a while now are “Recharge Stations.” They are water fountains with shade provided by a solar panel that power USB ports used to charge devices. It also provides a seat or two, so people are able to take a break from walking around. Residents have told me that they would walk more if there were more bathrooms and water fountains available. Let’s aim to make our streets a bit more walkable and cleaner.

Julian Bermudez

Editor’s note: Bermudez said he preferred to keep his voting choices private.

h brown

Editor’s note: brown said he voted Yes on A, B, D and G, and voted No on C, E and F. The rest of his answer did not relate to the local election, so it has not been included here.

Trevor Chandler

A: Yes, building more affordable housing must be a priority.

B: No, it was poorly written and would have made it harder, not easier, to fully staff the SFPD.

C: Yes, we need to use every tool in the toolbox to revitalize our downtown.

D: Yes, and I would support even tougher ethics laws at City Hall.

E: Yes, while not perfect it will help ensure a responsive and accountable SFPD.

F: No, while I appreciate the intent I believe in incentivizing recovery.

G: Yes, Algebra should never have been removed to begin with.

Jackie Fielder

I voted in line with D9 residents.

Yes on D: tighten ethics rules in light of city corruption.

Yes on A: fund already-approved affordable housing!

Prop C won’t actually convert downtown office space to affordable housing, and was just a ploy to waive taxes for luxury real estate developers; I went No.

No on E: We all want safer streets, but we need oversight on police when it comes to vehicle pursuits, use of force, and surveillance.

Prop F goes against everything public health researchers tell us and actually puts more poor families on the streets, making our problems worse.

Jaime Gutierrez

I voted Yes on A, D, F and No on B, C, E, G. This is an accurate representation of voting across the board in a city with many interests and not enough friends.

San Francisco to me has always been a funky inclusive city where people from all walks of life could live here, and get along. Currently we are living in “hooray for me and F you.”  I don’t want to live that way anymore. All the measures were knee jerk fixes to a city that is in an existential crisis. Join me and discover integrity above ideology!

Roberto Hernandez

My priority was helping pass the Prop A housing bond to deliver $300 million in critical affordable housing dollars.

I did not support Prop F because I felt that lack of adequately available drug treatment services and understaffing at existing facilities set up our most vulnerable residents to fall through society’s safety net.

I appreciated Prop E’s goal to increase public safety by reducing administrative requirements to allow police officers to spend more time in the community, but I was concerned about increased surveillance and use of car chases. I supported Props C, D, and G but not Prop B.

Michael Petrelis

I vote as a Green Party member, generally, but was a registered Democrat this election.

Top of the ticket choice: Marianne Williamson.

U.S. Senate: Barbara Lee, twice.

Congressional District 11 Representative: trans actress Bianca von Krieg.

No: Props B, C, E, F, G.

Yes: Prop A.

Races for state senate and assembly were left blank.

Voted to retain judges Michael Begert and Patrick Thompson.

Democratic Country Central Committee: Peter Gallotta, Kristin Hardy, John Avalos, Jeremy Lee, Vick Chung, Patrick Bell, Gloria Berry, Adolfo Velasquez, Michael Nguyen, Sydney Simpson, Joshua Rudy Ochoa, Sal Rosselli, Jane Kim, Anita Martinez.

Stephen Torres

I voted for Props A, B and D and against C, E, F and G.

We need to invest in the essential services that help our communities succeed. We need more affordable housing and a comprehensive staffing plan that allows to add police officers without cutting other vital safety positions. I support stronger ethics rules given the widespread examples of corruption we’ve seen.

C won’t address the problem it purports to as confirmed by the City Controller. E/ F are examples of strategies that have failed in the past. While I support bringing Algebra back to middle schools, Prop G … Read more

Julian Bermudez

Working out of Rancho Grande Appliances. Ever since I was able to use a dolly and a pair of pliers, I’ve been working at my family business, which has helped countless D9 residents with their appliance needs.

Blue-collar work is a thankless job that comes with no awards or recognitions aside from going home knowing you helped someone. I will come into City Hall with the same mindset. Results over recognition. I’ve seen mothers cry and kids cheering over appliances because I have made their lives just a bit easier.

h brown

I give a recurring 10% of my monthly income to support D9 community spaces and publications.

I spend over 100 hours monthly picking up trash, dragging furniture to pick up points and cleaning sidewalks, storm drains and gutters.

I’ve watched SFGovTV regularly for over 20 years and walked thousands of miles supporting progressive candidates and issues.

I’ve written over 3,000 columns supporting progressive causes.

I spent a year filling every pothole in Clarion Alley to kill the smell.

I am a diehard Niners fan.

Trevor Chandler

When I discovered Pac Heights had 20% more crosswalk coverage than the Mission, despite less traffic and fewer pedestrians, I successfully led the fight to get our fair share as the D9 Representative on the Eastern Neighborhoods Citizens Advisory Committee. D9 deserves a Supervisor who ensures our neighborhoods get the same treatment as Union Square and Pac Heights.

On the California State Board of Pharmacy, I’ve led the charge against insurance companies to ensure expanded access to HIV treatment and prevention medication. Our Latino community has seen a surge in HIV cases and I am committed to getting us to zero.

Jackie Fielder

As a city commissioner, I’ve worked for low-income CleanPowerSF customers in the district and across the city, and served on the board of Young Women’s Freedom Center, which serves young women and non-binary people around San Francisco.

I have been an advocated against police violence including for Sean Monterrosa, volunteered and fundraised for a tricycle path at the Portola Freeway Greenway, fundraised for a harm reduction program that is empowering Spanish and Mayan speaking communities with Narcan, organized volunteers for Balmy Alley’s Lover’s Lane event, and I regularly connect unhoused people with housing and treatment programs.

Jaime Gutierrez

Every single day of my adult life I’ve been in this district. Every day I’m at SFMTA working as a bus controller: Keeping schedules, calling for resources, saving lives, and making the system work more efficiently.

Before that, I was a bus driver on the 48, 9, 54, 44, and 24 lines taking folks to work, school, and their doctor’s appointments. Most of all, I am in the community talking to people, and hearing what they are most afraid of; that the one place they’ve always felt at home does not feel comfortable anymore. This cannot be the status quo.

Roberto Hernandez

I’ve been helping District 9 residents my whole life.

From growing up in the Mission supporting youth employment and violence prevention, to helping set up the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center and serving as its first director. From our work to launch Carnaval SF and grow it to become a globally-recognized celebration to creating the Mission Food Hub to serve Mission, Bernal, and Portola families. From Our Mission No Eviction’s success stopping evictions and securing 1,300 units of affordable housing to Roadmap to Peace’s proven community-based public safety approach.

My life has been devoted to getting things done for District 9.

Michael Petrelis

Since 1996 when we moved to Clinton Park, picked up trash every week on our block.

Persuaded BART to rid 16^th Street plazas of bird poop, enhancing sanitation for all.

Raised funds when the Roxie needed money to operate.

Marched against gentrification, in solidarity with Latin American immigrants and low-wage workers.

Protested SFPD killing civilians at Mission Station.

Learned some Spanish.

Demonstrated against evictions of longtime renters.

Regularly patronized local shops and restaurants.

Annually applauded Carnaval dancers and Dia de los Muertos musicians.

Lobbied SFMTA to create protected curbside bike lanes. Held politicians accountable when they’ve made the wrong decisions.

Stephen Torres

My mom impressed upon me the importance of service and I have tried to find ways to serve my community throughout the years here in D9 and SF. I’ve worked to provide resources at neighborhood, nightlife worker, and LGBTQ community events, worked with city departments and cultural districts to provide access to COVID vaccines and testing, collaborated with Galería de la Raza, advocated for community determination over legacy assets, and worked with Entertainment Commission staff to ensure cultural representation in the nightlife permitting process.

I hope my mother’s guidance has helped me to serve my community in some way.

Julian Bermudez

Establish a drug buy-back program. We can all agree that the number one goal is to get drugs off the streets. My proposal will encourage people to surrender fentanyl or fentanyl-laced drugs for cash. The cash-back value will be higher than the street market price of the drugs turned in. This allows regular residents to take part in the removal of drugs from our streets, with a cash incentive.

I’m a businessman, and I aim to tackle our drug crisis like corporations ruin small businesses. Drug dealers don’t sell because they like selling drugs, but because they like the… Read more

h brown

Voters,

I would move to follow the European model and decriminalize all drugs.

Notice that I did not say “legalize.”

When you decriminalize, you take two of the three worst elements out of the equation.

First, you remove the cops, because nobody’s doing anything illegal here.

Second, you remove the dealers, because there is no profit for them.

Don’t insist on re-inventing the wheel.

Copy Switzerland and Portugal.

Did Prohibition teach us nothing?

Trevor Chandler

In the short term, we must consolidate our numerous crisis-outreach teams under one roof for greater communication and responsiveness to stop overdoses as they happen.

In the medium term, we must shift our strategy from harm reduction only to one that gauges the success of departments and nonprofit partners on how many people they direct into addiction treatment. Bringing someone back from death just to let them die slower is not kind, and it is not progressive.

In the longer term, I have proposed a bold plan at www.trevor4sf.com to make San Francisco a leader in fighting opioid addiction.

Jackie Fielder

Last year’s record number 806 overdose fatalities — disparately impacting Black San Franciscans and growing among Latino San Franciscans — demonstrates a broken status quo. I would call for a declaration of emergency to rapidly coordinate resources and provide true Treatment on Demand.

Portugal put decisions about drug policy into the hands of public health experts, and the result was 100,000 people in recovery. Mobile clinics, medicated assisted therapies (MAT), public education campaigns, street outreach, language access, wellness hubs, more dual diagnosis beds, research, tracking outcomes and, most importantly, staffing up so we can provide treatment 24/7 are all priorities for me.

Jaime Gutierrez

Addiction is a disease of isolation. Harm reduction by itself does not work. It is enabling addicts to isolate themselves. This needs to be rethought with an emphasis on community rather than dying alone.

The city needs detoxes where addicts can safely get sober, make a decision, and then obtain the resources they need to stay sober and recover by any means necessary, including medication or through mental health programs. They can learn to give back. San Francisco has become the place to come to get loaded and die, rather than a place to find a way out and live.

Roberto Hernandez

As a recovering drug addict and alcoholic, I understand firsthand the experience of a user and the time-intensive healing process — in my case, the last 28 years.

We need to improve the overall the health and well-being of people who use drugs by addressing social determinants of health by engaging those people and increasing availability and accessibility of substance abuse services.

A “Whole City” approach to overdose prevention means strengthened community engagement and social support for people at high risk, alternatives to drug use and solutions for deeper, undiagnosed health issues that are part of the city’s mental health crisis.

Michael Petrelis

We need to open storefront drug consumption sites along with using an RV for users to safely inject or inhale substances, with trained staff present to assist in the event of bad reaction or overdose.

Homeless users have no indoor location where they can be off the street and get high. Let’s give them a few hours to ride out their highs.

Opening the Tenderloin Center for a few months at UN Plaza saved lives, and reduced visible drug use on surrounding sidewalks. This band-aid approach undermined opening a secure and permanent consumption site, addressing long-term solutions.

Stephen Torres

We need to treat overdose deaths as what they are: A public health crisis. In San Francisco, we listened to doctors and scientists during Covid-19 and avoided the devastating death toll experienced in other places.

Many of us have already lost loved ones, neighbors, family and friends to this crisis. We cannot continue to blame, exploit and criminalize the victims of this epidemic for the sake of political gain. We must demand better. We must follow the public health evidence again — scale up effective interventions including treatment and avoid responses that make things worse — so we can save lives.

Julian Bermudez

No, I do not. This is real life and not a movie. People die when anyone, regardless of reason, drives at high speeds. A quick Google search of “car chase deaths”, and you’ll be greeted with the fact that almost half of the deaths that happen in a car chase have been innocent bystanders.

I am aiming to be a major advocate for street safety and I am part of the movement to reach one year with no traffic deaths. The ends do not justify the means, that’s common sense thinking. Vote No On Prop E.

h brown

Let’s see.

100 words on why I don’t want SFPD to have any more power at doing anything.

They are incompetent and poorly led, and have lots of racist members.

I watch every minute of these Max Carter-Oberstone/Cindy Elias meetings.

Counting the airport, they have 2,300 members. 10 are assigned a regular foot patrol.

[Editor’s note: As of Feb. 2024, the police department reports having some 1,865 sworn officers — although not all of these are “full duty”.]

We need an elected Police Chief as Michael Hennessey has suggested for decades.

Elect a powerful leader with a platform reflecting SF Values.

It will be a nice change.

Trevor Chandler

Yes. This is a common-sense update to our law that is in line with jurisdictions in surrounding counties. By having an accountable, responsive and fully staffed police department, we can ensure San Franciscans don’t have a target placed on their back by those who come to San Francisco to commit crimes knowing they cannot be pursued.

I have heard from too many District 9 residents who have been the victims of violent crime; they and all San Franciscans deserve to be fully protected by their police department.

Jackie Fielder

SFPD already has authority to chase a car when they believe someone “poses an immediate risk to public safety.” And still, we see headlines of SFPD car crashes practically every other month.

Last June was the infamous crash into Lucca Ravioli on Valencia that sent an adult and child to the hospital. Three months later, there was a fatal accident in Portola. We can create safe neighborhoods without putting pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers at risk. I support proven strategies to make our neighborhoods safe, and accountability for people who cause harm to others, but Prop. E isn’t one of them.

Jaime Gutierrez

Public safety has to be all-inclusive — meaning that preserving life should always be considered. This includes all parties involved.

It is difficult to say at face value that it is prudent to get into a high-speed chase anytime a crime is committed, whether it is a felony or misdemeanor. The police should attempt to always be sure that the public at large is protected. This cannot be handled with a knee-jerk reaction. It needs further insight. This being the case, this issue needs to be looked at closely. I support justice. Pragmatism should be the watchword here.

Roberto Hernandez

At this time of community need, it’s unfortunate that public safety has become politicized to the point that there are multiple ballot measures on the March ballot regarding policing. For me, this question is not about misdemeanors or felonies, but what’s happening under the circumstances. If there is violence involved, we are counting on police to intervene, including the potential for a police officer to safely engage in a car chase.

But we shouldn’t need ballot measures to achieve that policy position. We need a comprehensive safety plan for our City and can achieve that through collaborative policy discussions.

Michael Petrelis

The SFPD car-chase policy should be flexible, given the situation. But generally, on our tight urban streets, I’m opposed to high-speed chases.

As seen in the Sept. video making news, I obtained the Castro’s Lookout bar robbers getaway car escaping capture, even though an SFPD cop was parked behind their vehicle and didn’t attempt blocking them.

I strongly oppose Prop E, because it is bad community policing to create SFPD policies at the ballot box, when it’s better to do that at police commission meetings after much public discussion at City Hall and in the community.

Stephen Torres

Last year, a car barreled through the wall of the former Lucca on Valencia following a high speed chase. In December, another chase resulted in a lockdown order at Flynn Elementary. Fifty-seven police chases since 2018 have ended in a car crash, including 23 where someone was injured.

When I talk to District 9 voters, they want a police department that is responsive to street-level safety needs and crimes that harm small businesses and residents. Changing the current car chase policy, which even SFPD says is sufficient, to further enable more reckless pursuits is the wrong solution to the wrong problem.

Julian Bermudez

No, I do not support it. I’ve walked around the area since the ban at different times of the day. It’s easy to see all that was done was to prevent illegal vendors from selling in the day. Yes, it’s cleaner and there’s visible enforcement. But when will the permitted vendors return?

I want to push making 24th and 16th BART locations part-farmers market, part-community center. Creating a symbiotic relationship between the community and vendors. The event brings in foot traffic, hence vendors are able to sell more.

h brown

Campers,

I am opposed to a vending ban on Mission Street.

I would lift the ban and add Police Kobans at the BART stops manned 24/7/365.

The street needs energy, not oppression.

And I’d add live music and poetry also.

Trevor Chandler

The illegal vending ban has shown a tangible improvement in the quality of life for Mission residents and small businesses; efforts to support and improve conditions for legal vendors should continue as this program is extended.

That it took so long for City Hall to respond shows the disconnect between District 9 residents and our elected leaders. We should engage in positive and proactive responses to our problems, not wait until they get out of control to address them. That’s why I’ve also put out a plan to reinvigorate our 16th and 24th Street BART Plazas at www.trevor4sf.com.

Jackie Fielder

It’s vital that we think beyond a ban on street vendors towards a solution that gives us safe, clean and accessible BART plazas, while ensuring that the economic well-being of legitimate street vendors is secured.

I will make it a priority to create a pathway for street vendors from being on the street to being small-business owners. And I will convene a community process for transforming the BART Plazas from the drab, gray, transitory spaces for people coming and going that they are today, into lively, activated, and welcoming town centers for longtime Mission vendors, tourists and community members.

Jaime Gutierrez

There are concerns with vending on Mission Street that involve the best use of public space.

The first issue is trash. Street vending generates trash that is not managed by street vendors.

Another issue is the space for presentation. Some people do not want to be required to step over or go around a vendor.

Considering these issues, I support the ban on Mission street. However, if Mission Street vending were moved to Osage and Lilac Alleys, with the DPW cleaning the trash daily, along with ambassadors and police oversight, I would support lifting the ban on Mission Street vending.

Roberto Hernandez

I’ve spent decades working with District 9 small businesses and street vendors to get the support they need from City Hall.

Street vending works if the right resources are in place, as we see in Latin America and countries around the world. Permitted vendors selling their wares make the Mission bright and vibrant, but unlicensed sales are clearly a problem. Proper vendor permitting and monitoring is essential to a long-term solution.

As Supervisor, I’ll meet with vendors, small businesses, residents and neighbors to evaluate the effectiveness of approaches initiated to date to develop and implement a community-based street vending plan.

Michael Petrelis

What I support is limited vending on Mission Street at the 16th and 24th Street BART Plazas, because they add vibrancy, while also opposing street merchants congesting near bus shelters, making it difficult to board or off-load the buses.

Consideration of retail stores, bars and restaurants on Mission Street and their business needs must be integral to a workable plan for sidewalk and plaza vending.

I want more vendors in many of the empty storefronts and to attract customers. Let’s have musicians, comedians and magicians perform inside, with a tip jar prominently displayed so they can collect money.

Stephen Torres

I understand this has been a very difficult situation for our vendors, neighbors and community leaders. And I appreciate that Supervisor Hillary Ronen has had to overcome major challenges in attempting to resolve it.

I do worry, however, about the ongoing impacts of this ban on our community vendors, who are already struggling to keep afloat. We cannot dismiss the impact this has had on their livelihood and cultural importance. I believe we need to create sanctioned tianguis at the plazas and other public spaces, while maintaining safe and clear access to businesses and transportation.

Julian Bermudez

Transparency and accountability: Two values that I will hold true to myself as District 9 supervisor. I plan to have a social media platform where I — and potentially other supervisors, government officials, and residents — can share and discuss city politics, coming straight from the source.

From a small reel informing people of a new policy in place, to a podcast-type interview where a public official comes in to explain their plan in a neutral environment. It is important that the people of San Francisco are aware and well-informed about everything that is happening out of City Hall.

h brown

Voters: Greed is genetic and has many children, of which ‘corruption’ is but one. I propose the City get ahead of the curve, and create a “‘Cybre Cop” to detect as many of the signs of a dirty player as an unleashed AGI program can find.

Knowing their applications will be subjected to screening by our “‘SFCF” system will discourage bad actors. Acronym is for: “San Francisco Cybre Filter.” It’s really an electronic Law Enforcement Auditor that constantly upgrades itself as Public Records become available.

You think the FBI is good? Wait til you see the AGI. Go Niners!

Trevor Chandler

The fact that the role of “Permit Expediter” even exists epitomizes a system that encourages and legitimizes corruption.

Using the proven structure from the federal False Claims Act, we will empower citizens to file lawsuits on behalf of the government against corrupt public officials and contractors who have defrauded taxpayers, allowing them to receive a portion of the recovered funds as a reward. This has resulted in more than $2 billion in awards and settlements at the federal level in 2022 alone.

The time for action is now. San Francisco deserves a City Hall that operates with integrity and accountability.

Jackie Fielder

The Nuru saga, the building-inspector scandals, and now a police nonprofit financing a Tahoe getaway when it should be giving free security assessments to small businesses. The amount of corruption that’s been swirling around the mayor’s administration is unacceptable.

Every single department head reports to the mayor. The mayor has the majority of appointment power over the city’s more than 100 departments, boards, and commissions.  We need a new mayor who can clean house and put real public servants in charge. We also need stronger contract auditing protocols, whistleblower protections, and more democratic RFP reviews for contracts.

Jaime Gutierrez

Corruption in city government exists: DPW, DBI, nonprofit expenditures and some members of government profit from flipping properties. Any person or affiliated company committing a crime against the public integrity of the city needs to be punished beyond just prison or financial penalty. We must preserve civic integrity.

The individual and their connections past or present must be held accountable. They should be banned from any further business with the city. I will fight to expose those involved to bring integrity and security to San Franciscans. Transparency is the key to a city government that is accountable to its citizens.

Roberto Hernandez

Corruption in City government, or by those doing business with the City, is unacceptable. The Board of Supervisors can send a strong message there will be consequences for such conduct. 

I pledge to support current Board efforts and work on anti-corruption legislation. Within 45 days of taking office in District 9, I will introduce an ordinance requiring City departments to adopt anti-corruption operating procedures governing their internal operations and contract processes, including penalties for non-compliance.

These procedures will be filed with the Board, and departments must affirm their compliance with the procedures whenever seeking Board approval for any matter.

Michael Petrelis

I’d start by continuing to file many public records requests for the calendars of elected officials and department heads, to learn who they’re meeting with and what topics are being discussed. Calendars of all public servants required to keep a Prop. G [publicly accessible daily calendar] must be shared on their City-funded sites, on a weekly basis.

Next, I want annual forensic audits performed of all City agencies and bi-annual audits of nonprofits receiving $250,000 or more in municipal funds. A website containing the findings would be established for much needed public inspection. More transparency equals less corruption at City Hall.

Stephen Torres

Curtailing corruption in city government should be constant, and lies in more reform, transparency and oversight, not less.

I have seen how the various oversight bodies that have been implemented within our government have strengthened citizen representation and voice over what happens in this city. It is not perfect — there are still trappings built into some that facilitate corruption, and this is where the reform needs to happen. The idea, however, that what we need is to lessen community and board oversight, and consolidate more power for the mayor as a means for reform should be met with serious concern.

Julian Bermudez

Currently, I don’t have anyone specifically that I admire. I haven’t really had a chance to connect with our current supervisors on a personal level.

However, I do admire Shamann Walton’s love for the city, sporting his 49er suit after our win. That is definitely something I’d sport as well. I have a lot of pride for my city.

Trevor Chandler

As Supervisor, I will prioritize getting it right over being right and I will be willing to work across ideological differences to make changes that will have a real, positive impact on the everyday lives of D9 residents.

D9 deserves a supervisor focused on ensuring their city works for them by getting the basics done right ensuring safe, clean streets. Supervisor Mandelman demonstrates a similar commitment to collaboration and results.

Jackie Fielder

I admire a handful for different reasons.

Ronen for her get-it-done work ethic and years and years of service to the residents of District 9. Preston for his advocacy for tenants, a public bank, and safe streets; Peskin for his immense knowledge of how the City works; Chan for her fierce advocacy for working families as Budget chair; Walton for his commitment to justice and professionalism; and Melgar for her years of work uplifting and protecting Latino, immigrant, and low income communities.

I would be honored to work alongside them as Supervisor.

Jaime Gutierrez

Myrna Melgar: a woman that was born in El Salvador, came to the United States, and through hard work and dedication she created a chance for herself to matter. Her work ethic must be impeccable.

I was raised by a Salvadoran woman just like her. My grandmother raised me with a tough loving hand. She relieved my mentally ill mother of a boy who at times was incorrigible. My grandmother gave me a work ethic. I am truly lucky to have had the upbringing she provided for me. Myrna appears to live by the values that were instilled in me.

Roberto Hernandez

Anyone who aspires to be on the Board of Supervisors should be admired. Community needs are significant and the work is often thankless.

Like me, Supervisor Shamann Walton grew up here and has remained true to his progressive values. I admire how he has delivered for his district and beyond. During COVID, he secured essential resources for residents of his district, District 9 and the entire City. I’m honored to have his endorsement.

I admire mi hermana Supervisor Myrna Melgar for her housing leadership and her inspiring career evolution from activist to planner to Commission President to Supervisor.

Michael Petrelis

Generally, I don’t admire supervisors but on a single vital cultural and fiscal issue, saving the Castro Theatre and curbing the greed of Another Planet Entertainment executives taking over management of it, I respect Aaron Peskin for casting the lone vote against ruining its magnificent interior integrity.

Peskin disclosed APE broke promises to spend millions upgrading the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. I expect him to closely watchdog APE renovating the Castro, keeping us informed if all promises are totally fulfilled every step of the way, something Rafael Mandelman certainly won’t because he showed himself to be a shill for APE.

Stephen Torres

This is a difficult question, in a way, because I have good relationships, have worked with, and very much admire a number of the currently serving supervisors. Indeed, I cannot decide on one and would have to say I greatly admire both Supervisors Peskin and Walton.

For me, their dedication to centering their respective districts and the communities that make them up as well as skills in finding consensus with, and collaborating with their fellow colleagues are notable in the history of their leadership.

Julian Bermudez

In my life, I’ve experienced being both the leader and the worker. Both in college and high school I became a leader who led by example and hard work. As a youth leader, coach, and even rush chair, my devotion was never questioned. That devotion was enough to encourage people to follow.

My true lessons in leadership came during my time in the Army. As a lower enlisted soldier, I was the de facto worker bee for any objective. I had horrible and amazing leadership; both taught me what to do and what not to do as a leader.

Trevor Chandler

As an internationally recognized LGBTQ civil rights leader, I worked in red states to protect the transgender community. I know what it takes to build coalitions, have tough conversations, and get real results no matter how tough the fight is.

As someone in long-term recovery, I know how important it is to have real treatment on demand for those who want sobriety.

My current role as a public school teacher has shown me just how important it is that our elected leaders put outcomes over empty ideology; failed leadership has a real and direct impact on San Francisco’s families.

Jackie Fielder

My values come from being the proud granddaughter of Mexican immigrants – a farmworker and a factory worker – and Native American grandparents who survived boarding schools, as well as being the daughter of a single working mom.

I earned a B.A. in public policy and M.A. in sociology at Stanford because policy has profoundly impacted the trajectory of my family and our people – our right to housing, education, healthcare, clean water and air, and equitable opportunities. As a renter and climate organizer I have felt the crunch of affordability. Urgency for the most vulnerable is what I would bring to City Hall.

Jaime Gutierrez

I am a product of this District (9). My first residence was at 14th/Minna and I currently reside at 25th/Cypress. Both of these are on alleyways that usually have had issues that have been ongoing for fifty years.

I’ve worked in a mental health non-profit, a twenty plus year cab driver, ten years as a SFUSD substitute teacher, and a MUNI operator. I am a graduate from UC Berkeley with a degree in Social Welfare. Furthermore, I am uniquely qualified to help others and I am here to offer hope for a better future.

Roberto Hernandez

Growing up in the Mission and Bernal, I faced the same challenges our young people face. I was fortunate to be mentored by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, who put me on the path to community service.

My lifetime dedication to District 9 residents has taught me to see problems differently, to listen and to engage people in decisions that affect them. This is how we’ve delivered wins for the community through the City’s policy-making process. Our challenges can’t be solved by political insiders or bureaucrats but rather by organizing, elevating community members’ voices, and holding City Hall accountable.

Michael Petrelis

As I turn 65 on January 26th, I’ve reflected on various life experiences that have given me decades of privileged gay and AIDS activism. I see how my personal needs for healthcare, housing and equality led me to organize and win changes for other LGBTQ and HIV positive folks, including lowering drug prices.

My pleasures from sodomy directly motivated me to join public displays of queer affection for the media to advance our visibility. Struggles to stay alive and thrive, occasionally without insurance or secure housing, would continue to guide my supervisorial duties, meeting safety net needs of Mission residents.

Stephen Torres

As a worker in the service industry for 20+ years and a renter, I am experiencing in real time the impacts that many D9 residents are. From decreased income to public health crises, to a lack of deeply affordable housing, to the decimation of our small businesses.

My roles in the City’s Cultural Districts and Entertainment Commission were focused on the centering and protection of our communities. Being supervisor would be a continuation of a career of service.

Julian Bermudez

My number-one issue is traffic and street safety. This is one of the most common issues that comes up when I talk with San Francisco residents, especially in District 9. I believe that investing in infrastructure that increases pedestrian safety and improves traffic flow can improve San Francisco exponentially.

From something as small as fixing potholes, to creating physical bike lane infrastructure and more visible lighting in our neighborhoods, walking, driving or cycling should not be as stressful as it feels today. My plan is to become the most active chair in the Land Use and Transportation Committee and promote more… Read more

Trevor Chandler

Having already knocked on thousands of doors, I know for a fact that safe and clean streets must be the top priority. It’s why I support an accountable, responsive, and fully staffed police department, and why I support arresting fentanyl dealers.

D9 also has some of the most littered streets in the City. As Supervisor, I will hold DPW accountable to ensure District 9 gets the same treatment as Pac Heights and Union Square. I won’t just talk about it, I’ll do it, which is why I volunteer for trash pickups in D9 every month.

Jackie Fielder

Houston curbed their homelessness 63% by following a housing-first model, supported by decades of research. As Supervisor, I will follow the best parts of the Houston model, which involve getting all the city’s homeless departments and nonprofits operating under one strategy, cutting through red tape, and getting people into housing first before worrying about the paperwork.

The same needs to be done to build and staff up our behavioral health system infrastructure. We need more beds and nurses for people with severe mental health and substance abuse issues. We can do this by declaring an emergency on homelessness.

Jaime Gutierrez

The number one issue for me is that the cost of living keeps rising, but the standard of living is plummeting. We are no longer living in a district that is safe, clean and comfortably prosperous.

The city has fallen short of its civic duty to its citizens. Small businesses are being pushed out because of bureaucracy. Property owners are paying high taxes for nothing. In actuality, property value is eroding because of malfeasance. This and other issues need to be thoroughly and thoughtfully probed to provide the greatest good for the community.

District 9 is a working-class district that is … Read more

Roberto Hernandez

One of District 9’s challenges is that we have more than one priority issue. Crime, housing, homelessness, decent wages and clean streets are all concerns that our residents share with me on a daily basis, especially seniors, small business owners, youth and parents.

“Safety” is a holistic term that connects these issues and describes my priority as Supervisor. I was born and raised in District 9, and my lifetime of experience addressing safety issues has taught me that bringing together our residents, businesses, government agencies, community-based organizations and unions is essential to delivering solutions. I’m ready. ¡Sí Se Puede!

Michael Petrelis

My number one issue is a few small concerns. For months, graffiti covering the front of the building at 225 Valencia St. has been a complaint of neighbors. 

Locating the name and address of the owner, I mailed him a complaint asking him to remove the graffiti. Records show the Lyon-Martin Clinic was granted a permit changing the status, as a subtenant, from a commercial business to a health facility. 

The clinic hasn’t responded, but the property manager has. The City informed the owner that he’s violating laws and action must be taken. This shows how I act to improve the Mission.

Stephen Torres

The most important issue is the wellness, safety and prosperity of our community. I mean that in the most holistic way, however. Nothing exists in a vacuum, and we need to strengthen our community and cultural density in comprehensive and sustainable ways.

When a community is destabilized, it leaves a void of crime and deterioration. We must invest in our District with the same vigor and priority currently being allocated for downtown. We must create legislation that ensures our vulnerable communities are protected in the face of multiple efforts to strip away their current safeguards. In short, my priority is … Read more