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MESSAGE FROM CATHERINE






As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past few months, I am filled with immense pride for the progress we have achieved together. It is an honor to serve as your Supervisor, and I remain deeply committed to our shared vision of a safer, cleaner, and revitalized San Francisco.


Over the past quarter, we have worked tirelessly to enact meaningful change. From spearheading initiatives to establish transparent performance standards for city-funded nonprofits to advocating for crucial improvements in officer retention and recruitment within our police department, our efforts have been focused on addressing the pressing issues facing our community and city as a whole.


When I'm not in City Hall advocating for our district and sensible policies, I enjoy participating in community celebrations throughout the city. In 2024, I've marched in parades, celebrated the achievements of remarkable women during Women’s History Month, and more.


Your insights and input are invaluable to me and my team. If you have any questions or need assistance with a city-related matter, please don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or at 415-554-7752. Additionally, if you know of an individual or organization in District 2 deserving of recognition for their outstanding work, please let us know. I'm eager to highlight the remarkable contributions our district brings to the city.


Sincerely,





Passage of Nonprofit Monitoring Legislation
For years, headlines have lamented nonprofits falling short of their contractual obligations and mishandling city funds. Recognizing this longstanding issue, our office has diligently worked on legislation aimed at overhauling how the city evaluates contract performance and ensures accountability among our partners. San Franciscans deserve transparency and effectiveness in the use of their tax dollars, and they rightfully expect tangible outcomes.


In 2001, under then-Supervisor Sophie Maxwell’s leadership, a nonprofit contracting task force highlighted the city’s slow, burdensome, and inefficient processes. They identified flaws in program and fiscal monitoring, noting that assessments and feedback were often provided too late in the contract year to be meaningful. Astonishingly, over 20 years later, these issues have continued to persist unabated until now.


Our efforts culminated in legislation that centralizes responsibility in the Controller’s office to oversee all of our non-profit contracts totaling approximately $1.7 billion annually. This ordinance establishes consistent performance criteria and requirements, ensuring measurable objectives. Additionally, it mandates fiscal audits for organizations receiving over $750,000 in city funds.


Rebuilding trust in City Hall begins with prudent spending of city funds. Our office is immensely grateful to the nonprofits and stakeholders who have contributed to meaningful progress in enhancing our city's accountability.


Requiring our Law Enforcement Agencies to Purchase Firearms from Responsible Vendors


Last year, Brady United Against Violence released a report exposing concerning practices in law enforcement procurement across California, including here in San Francisco. The report revealed that over 90 law enforcement agencies in California collectively spent more than $20 million on firearms, ammunition, and related equipment from six federally licensed firearms dealers with documented histories of violating firearms regulations. My office quickly took action and inquired about the practices within our law enforcement agencies. We learned that all four agencies (SFPD, SFDA, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Adult Probation Department) had unwittingly purchased weapons and ammunition from bad actors. This disclosure deeply troubled me and emphasizes the urgent need for thorough
vetting procedures in our procurement processes for firearms and related gear. As a city that prides itself on gun safety leadership, it is essential for us to ensure that our law enforcement agencies diligently select vendors when making such purchases.


To address this issue, I introduced legislation aimed at establishing stringent vetting procedures for our law enforcement agencies when selecting firearm vendors. We bear a responsibility to thoroughly vet firearms dealers, particularly as evidence indicates that firearms used in crimes often originate from vendors who flout federal firearms laws. My proposed ordinance will safeguard taxpayer funds from inadvertently contributing to our gun violence epidemic.



Hearing on SFPD Recruitment and Retention


It's evident that our community's needs are not being met due to a shortage of both sworn officers and civilian personnel within the San Francisco Police Department. Public safety is a baseline obligation of what a well-functioning city government should do—it is an absolute crisis that we are more than seven hundred positions short of what’s needed to meet the demand for service.


We cannot afford to overlook the urgency of this situation. Therefore, I have called for regular hearings with representatives from the San Francisco Police Department and the Department of Human Resources to provide updates on their recruitment and retention strategies.


At my hearing, we will address critical questions, including current staffing levels, their plan to fill the 300 vacant but funded positions in SFPD right now, hiring barriers, and the impact of absences on patrol staffing. It's imperative that we maintain transparency and keep the public informed about our efforts to tackle these challenges head-on. By fostering open dialogue and accountability, we can work towards meaningful solutions to address the shortage of police officers and reassure the community of our commitment to their safety.


Joint Hearing for Student Safety

I was honored to host a joint hearing between the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee and the Youth Commission’s Civic Engagement and Education Committee to discuss SFUSD’s safety procedures after multiple guns were found on SFUSD campuses in December.

I continue to be inspired by this generation’s courage and tenacity. Prior to our hearing, I joined students in front of City Hall in a rally to support them in their fight for safer learning environments. It’s up to us in positions of power to elevate young voices and do all that we can to ensure that we are addressing their concerns and providing our children a safe space to be themselves.


Included San Francisco as a Supporter of Key State Bills


I had the privilege of authoring multiple resolutions over the past few months in support of key pieces of legislation at the state level. Thank you to all the incredible legislators in Sacramento who are working diligently to ensure our state continues to progress and thrive.


These included :

Senate Bill No. 899 - Introduced by Senators Skinner and Blakespear, SB 899 strengthens California’s Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) laws.

Senate Bill No. 905 - Introduced by Senator Wiener, SB 905 reforms the definition of burglary from a vehicle so that proof of forcible entry is sufficient evidence to prove the crime.

Senate Bill No. 1170 - Introduced by Senator Caroline Menjivar, SB 1170 allows non-incumbent candidates running for office to use campaign funds to pay for candidates’ mental health care costs.

Assembly Bill No. 2319 - Introduced by Assemblymember Akilah Weber, AB 2319 strengthens the training protocols in the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act of 2019 (SB 464) and introduces financial penalties for non-compliance from health care providers.

Assembly Bill No. 2286 - Introduced by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, Assemblymember Friedman, and Assemblymember Kalra, AB 2286 requires a human safety operator in autonomous vehicles with a gross vehicle weight.

Assembly Bill No. 3073 - Introduced by Assemblymember Haney, AB 3073 mandates local water agencies to collect and analyze wastewater samples for drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and xylazine (also known as Tranq).

Assembly Bill No. 1956 - Introduced by Assemblymember Reyes, AB 1956 ensures the continuity and stability of funding dedicated to crime victims services statewide.


2395 Sacramento Housing Project


At the
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February 6th Board of Supervisor meeting , I rejected an attempt to misuse CEQA to block the creation of new housing in Pacific Heights. The project redesigned an empty historical building to add more than 26 new homes, several of which are designated affordable, while preserving the historical significance of the Lane Medical Library’s facade and interior. This decision also enabled a quicker environmental review process for preservation projects and showed the city's dedication to using Housing Element policies to prevent unnecessary delays in building more units. I have consistently backed efforts to make it easier to get permits and build homes in our district, aligning with the Housing Element.




Keep up with events I’m at in the community by following my social media pages (
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Facebook ,
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Instagram ,
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Twitter ). Here are just a few highlights over the beginning of the year.


Marching with the Community on MLK Day
It was an honor to march with the community to remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Every third Monday of January, we recommit to championing Dr. King’s vision of equal rights, better conditions for working people, and safer communities for all. Thank you to United Playaz, Brady California, the San Francisco Chinese American Democratic Club, and countless others who joined in this year’s march.


Senator Dianne Feinstein International Terminal at SFO


On January 16th, I spoke at the Airport Commission in support of renaming San Francisco International Airport’s International Terminal after the late Senator Dianne Feinstein. I’m so grateful that the commission unanimously voted for this change and look forward to seeing how the terminal celebrates her lasting legacy in our city!


Chinese New Year Celebrations


I had the pleasure of celebrating Chinese New Year alongside San Francisco's vibrant Chinese community. From the iconic Chinese New Year Parade, the longest-standing in the nation, to the lively atmosphere of the Chinatown Flower Market, the festivities were a true testament to our city's rich cultural heritage. It was an honor to join in these cherished traditions, connecting with community members and sharing in their joyous celebrations.


St. Patrick’s Day Festivities


It was a delight to have my family from out of town join me for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hosting the District 2 St. Patrick’s Day Flag Raising celebration in my City Hall office once again was equally fun. This cherished tradition is always a highlight for me, and I am grateful to keep it alive. A huge thank you to For the Record, The Lark Bar, Clonakilty Distillery, Joey Nevin, and Joey Toboni for their ongoing support of this celebration.


Small Business Outreach


We love small businesses in District 2! My team visited and spoke with merchants in the Marina and Cow Hollow neighborhoods to share important information regarding city resources and support. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and I’m committed to doing all I can to help them thrive. If you are a small business in need of help, see our list of resources
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here .


Women’s History Month

As Women's History Month came to a close, I was thrilled to reflect on the incredible achievements of women in our community. I had the privilege of celebrating the Inspiring Women of San Francisco at the San Francisco Examiner and Nob Hill Gazette luncheon. Congratulations to this year's outstanding honorees and a special thanks to Schuyler Hudak for the invite.


In addition to this celebration, I was honored to recognize Lesley Hu and Cody Dougherty from Pierce’s Pledge for their dedication to protecting children in contentious custody negotiations. Their work against gun violence is truly inspiring and serves as a call to action. You can learn more about how to support their cause at piercespledge.org.


Furthermore, I was proud to continue celebrating Women’s History Month with the San Francisco Police Department by honoring the bravery and achievements of women in law enforcement. A heartfelt salute to Capt. Amy Hurwitz and Lt. Tracy McCray for their steadfast leadership and service to our community.

Love Our Neighborhoods Celebration


I was thrilled to join neighbors for a celebration of the “Love Our Neighborhoods” ordinance. Susan and Joe Meyers have managed their own little library for over 25 years. After hearing that the couple would have to pay an exorbitant fee to continue running their little library, my office jumped to action. I’m proud to have championed this effort to drastically reduce and eliminate permitting fees for projects like little free libraries, benches, tiled staircases, and more. This is just one way San Francisco continues to prioritize our public spaces and enrich our communities.


Dominica Donovan, Chief of Staff


Dominica joined my team in March of 2021 as a legislative aide and later became Chief of Staff in October of 2022. Her career in public service began when she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tonga, followed by roles in the federal government in Washington, DC. Dominica moved to San Francisco in December of 2018 to work for the San Francisco Small Business Commission. She is an avid open-water swimmer with the South End Rowing Club and lover of the ocean and the outdoors. You’ll likely see her walking in one of District 2’s gorgeous parks with her rescue pup, Tui.


Lorenzo Rosas, Legislative Aide


Lorenzo Rosas is a legislative aide focused on housing, land use, transportation, and small business policy issues. Prior to joining my office, Lorenzo worked in several electoral campaigns as well as in Senator Scott Wiener’s district office, assisting the State Senator with constituent and community work. Lorenzo lives in the Marina district and spends his time hiking with his dog, playing rugby throughout northern California, watching sports, avidly attending baseball games at Oracle Park, and frequenting the many great parks across the city.


Sam Logan, Legislative Aide


Sam Logan joined my office in November of 2022 after having worked for Congresswoman Jackie Speier. At the federal level she covered State Department casework for San Mateo County and was a field representative for San Francisco, Burlingame, and Hillsborough. Now in City Hall, she covers homelessness, addiction, education, LGBTQIA+, and women’s issues. She has lived in the Bay Area for six years now and her favorite District 2 spots include Dumpling Story, Equator Coffee, Little Shucker, and Presidio Theatre.


Mick Del Rosario, Legislative Aide


Mick Del Rosario is a Cathedral Hill resident, born and raised in San Francisco. Before joining my office, he was the Program Manager at San Francisco Hep B Free - Bay Area, a non-profit dedicated to combating hepatitis B and liver cancer through education and community testing. Mick’s portfolio includes constituent services, community engagement, small business assistance, and managing our intern program. In his spare time, Mick immerses himself in the vibrant local scene, from attending bustling community events and savoring the culinary delights of neighborhood restaurants, to singing at lively karaoke spots.




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Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival

April 13-14 & 20-21


This year marks the 57th year of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. Whether it’s viewing the beautiful cultural performances, savoring the delectable food options, or cheering during the April 21st Grand Parade, there is a place for everyone at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival.



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Little Folkies Spring Session 2024 at Sprout


Fridays until June 14th


Little Folkies is a multi-award-winning family folk music class for parents and kids ages 0-5! The Little Folkies music classes are pure fun and enjoyable for both kids and parents. Our talented teachers engage kids and adults with finger play, hand movement, singing, dancing, and instrument jamming. Every child is musical; in fact, we are all music at the core. Here at Little Folkies, we encourage everyone to sing with the voice they have. You do not need to be a trained musician to make good music. All you need is your voice, hands, and feet, rhythm, and some good songs to sing. Your child will love listening to you sing the melodies, tap the beat, and do the movements; and soon enough, they'll be singing and moving along themselves!


Refuse Refuse SF - Neighborhood Cleanups


Wednesday, April 17th, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Join Refuse Refuse SF for a cleanup of the Laurel Heights neighborhood! Meet on the sidewalk in front of Trader Joe's (3 Masonic Ave). Sign up
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here or email [email protected] with the event name.


Jackson Street Block Party


Saturday, April 13th, 12:00 PM 4:00 PM


Join in the fun on Jackson Street (between Divisadero & Broderick) for a neighborhood gathering. All are welcome, including dogs. Dog costumes are encouraged! Bring a treat to share for our first annual bake-off and vote for your favorite dessert. Enjoy a food truck, bounce house, lawn games, and more. Bring your own beverage!


2024 “Opening Day On The Bay” Boat Parade & “Blessing of the Fleet”


Sunday, April 28th


The annual Opening Day on the Bay typically shows off over 100 historic workboats, fireboats, towboats, and classic and contemporary craft. This marks the official start of the San Francisco boating season. Dating back to 1917 and organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, the parade runs just north of Anita Rock off the shore of Crissy Field in the Presidio, and follows along the city front to the first Fort Mason building east of the Marina Green. The parade starts at noon and the event is free and open to the public.
Union Street Festival 2024


Saturday, June 1st & Sunday, June 2nd





The long-standing Union Street Festival is back and will feature artisan food and drinks from local businesses, top local musicians, and craft vendors. Join us to kick off summer in San Francisco by gathering for the festivities!




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Airport commission approves resolution to name SFO terminal in honor of Feinstein


NBC Bay Area | January 16, 2024

“On Tuesday, the San Francisco Airport Commission voted unanimously in favor of naming its international terminal in honor of U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died in September.[...] Other speakers at Tuesday's meeting included San Francisco Supervisor Catherine Stefani, Feinstein's granddaughter Eileen Feinstein Mariano and former San Francisco Supervisor Jim Gonzalez, who served as Feinstein's assistant while she was mayor.”



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Supervisors strike down challenge to Pacific Heights library redevelopment

San Francisco Standard | February 7, 2024

“Supervisors on Tuesday struck down a challenge to the redevelopment of a former medical library in the ritzy Pacific Heights neighborhood, a decision that could have major consequences for housing construction in the city for years to come.[...] Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who represents the area where the project is located, agreed with the Planning Department’s assessment on Tuesday, saying that allowing the challenge to go forward could “effectively prohibit streamlining altogether.”



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New bill calls for a closer eye on SF nonprofits

San Francisco Examiner | March 6, 2024

“San Francisco pours more than $1 billion into nonprofits every year, and a new city law aims to ensure that money is well spent.The Board of Supervisors approved a bill on Tuesday that directs the Controller’s Office to establish “measurable performance goals” for The City’s contracts with nonprofits and annually review whether city departments are meeting their auditing responsibilities. The legislation, sponsored by Supervisor Catherine Stefani, comes as a persistent wave of scandals has rocked city-funded nonprofits like SF Safe, the decades-old public safety nonprofit with close ties to the San Francisco Police Department that allegedly misspent more than $80,000 of city money.”



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S.F. nonprofit scandals: New legislation promises tougher oversight amid $1.7 billion in contracts


San Francisco Chronicle | March 12, 2024

“A 2022 city report found problems with the city’s network of nonprofit contractors, arguing that it’s “difficult to measure the overall impact of the programs and services provided because performance measurement and program monitoring vary among city departments and most data is not shared.”[...] Supervisor Catherine Stefani said her bill, which passed Tuesday, creates standardized performance metrics set up by the city’s controller and requires that nonprofits be subject to monitoring of their “operations, activities and effectiveness of services rendered.”












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WEBSITE
Office of Supervisor Catherine Stefani

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 273, San Francisco, CA 94102

Phone: (415) 554-7752 Fax: (415) 554-7843





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