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MESSAGE FROM SUPERVISOR STEPHEN SHERRILL
Dear neighbors,
We’ve reached the halfway point of the year — and there’s no question: San Francisco is on the rise.
- Tourism is up (1.2% YoY and expected to close in on 2019 numbers next year) and hotel occupancy is rebounding at similar rates
- Conference attendance was up 52.5% in Q1 2025 vs. 2024. Fort Mason’s conference schedule is 100% booked (let’s go D2!)
- Commercial vacancy rates continue to fall - and 2025 is on pace to be the highest leasing year since 2019
- Crime across the City is at its lowest point in 23 years - the Richmond district is down 47% YoY, and Northern is down 34% - and car break-ins are at a 22-year lowBut we still face real and persistent challenges — from store break-ins along our merchant corridors, to individuals in visible crisis on our streets, to sidewalks that go years without repairs, to scooters that endanger seniors and children on our sidewalks.
This month’s newsletter will start with a review of the year so far, a preview of some things to come, an update on the City’s budget, and a look at two situations that are on many people’s minds (Mayor Lurie’s “Family Zoning” plan and the new facility planned for the Marina Inn).
🌟 🌟 🌟 If you do one thing in this newsletter, help us answer this question:
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What do you want for your neighborhood in 2025?
🧭 Our Approach: How Do We Make It Easier to Be in San Francisco?
Since taking office, my office has focused on a simple but urgent question: how do we make it easier to be in San Francisco?
How do we make it easier for families to start here, grow here, and stay here? How do we make it easier for businesses to start here, grow here, and stay here - not just in District 2, but across the entire city?
The role of a supervisor could be broken down into two jobs. One is to help ensure that the future of San Francisco is as vibrant and successful as we all believe it can be. And at the same time, to tackle the everyday problems that have too often been ignored. Tree roots breaking sidewalks. Unsafe intersections. The situation on our streets.
Balancing those dual priorities - between addressing the immediate quality-of-life challenges we face today and planning for the future — is in many ways the most challenging thing we have to do.
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How do we close an $800 million budget gap without undercutting the services we need for economic recovery?
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How do we solve our housing crisis without negatively impacting the beauty of our neighborhoods?
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How do we boost pedestrian and traffic safety without placing unnecessary burdens on everyday drivers?
I believe that we can accomplish both the short- and long-term goals. But we can’t afford to delay.
Every day, I’m inspired to come to work because of you — my neighbors, friends, and fellow San Franciscans. We all know this city deserves better. And I believe that together, we can get there.
🔑 My Priorities From Day One
Since taking office in January, I’ve focused relentlessly on three things:
1. Public safety - safe streets and clean streets are the foundation for everything else
2. Thriving small businesses - with a focus on our neighborhood merchant corridors and economic recovery across the city
3. Constituent services - we need to meet you, hear you, and deliver for you
If you’ve seen me at the Coffee Roastery or Peet’s, knocking on your door, at a community meeting, or at our office hours — that’s no accident. I believe this job starts with showing up. If we haven’t met yet,
mailto:
[email protected]?subject=
reach out — I’d love to set up a community coffee or house party.
TL;DR: What We’ve Been Up To
Here’s the quick version, but read on for more details!
✅ Public safety: New foot patrols, cameras, and aggressive drug enforcement — plus efforts to address repeat offenders in our merchant corridors.
✅ Economic recovery: Cut red tape for small businesses, launched new entertainment zones, and extended the “First Year Free” program.
✅ Budget: Closed an $800M deficit while protecting police, fire, clean streets, and shelter — and began long-term work to fix our structural budget mess.
✅ Housing: Engaging with Mayor Lurie’s Family Zoning Plan to bring affordability, catalyze construction of already-approved pipeline projects, and enhance the beauty of our neighborhoods.
✅ Constituent services: Constant outreach, office hours, and neighborhood meetings — because government works better when it listens.
✅ New in the Marina: The Marina Inn will become sober recovery housing with strict rules, strong oversight, and community input baked in.
San Francisco is turning a corner — but we have real work ahead. Let’s keep pushing for a city that works for everyone.
🏛️ Legislative Action: Early focus on economic revitalization
We’ve taken aggressive steps to cut red tape, support small business, and jumpstart growth:
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Eliminated unnecessary permits blocking formula retail (chain stores) on Van Ness - and the first user is a new movie theater at 1000 Van Ness!
- Lifted signage restrictions on corner lots - businesses used to only be allowed to put signs on one side, not both. Wait, what? Yeah, crazy. Now they can hang signs on both sides.
- Extended the "First Year Free" program to waive fees for new small businesses.
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Co-sponsored permitting reform to streamline entertainment venue approvals.
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Introduced the
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Union Street Entertainment Zone , set to come online in the next couple months.👀 And more is coming:
- Entertainment zones throughout District 2 on Fillmore, Chestnut, Sacramento and more.
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Streamlined permitting for “Vacant to Vibrant” pop-ups.
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Expansion of childcare availability.
- And a whole new wave of permitting reforms across the spectrum.
👮‍♀️ Public Safety: A new approach focused on results
While crime stats overall are at all-time lows, we still face three persistent challenges - the fentanyl crisis, break-ins, and consistent instances of “we all know this is wrong so why isn’t anyone doing anything about it.”
Earlier this year, we…
- Co-sponsored the Fentanyl State of Emergency.
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Championed a
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multi-agency enforcement operation at Jefferson Square Park resulting in 84 arrests.
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Voted to appoint 3 new
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pro-safety Police Commissioners.
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Created a priority list of
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the 13 highest-need individuals impacting our merchant corridors for the Department of Emergency Management to address with street outreach teams and resources.
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Worked with SFPD to direct targeted enforcement in the Marina against electric scooters etc. dangerously driven on sidewalks.👀 And very soon, you’re going to be seeing more:
- New SFPD foot patrols and ambassadors start in the Marina this month.
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Secured new funding for Automated License Plate Readers and public safety cameras.
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Hearings on ensuring that open drug use near parks and schools are considered life safety events, the implementation of Prop 36, and how SFPD is addressing its staffing crisis.
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Also, look out for some exciting news around new resources to remove firearms from at-risk homes. Yes, I’m being a bit coy here, but this represents real progress driven by incredible advocates.San Franciscans deserve safety, not excuses. And it’s high-time we left the “oh, well, you know” attitude behind.
💰 Budget Update: Closing the Gap…But Challenges Remain
Last week, the Board and Mayor reached a deal to close a $800 million shortfall.
Why I’m Voting YES:
This budget deal addresses my top two priorities…
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Safe streets and clean streets
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Support our economic recovery…by delivering:
- Full staffing for police, firefighters, sheriffs, and the district attorney.
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Support for the DA’s fentanyl enforcement efforts.
- Funding for clean streets, including power washing, new trash cans, and more frequent DPW cleanings.
- Support for street outreach, shelter beds, abstinence-based drug treatment, and neighborhood-based care.
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Re-authorization of First Year Free to waive permit and license fees for new small businesses.
- Tech investments, including expanding ASTRID, our coordinated outreach data system that I helped build while leading innovation at City Hall.What We Need to See Next:
Despite closing the $800 million two-year deficit (this upcoming year and the next combined), we have a projected ONE-year deficit in 2030 of $1.35 billion! This budget deal only addresses one-third of that long-term structural problem.
We have already begun working with the Mayor to understand what cuts they are considering for next year - and what midyear cuts or spending freezes they are considering today. We need to act fast to avoid massive layoffs (vs. planned attrition) and service cuts down the line.
We have some immediate action points:
- Consolidate duplicative services (e.g., real estate footprint —
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read more )
- Merge overlapping departments (next year’s budget consolidates the Arts Commission, Film Commission, and Grants for the Arts)
- Eliminate outdated reporting requirements (City Attorney Chiu used AI to flag 140 obsolete reports —
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read more )However, this isn’t a one-year or even two-year process. We must be thinking long-term.
One of the best ways to deliver the better services that San Franciscans demand is by investing in our technology infrastructure.
A powerful example in this budget is Mayor Lurie’s investment in the ASTRID database - a project I led as San Francisco’s Innovation Director. ASTRID is the City’s first unified street outreach database, consolidating data from emergency response, public health teams, and homeless outreach workers.
It now provides the data foundation for Mayor Lurie’s new neighborhood-based outreach model, helping street teams:
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Prioritize where and who they respond to
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Tailor their approach to each client (e.g., if someone has a history of overdoses, alert their health clinician before putting them in a generalized shelter)
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Avoid duplicative and uncoordinated effortsThis is the kind of investment that drives real results. ASTRID helps us deploy services more effectively, and we need more projects like it to ensure San Francisco delivers the high-quality, compassionate, and efficient services our residents expect.
🏘️ Update on the “Family Zoning Plan”
Last month, the Mayor and the Planning Department released the last draft of the state-mandated “Family Zoning Plan.” Some are excited about this and some are concerned.
Over the last several years, many have felt that “policy” is something that is being done to us, not done for us.
Over the past several months, my office has prioritized reaching out to as many District 2 community groups and voices as possible. The June draft map had more changes in D2 (from the April map) than the rest of the City combined - but I know that many did not see their wishes met.
Now that the draft legislation for the Zoning Plan has been submitted to the Board of Supervisors, we will spend the next 2-3 months amending the plan to ensure that it best meets the needs of residents, while meeting state requirements.
As the plan evolves, I’ll be focused on three core priorities:
1. Amplify Affordability
San Francisco is facing a dual demographic crisis: we are losing both 25–35 year-olds and middle-income families - and that trend is not sustainable if we want this city to thrive.
Solving it means addressing all four legs of the affordability stool: housing, child care, transportation, and public education.
On the housing front, we need to work to lower construction costs (by reforming the permitting and fee processes), protect existing units (especially rent-controlled units), and create incentives for affordable units and multi-bedroom units for families.
2. Prioritize the Pipeline
We already have thousands of entitled units in areas like Downtown, SOMA, Candlestick, and Potrero Power Station. We need housing in those areas, and they must be a priority. My focus will be on reforming the permitting and fee hurdles that have blocked these already-approved projects. They aren’t a panacea, but they’re a necessary start.
3. Respect the Past while Building the Future
Ensuring that future housing complements our beautiful neighborhoods means that we need strong design guidelines, protections for historical properties, and consideration of our small businesses. For instance, can we mimic the Cow Hollow design guidelines with similar ones for the Marina and for the Lombard corridor? I think that we can. And this summer, we’ll be convening architects on just this topic.
The Family Zoning Plan as currently introduced will go through some changes before the Board votes on it this Fall - please don’t hesitate to reach out with comments, questions, and ideas.
🏨 Update: New Facility at the Marina Inn
There’s been a lot of discussion lately about plans for the Marina Inn on Lombard and Octavia - so I want to share the facts directly with you.
The site is set to become a recovery housing facility operated by the Salvation Army, and it’s important to be clear: this is NOT a drug rehab facility. It’s sober-only housing for people who have already completed abstinence-based treatment.
Even more importantly, this is not a typical city-funded program. The Salvation Army isn’t your typical unaccountable non-profit - like some who operated the COVID-era shelters on Lombard.
This one actually has strict rules: residents undergo regular and random drug testing (and anyone who relapses is immediately transported to a different facility in a different neighborhood), no visitors, curfews, and 24/7 onsite staff; and a required daily schedule that includes work requirements and participation in continued recovery programs.
This approach is new to San Francisco, and we’ve only been funding it for a few years. (In fact, it’s still not eligible for state or federal funding.) But the results are outstanding — nearly six times the statewide success rate.
The facility is currently under renovation, and residents will begin moving in in late August or September. The Salvation Army has already stepped up to the plate with their commitment to be a good neighbor - just last week they purchased a power washing machine that they will use to clean the block for them and their neighbors. Residents will also be participating in neighborhood cleanups.
But I still think we need to take neighborhood concerns seriously - this didn’t happen during COVID when the Lombard motels were turned into temporary shelters (and that’s not what the Marina Inn is going to be, to be clear).
We’ve created a Marina Inn Community Council, which includes:
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Local residents and neighborhood associations
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The Department of Public Health
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The Salvation ArmyThis group will meet regularly to ensure transparency, accountability, and a direct line of communication.
We’ve also already secured foot patrol commitments from SFPD for the area around Lombard and Octavia, as well as additional Community Ambassadors (retired officers) for the broader neighborhood.
I’m so proud and humbled to represent District 2 here in the greatest city in the world. There is no better place to raise a family than San Francisco. But we need to make it easier, and I think we can.
I’ll keep showing up, fighting for common sense solutions, and staying laser-focused on the basics: safe streets, clean streets, and a city that works for everyone.
With appreciation,
Stephen Sherrill
District 2 Supervisor
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE OFFICE:
Email:
[email protected]
Phone: 415-554-7752
Instagram: @stephensherrill
X: @scsherrill
Priority A Calls Resolution
I introduced a resolution to ensure that all 911 calls reporting drug activity within 1,500 feet of parks, playgrounds, and schools are treated as top priority emergencies. This resolution urges SFPD and the Department of Emergency Management to classify these calls as “Priority A,” the highest level of emergency response, and to act swiftly to protect the public, particularly children and families. A child’s safety should never be put on hold. If we are serious about protecting children, we need to respond with urgency when their safety is at risk.
Downtown Permitting
This month, I partnered with Mayor Lurie and fellow Supervisors to introduce several permitting reforms that widen business flexibility and streamline street activations. Our downtown is struggling, and City Hall must pursue all ways we can be a partner, not an obstacle, to our economic recovery. These ordinances will critically inject new life into our longstanding vacancies and boost our commercial corridors. I look forward to these key reforms passing and will continue to work with the Mayor and our downtown stakeholders to invest in our economy.
RV Legislation with the Mayor
Our homelessness crisis demands urgent and changing solutions. I joined Mayor Lurie as an initial co-sponsor of his legislation to tackle our city’s RV homelessness, which will implement 24/7 enforcement of RV parking, establish a vehicle buyback program, and expand rapid rehousing for individuals living in these vehicles. No family should be raised in a car, and no neighborhood should be afraid for safety due to RV parking. I will continue working with Mayor Lurie to deliver safe and clean streets that prioritizes coordinated housing and services.
Supporting Small Businesses Use Size
I joined Supervisor Melgar to put forward legislation that eliminates unnecessary processes for downsizing commercial spaces, making them more likely to be filled by local small businesses. Currently, a property owner needs to undergo a multi-month-long permitting process if they want to partition a large, often vacant, retail space into two or more storefronts. Some of these larger spaces have remained vacant for years. For these notoriously difficult-to-fill storefronts, it is imperative that we encourage any way to add new local small businesses who serve as the backbone of our diverse and vibrant business community.
Parks Alliance Hearing
Earlier this month, I participated in a hearing at the Government Audit & Oversight committee, during which we dug deeper into the Parks Alliance’s misuse of funds. Let me be clear: I am outraged at this financial abuse. Our dedicated neighbors worked diligently to fundraise for our park system, and the Parks Alliance’s betrayed us all. I will continue to monitor developments with the Parks Alliance and remain committed to real solutions that will make the people who care daily for our parks whole again.
Harry Breaux Commendation
It was an honor to commend D2 resident Harry Breaux, a long-term AIDS survivor and advocate, for his contributions to our community. Through his work with the SF AIDS Foundation, SF Senior and Disability Action, and his leadership on the Pride flag mural at Jane Warner Plaza and the Disability and Aging Advisory Council, Harry has strengthened LGBTQ visibility and resilience. Thank you, Harry, for making our city a better place.
Robert Carlson Commendation
We honored Presidio Branch Library Manager Robert Carlson on his retirement after over 30 years with SF Public Library. His poetry series, leadership, and dedication to community enriched countless lives and left an impact in our city. Congratulations and thank you, Robert!
BAPS Charity Walkathon
I was honored to join community members, state representatives, and the San Francisco Fire Department at the BAPS 3K Walkathon. The walk raised awareness and funds to combat firefighter cancer, supporting the incredible work of the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation. Thank you BAPS for all they do for our communities here in San Francisco and around the world.
Chief Bill Scott Farewell
We honored Chief Bill Scott for his years of leadership and unwavering commitment to San Francisco. Chief Scott has led with integrity, earned the trust of so many, and kept public safety front and center when it mattered most. We wish him the very best in his next chapter, his impact on our city will be felt for years to come.
Gun Violence Awareness Day Rally
I joined survivors, advocates, and families on the steps of City Hall to mark National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Standing alongside Moms Demand Action, Brady, United Playaz, Pierce’s Pledge, and the SF Youth Commission, we honored lives lost and recommitted to ending gun violence. We must continue working to make San Francisco a city where everyone has real options to stay safe.
Pet Food Express Ribbon Cutting
I was thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Pet Food Express’s newest San Francisco location at 1188 Old Mason Street near Crissy Field in the Presidio. This beautiful new store hosted a wonderful community event featuring pet adoptions with local rescue organizations, giveaways, family-friendly activities, and education from the Presidio Trust Wildlife Team about coyote pupping season and B.A.R.K. Ranger programs. Congratulations to Pet Food Express on their continued commitment to supporting pets and their families across our community.
Breaking Ground at St. Vincent de Paul School
I joined the St. Vincent de Paul School community to break ground on their new Outdoor Elevated Sport Court, celebrating their centennial milestone. Congratulations to everyone who was involved!
Lafayette Tree Planting
I joined Friends of Lafayette Park to plant a new olive tree in memory of Bill Heap, one of their most dedicated volunteers. It was a meaningful morning honoring his life and commitment to our parks.
Open Door Legal Rally
I joined Open Door Legal at City Hall to stand up for legal services that keep people safe, housed, and supported. These programs are critical in moments of crisis, and our community is stronger when they’re protected.
United Playaz Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to United Playaz on their new building! For over 25 years, they’ve been a lifeline for SF youth, keeping kids in school, out of the system, and on a path to success. Grateful to Rudy and the UP family for their continued work.
Unity Gathering at City Hall
At the Unity Gathering, we stood together with interfaith leaders, immigrant advocates, elected officials, and neighbors to affirm San Francisco’s solidarity with our immigrant communities. We will always show up for our neighbors.
Juneteenth Celebrations
I was honored to march in this year’s Juneteenth Parade alongside the San Francisco Black Firefighters. The parade is a celebration of freedom and a reminder to keep pushing for equity, justice, and opportunity for all. Thank you to all our first responders for everything you do to keep our city safe.
Civic Joy Fund Marina Clean Up
Proud to join neighbors, volunteers, and the Civic Joy Fund for a Marina Clean Up to help keep our waterfront beautiful, accessible and safe for everyone. Thank you to the Civic Joy Fund and everyone who showed up to take care of our community and demonstrate what civic joy in action looks like.
750 Golden Gate & 850 Turk Groundbreaking
We broke ground at 750 Golden Gate Avenue and 850 Turk Street, transforming surplus state land into affordable homes for teachers, school staff, and essential workers. Thank you to MidPen Housing and partners for making this possible.
Visit to The Arc San Francisco
Thank you to The Arc SF for the opportunity to visit and learn more about your work empowering adults with developmental disabilities through education, job training, and community connection. Your work is vital to San Francisco.
Italfoods Specialty Food Show
I had the chance to attend the Italfoods Specialty Food Show at Fort Mason, featuring over 100 Italian food purveyors showcasing fine specialty products. This business-to-business event offered opportunities to taste incredible Italian foods and connect with local businesses bringing these products to our community. Thank you to Italfoods for supporting our city’s culinary scene and small business owners.
Pride Weekend
Happy Pride! I was proud to march alongside Mom’s Demand Action SF and celebrate with our special guests, Jason and Jim. Pride is a reminder that we must continue working every day to disarm hate and lead with love in our city.
San Francisco Amateur Astronomers Star Party- July 5, 8:45 PM - 11:45 PM
Free stargazing with San Francisco Amateur Astronomers at Presidio Tunnel Tops!
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2025 Fillmore Jazz Festival - July 5-6, 10 AM - 6 PM
From sunrise to sunset, the streets come alive with the rhythm of live music on multiple stages, captivating art, and the flavors of gourmet food and beverages. This year’s theme is: Lift Every Voice.
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Barbecue and Brews - July 11, 5 PM - 9 PM
Join the Presidio Golf Course for a chill day of mouthwatering BBQ and ice-cold brews at our Barbecue and Brews event!
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Parks4All: Brewfest - July 19, 12 PM - 4 PM
Hosted by the Golden Gate Conservatory, this lively outdoor beer festival brings together the best of Bay Area craft beer, local food trucks, and live music—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Presidio of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
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National Night Out - August 6, 4 PM - 7 PM
An annual community-building event promoting police-community partnerships. Enjoy demonstrations, giveaways, and learn more about fire prevention and child safety. Experience the US Park Police Horses up close.
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Fiesta en El Parque - August 10, 1 PM - 4 PM
A fun free family-friendly fiesta returning for a third year, featuring interactive Zumba and salsa experiences, Latin music with DJ Alex Merino, interactive art activities and more! Bring your own picnic or enjoy delicious food celebrating the Bay Area’s diverse cuisines available for purchase from pop up
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food and beverage vendors.
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District 2 Neighborhood Cleanups
- Sunday, July 6th & July 20th - 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM - 3154 Fillmore Street -
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Cow Hollow Triangle Cleanup
- Wednesday, July 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - 3 Masonic Avenue -
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Masonic Avenue Cleanup
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Thursday, July 10th - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - 3154 Fillmore Street -
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Marina Happy Hour Cleanup
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Saturday, July 12th, - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - 1800 Chestnut Street -
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Marina Cleanup
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Thursday, July 17th, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM - 610 Old Mason Street -
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Crissy Field Cleanup
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Thursday, July 17th - 3:30 - 5:00 PM - Union & Baker Street -
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Cow Hollow Cleanup
- Friday, July 25th - 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM - 2101 Fillmore Street -
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Fillmore Street Happy Hour Cleanup
- Sunday, July 27th - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - 1750 Divisadero Street -
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Lower Pacific Heights Cleanup
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WEBSITE
Office of Supervisor Stephen Sherrill
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 256, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-7752 Fax: (415) 554-7843
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