OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Francisco Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - May 19, 2026

Board of Supervisors — Tuesday, May 19, 2026
BodySan Francisco, California
SessionBoard of Supervisors
DateTuesday, May 19, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:25:27
Transcript — Verbatim
0:09

Good afternoon.

0:10

Welcome to the May 19th, 2026 regular meeting of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

0:15

Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:18

Thank you, Mr.

0:18

President.

0:19

Supervisor Chan.

0:21

Chan present, Supervisor Chen.

0:24

Chen present, Supervisor Dorsey.

0:26

Dorsey present, Supervisor Fielder, Fielder not present, Supervisor Mahmud, Mahmoud present, Supervisor Mandelman.

0:35

Present.

0:35

Mandelman present, Supervisor Melgar.

0:38

Melgar present, Supervisor Sauter.

0:41

Sauter present, Supervisor Cheryl, Cheryl present, Supervisor Walton, Walton present, and Supervisor Wong.

0:50

Wong present.

0:51

Mr.

0:51

President, you have a quorum.

0:53

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

0:54

San Francisco Board of Supervisors acknowledges that we are on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramatusha Loney, who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula.

1:03

As the indigenous stewards of this land and in accordance with their traditions, the Ramatushaloni have never ceded, lost, nor forgotten their responsibilities as the caretakers of this place, as well as for all peoples who reside in their traditional territory.

1:16

As guests, we recognize that we benefit from living and working on their traditional homeland.

1:21

We wish to pay our respects by acknowledging the ancestors, elders, and relatives of the Ramatushalone community and by affirming their sovereign rights as first peoples.

1:29

Colleagues, will you join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance?

1:34

I pledge allegiance to fly the United States of America.

1:52

On behalf of the board, I want to acknowledge the staff at SFG Gov TV today.

1:58

That is particularly Suzinos.

2:01

They record each of our meetings and make the transcripts available to the public online.

2:05

Madam Clerk, do you have any communications?

2:08

Yes, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors welcomes your attendance in person here in the board's legislative chamber.

2:14

And when you're not able to be here, the proceedings are airing live on SFGOV TV's Channel 26, or you can view the live stream at SFGOVTV.org.

2:27

If you'd like to submit public comment in writing, you can send an email to BOS at sfgov.org or use the postal service, just address the envelope to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the number one, Dr.

2:40

Carlton B.

2:41

Goodlitt Place, City Hall, Room 244, San Francisco, California, 94102.

2:49

If you need to make a reasonable accommodation for a future meeting under the Americans with Disability Act, or to request language assistance, contact the clerk's office at least two business days in advance by calling.

3:19

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

3:20

Can I have a motion to excuse Supervisor Fielder from today's meeting?

3:24

Moved by Chen, seconded by Walton.

3:28

Colleagues, I think we can take that without objection, without objection.

3:30

Supervisor Fielder is excused.

3:33

Madam Clerk, let's go to our approval of meeting minutes.

3:36

Yes, approval of the April 14th, 2026 board meeting minutes.

3:44

Can I have a motion to approve the minutes as presented?

3:47

Moved by Chen, seconded by Dorsey.

3:51

Madam Clerk, will you please call uh the roll?

3:55

On the minutes as presented, Supervisor Chan.

4:00

Chan I, Supervisor Chen, Chen I, Supervisor Dorsey.

4:05

Dorsey, I, Supervisor Mahmoud, Mahmoud I, Supervisor Mandelman, I.

4:10

Mandelman, I, Supervisor Melgar, Melgar I, Supervisor Sauter.

4:16

Sauter, I, Supervisor Cheryl.

4:19

Cheryl I, Supervisor Walton, Walton, I, and Supervisor Wong.

4:24

Wong I.

4:25

There are 10 ayes.

4:26

Without objection, the minutes will be approved after public comment as presented.

4:31

Madam Clerk, let's go to unfinished business.

4:33

Please call item one.

4:34

Item one, this is an ordinance to appropriate approximately 1.2 million of ambulance billings and approximately 426,000 of fire overtime service fees revenues in the fire department to deappropriate permanent salaries of 500,000 in the Department of Emergency Management.

4:54

Permanent salaries of approximately six million and a dependent coverage of approximately 990,000 in the fire department, and permanent salaries of 1.25 million in the public utilities commission and to appropriate 500,000 to overtime in the Department of Emergency Management, approximately 8.7 million to overtime in the fire department, and 1.25 million in overtime in the public utilities commission.

5:22

To support the department's projected increases in overtime, this ordinance requires a two-thirds vote of all members of the board for approval of the fire department's appropriation of approximately 8 million.

5:34

Please call the roll.

5:36

On item one, Supervisor Chan.

5:40

Chan I, Supervisor Chen, Chen I, Supervisor Dorsey, Dorsey I, Supervisor Mahmoud, Mahmoud I, Supervisor Mandelman.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement██████████████████████22%
Public Comment█████████████13%
Procedural████████████12%
Miscellaneous███████████11%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████11%
Public Health█████████9%
Affordable Housing█████5%
Budget and Finance███3%
Early Childhood Education███3%
Summary of Proceedings

San Francisco Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - May 19, 2026

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on May 19, 2026, starting at approximately 10:15 AM. The meeting included roll call (10 supervisors present, Supervisor Fielder excused), approval of minutes, and consideration of multiple legislative items, resolutions, and commendations. The board also held a public hearing on code enforcement liens and introduced new business, including charter amendments, policy reforms, and resolutions.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes: April 14, 2026 minutes approved 10-0.
  • Item 1: Ordinance appropriating approximately $1.2 million in ambulance billings and $426,000 in fire overtime fees, and reappropriating funds across fire, emergency management, and public utilities commission. Passed 10-0 (requires 2/3 vote for fire department appropriation).
  • Item 2: Ordinance deappropriating $2.5 million from open space acquisition and appropriating to recreation and park department for a loan to San Francisco Zoological Society. Passed unanimously.
  • Item 3: Ordinance amending multiple codes regarding various boards, commissions, and advisory bodies. Passed 6-4 (Supervisors Chan, Chen, Melgar, Walton voted no).
  • Item 4: Ordinance creating the downtown hospitality zone. Passed 10-0.
  • Items 5-6: Resolutions designating official newspapers for FY 2026-27. Adopted unanimously.
  • Item 7: Resolution authorizing up to $8.5 million loan to San Francisco Zoological Society. Adopted unanimously.
  • Item 8: Resolution for Hunters Point Shipyard parks and open space funding. Adopted unanimously.
  • Item 9: Resolution approving airport lease with Aresetta Co. Limited through June 2033. Adopted unanimously.
  • Item 10: Resolution waiving behested payments ordinance for mayor and other officials to solicit donations for economic revitalization. Passed 9-1 (Supervisor Chan voted no).
  • Item 11: Resolution approving road maintenance project list for FY 2026-27. Passed 10-0.
  • Item 12: Resolution to renew and expand the downtown community benefit district. Adopted unanimously.
  • Item 13: Ordinance establishing San Francisco hate crime reward funds (first reading). Passed unanimously. Supervisor Dorsey noted victims of a San Diego mosque attack and emphasized support for vulnerable communities.
  • Item 14: Motion approving reappointment of Jeanette Howard to Treasure Island Development Authority Board. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Code Enforcement Liens (Items 15-16): Several property owners and representatives spoke about unresolved violations, alleged due process violations, and requested waivers or reductions of assessments. Speakers included Mahlon Emberton (201 Ashton Ave), Noel Carrasco (336-338 Parnassus Ave), Darren Winky (on behalf of mother, 2920 24th Ave), Gene Catania (883 Sutter St), Dimitri Gopolis (1700 Lombard St), Louis Fawn (930 Brussels St), Abdul Mahdar (26-28 6th St), Frederick Cardinus (1949 Sunny Dale Ave, 1250 Buchanan St), Willie Sanchez (426 Edinburgh St), Owen Smith (970 Key Ave), Kwang Li (229 Lee Ave), and Arman Pantalion (525 O’Farrell St). Many cited medical issues, contractor problems, or procedural delays. After public comment, staff removed several properties from the assessment report and the amended resolution was adopted 10-0.
  • General Public Comment: Multiple speakers addressed various topics:
    • Auxiliary Water Supply System (AWSS): Deborah Murphy (Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods), Heather Davies, and Eileen Boken urged expansion of the high-pressure firefighting system to western and southern neighborhoods, criticizing the PUC for spending $1.44 billion without installing any AWSS hydrants. They referenced past bonds and promises.
    • HIV Long-Term Survivors Resolution (Item 19): Several speakers, including John Allen, Vince Crisostomo, Matt Foreman, Justice Doomla, Joel Olgren, Trey Turner, Paul Aguilar, Jerry Cuffey, and Michael Rupey, supported the resolution but expressed frustration over proposed budget cuts to HIV prevention and harm reduction services. They noted that 75% of people living with HIV in San Francisco are over 50 and urged the board to honor the 2022 San Francisco Principles.
    • Booker T. Washington/Ella Hill Hutch Community Center: Numerous speakers (including Lakeisha Howard, Jada Kyrie, Kenneth Kerrigan, Marva Austin, Brett Martinez, Jeannie Hagler, Elaine Samuels, Tori Sprague, Shawnee Wyatt, Ryan Babbitt, Marvellus Lucas, Kat Swire, and others) urged the board to support the 13-month lease for Booker T. to stabilize the center. They cited the need for summer youth programs, senior services, and community stability. Reverend Amos Brown criticized backroom dealings and called for co-leadership and transparency. Erica Scott and Mikail Watkins also raised concerns about the process.
    • Other Comments: Jessica Pessico spoke on bus routes, public restrooms, and health care access. Gladys Wong spoke about racism and her personal experiences. Jonathan Froshwick and others addressed HIV-related budget concerns. Matt Foreman noted the number of long-term survivors will double over the next 10 years.

Discussion Items (New Business Introductions)

  • Supervisor Chan: Introduced two in memoriams: Kenneth Leong (96, Chinatown music store owner) and Gerald Warren Johnson (101, civil rights advocate, co-founder of Small Business Exchange newspapers).
  • Supervisor Chen: Introduced a charter amendment to create a municipal finance corporation and public bank, modeled on the Bank of North Dakota. Also introduced a resolution declaring August 28, 2026 as June Jordan School for Equity Day, and a hearing request on a $4.7 million contract awarded without competitive bidding by the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.
  • Supervisor Sauter: Recognized Chinatown TRIP (Transportation Research and Improvement Project) for 50 years of advocacy. Also recognized National Emergency Medical Services Week and the San Francisco Fire Department.
  • Supervisor Dorsey: Recognized outgoing Irish Consul General Micheal Smith for his service, and Sister Marguerite Bartling of Good Shepherd Grace Center for her work in addiction recovery.
  • Supervisor Mahmoud: Recognized Stephen Nakajo (co-founder of Kimochi, longtime Fire Commissioner) during AAPI Heritage Month. Later introduced legislation to expand the Fair Chance Ordinance to prohibit discrimination based on out-of-state convictions for reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, drag performance, or gender expression. Also introduced the SHADE Act (Slashing Housing Appeals and Delays Everywhere Act) to align local CEQA procedures with state law, including removing shadow impacts from environmental review.
  • Supervisor Mandelman: Added as co-sponsor to Jack Davis in memoriam. Introduced a charter amendment with approximately 110 technical and practical reforms, including updates to Muni service standards and elimination/relocation of certain commissions. Also introduced an in memoriam for Rita Semmel (104, interfaith leader).
  • Supervisor Melgar: Introduced a charter amendment to extend and renew the Housing Trust Fund, gradually increasing to $125 million annually, with new uses for limited equity co-ops and social housing. Also introduced a resolution commemorating the San Francisco Youth Commission's 30th anniversary.
  • Supervisor Cheryl: Recognized Jacques Grillow (49 years at Lone Mountain Children's Center) and the Wong family (La Soleil restaurant, celebrating 33 years). Also introduced legislation to reduce construction costs on corner lots under the family zoning plan.
  • Supervisor Walton: Recognized Augustino Felice for his work with the Samoan Community Development Center. Also introduced an in memoriam for Magnus Mark Marshall (72, juvenile probation officer).
  • Supervisor Wong: Recognized Noelle Ourio (Executive Director of Excelsior Works) and the Excelsior Works center. Also introduced ordinances to enforce the fireworks ban (with escalating fines) and to repeal three obsolete code provisions (bread transport, rag sterilization, circulating library law).

Key Outcomes

  • Approved: All consent calendar items, minutes, and resolutions as noted, mostly with 10-0 votes except Item 3 (6-4) and Item 10 (9-1).
  • Code Enforcement Liens: After public hearing and removal of 21 properties from the assessment list, the amended resolution (Item 16) was adopted 10-0.
  • Adoption Without Committee Reference: Items 19-24 (resolutions on various topics) were adopted unanimously. Item 19 (HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day) was adopted unanimously after Supervisor Chan spoke. Item 25 (National Nurses Month/Week) was adopted unanimously.
  • New Legislation Introduced: Multiple charter amendments, ordinances, and resolutions will now go through committee process. Key items include the public bank charter amendment (Chen), Fair Chance expansion (Mahmoud), SHADE Act (Mahmoud), Charter reform (Mandelman), Housing Trust Fund renewal (Melgar), fireworks enforcement (Wong), and obsolete law repeals (Wong).
  • In Memoriams: The meeting was adjourned in memory of Kenneth Leong, Gerald W. Johnson, Jack Davis, Rita Semmel, and Magnus Mark Marshall.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon. Welcome to the May 19th, 2026 regular meeting of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll? Thank you, Mr. President. Supervisor Chan. Chan present, Supervisor Chen. Chen present, Supervisor Dorsey. Dorsey present, Supervisor Fielder, Fielder not present, Supervisor Mahmud, Mahmoud present, Supervisor Mandelman. Present. Mandelman present, Supervisor Melgar. Melgar present, Supervisor Sauter. Sauter present, Supervisor Cheryl, Cheryl present, Supervisor Walton, Walton present, and Supervisor Wong. Wong present. Mr. President, you have a quorum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. San Francisco Board of Supervisors acknowledges that we are on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramatusha Loney, who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. As the indigenous stewards of this land and in accordance with their traditions, the Ramatushaloni have never ceded, lost, nor forgotten their responsibilities as the caretakers of this place, as well as for all peoples who reside in their traditional territory. As guests, we recognize that we benefit from living and working on their traditional homeland. We wish to pay our respects by acknowledging the ancestors, elders, and relatives of the Ramatushalone community and by affirming their sovereign rights as first peoples. Colleagues, will you join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to fly the United States of America. On behalf of the board, I want to acknowledge the staff at SFG Gov TV today. That is particularly Suzinos. They record each of our meetings and make the transcripts available to the public online. Madam Clerk, do you have any communications? Yes, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors welcomes your attendance in person here in the board's legislative chamber. And when you're not able to be here, the proceedings are airing live on SFGOV TV's Channel 26, or you can view the live stream at SFGOVTV.org. If you'd like to submit public comment in writing, you can send an email to BOS at sfgov.org or use the postal service, just address the envelope to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the number one, Dr. Carlton B. Goodlitt Place, City Hall, Room 244, San Francisco, California, 94102. If you need to make a reasonable accommodation for a future meeting under the Americans with Disability Act, or to request language assistance, contact the clerk's office at least two business days in advance by calling. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Can I have a motion to excuse Supervisor Fielder from today's meeting? Moved by Chen, seconded by Walton. Colleagues, I think we can take that without objection, without objection. Supervisor Fielder is excused. Madam Clerk, let's go to our approval of meeting minutes. Yes, approval of the April 14th, 2026 board meeting minutes. Can I have a motion to approve the minutes as presented? Moved by Chen, seconded by Dorsey. Madam Clerk, will you please call uh the roll? On the minutes as presented, Supervisor Chan. Chan I, Supervisor Chen, Chen I, Supervisor Dorsey. Dorsey, I, Supervisor Mahmoud, Mahmoud I, Supervisor Mandelman, I. Mandelman, I, Supervisor Melgar, Melgar I, Supervisor Sauter. Sauter, I, Supervisor Cheryl. Cheryl I, Supervisor Walton, Walton, I, and Supervisor Wong. Wong I.

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