San Francisco Port Commission Meeting - July 14, 2020

The San Francisco Port Commission met virtually on July 14, 2020, to address a range of urgent issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent fires. Key actions included approving a consent item, authorizing a construction contract, and receiving informational presentations on proposed economic relief programs for local businesses, crab fishers, and port tenants. Commissioners also heard public testimony, honored retiring employees, and discussed the timeline for future decisions.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution No. 20-31: Unanimously approved a request to delegate vote renewal of the Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District to affected tenants, consistent with past practice.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pike Racino (business owner, Martin Sports Fishing) expressed full support for the Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District.
• Laura Schaefer (Deputy Director, Fisherman's Wharf CBD) spoke about challenges faced by the fishing vessel F/B Pioneer in finding a viable location for retail fish sales, acknowledging port staff's efforts.
• Tom Creedon (Scoma's Restaurant) thanked the port for flexibility allowing outdoor dining, which brought back over half of 140 laid-off workers.
• Frank Cristino (third-generation fisherman, tenant since 1908) expressed strong support for port staff and Scoma's, and urged continued assistance for the fishing industry.
• John Barnett (President, Crab Boat Owners Association) thanked the port for its help after the Pier 45 fire, noting that about 30 fishermen lost everything, and stressed the need for continued aid.
• James Bryant (CEO, JBR Partners) supported the proposed LBE hardship loan program, stating his company faced a 59.4% loss ratio and might not survive without assistance.
• Noelle Bonner (CEO, Bonner Communications) applauded the port's proactive LBE support program, noting the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on small businesses.
• Monica Wilson (micro LBE consultant) voiced strong support, saying the program “is absolutely another tool in the LBE toolbox.”
• Multiple crab fishers (John Meller, Nick Krieger, John Barnett, Eric Anklinson) testified about the devastating loss of gear in the Pier 45 Shed C fire and expressed urgent need for loan and grant programs.
• Kevin Wesley (Louis' Restaurant), Pete Sitnik (Water Bar & Epic Steak), Drew Harper (Spinnaker Sailing), Mahogany Roland (Rebuilding Together San Francisco), and Peter Osborne (Mission Rock Resort) urged adoption of the rent forgiveness program, describing severe revenue declines (20–25% of pre-COVID).

Discussion Items

• Executive Director's Report – Elaine Forbes updated on Pier 45 fire recovery: cleaning of Sheds A, B, D complete; demolition of Shed C expected to take five weeks; insurance covers rebuilding. A separate grass fire at Heron's Head Park on July 4 burned ~3 acres and a beehive but spared the Eco Center. The port is reopening Pier 50 maintenance division with COVID safety protocols. Commendations were given to retiring Deputy Director Tom Carter (15 years at port, 26 with city) and Administrative Assistant Marie Mitchell (42 years with city), both hailed as integral to the maintenance division.
• 8A: Informational on LBE Support Program – Stephanie Tang presented a proposed $1 million emergency hardship loan program for micro LBEs (majority women/minority-owned), with loans up to $50,000 at 0% interest, partially forgivable. Also proposed rent forgiveness for LBE tenants (~$160,000 for three months). Funding from Southern Waterfront Community Benefits and Beautification Fund. Commissioners expressed strong support.
• 8B: Informational on Crab Fisher Loan Program – Boris Celapine presented a $1 million loan program for crab fishers impacted by the Pier 45 fire. Loans would have 5-year terms, 0% interest, up to $100/trap for first 200 traps, with the remainder allocated proportionally. Partnership with OEWD and Main Street Launch. Public comment noted that the program should also consider used gear and line/float purchases.
• 9A: Request to Advertise Heron's Head Park Construction Contract – Erica Peterson requested authorization to advertise Contract 2795 for park improvements (ADA paths, solar panel upgrade, lighting, fencing). Funded by $1.3 million from 2012 GO bonds. 20% LBE participation goal. Unanimously approved.
• 10A: Informational on Piers 38 & 40 RFP Results – David Beaupre reported two responses: Orton Development (106 points) and Pacific Waterfront Partners (PWP) (114 points). Scoring panel recommended PWP. Simon Snellgrove (PWP) presented a vision including youth sailing, public market, wetland restoration, and a community lab/career incubator. Commissioners praised the inclusion of Cornerstone and commitment to equity.
• 10B: Informational on Rent Deferral and Forgiveness Strategy – Chrisia Tano Lee presented a proposal to forgive base rent for three categories: (1) ~51 percentage-rent tenants (mostly restaurants) through April 2021 (~$14.5 million); (2) ~122 maritime tenants (fishers, processors) through May 2020 (~$700,000); (3) ~28 LBE tenants through May 2020 (~$160,000). A fourth criteria-based category would cover other eligible tenants. Commissioners raised concerns about fiscal sustainability (port facing a projected $55 million revenue loss), the need for better data from the opt-in deferral program, and the importance of balancing tenant relief with the port's solvency.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Resolution 20-31): Approved unanimously.
• Heron's Head Park Construction Contract (Resolution 20-32): Approved unanimously (4-0).
• LBE and Crab Fisher Programs: Commissioners directed staff to schedule a special meeting before the August 11 regular meeting to move these items to action.
• Rent Forgiveness Strategy: No action taken; staff will return with a more data-informed proposal incorporating commissioner feedback (e.g., extending maritime forgiveness, clarifying criteria for Category 4, and addressing balance sheet impacts).
• Racial Equity: President Brandon requested an update on racial equity initiatives at each meeting; Executive Director Forbes committed to providing updates and introducing the new Social Responsibility Manager at the next meeting.
• Future Meetings: The commission will continue meeting virtually through at least the end of 2020. A special meeting will be scheduled for late July/early August to advance LBE and crab fisher programs, with further discussion on rent forgiveness planned.