Meet the Candidates: San Francisco’s District 11 supervisor race

Chyanne Chen

• Job: Worker organizer, community facilitator and educator
• Age: 39
• Residency: Homeowner, landlord, living in District 11 since August 2000
• Transportation: Walk, public transportation, rideshare, and car
• Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Davis, master’s degree from Cornell University, doctoral degree in education in progress at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese

Adlah Chisti

• Job: Public policy analyst, caregiver
• Age: 40
• Residency: Live with parents and caregive for them, born in District 11 in 1983 and lived there since, moved out in 2013 and back in 2017
• Transportation: Public
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in politics and in environmental science, and master’s degree in education from University of San Francisco, master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy, juris doctorate from University of California Law, San Francisco
• Languages: English, Spanish, Hindi

Oscar Flores

• Job: Project engineer
• Age: 29
• Residency: Tenant, born in District 11 in 1995 and has lived here continuously, except for the time away in college
• Transportation: Car
• Education: Bachelor's in mechanical engineering from the University of Portsmouth in United Kingdom, and a master’s (postgraduate certificate) in Space Engineering from the University of Surrey in United Kingdom
• Languages: Spanish, French, English

Ernest “EJ” Jones

• Job: Community advocate
• Age: 38
• Residency: Tenant, living in District 11 since November 1985 and has lived here always, except for time away at college
• Transportation: Public, car
• Education: Bachelor's degree, Dominican University, master's degree in public administration from University of San Francisco
• Languages: English, Spanish

Michael Lai

• Job: Early education director, elected to the San Francisco Democratic Party
• Age: 32
• Residency: Tenant, living in District 11 since February 2024
• Transportation: Public 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in government at Harvard College with coursework at Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Languages: English, Mandarin

Roger Marenco

• Job: Transit operator
• Age: 42
• Residency: Tenant, living in District 11 since May 2014
• Transportation: Public 
• Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental sustainability and social justice from San Francisco State University. City College San Francisco
• Languages: English, Spanish

Jose Morales

• Job: Sales professional, small-business owner
• Age: 29
• Residency: Tenant, born in District 11 in 1995 and has lived there since, except for time away in college from 2014 to 2017 and living in Idaho from 2021 to the end of 2022
• Transportation: Car 
• Education: Bachelor's degree in economics from Sonoma State University
• Languages: English, Spanish

Jose Morales

One specific issue affecting residents in the Excelsior is the persistent problem of public dumping. As supervisor, I would tackle this issue by increasing regular cleanups, placing more trash bins in key areas, and implementing stricter fines for offenders. Additionally, I would explore the possibility of setting up public dumping stations, such as placing a public Dumpster in Crocker Park's parking lot and other, similar locations, to make proper disposal more accessible for residents. This initiative, along with community awareness campaigns and free bulk-pickup days, would help keep our neighborhoods clean and reduce illegal dumping.

Chyanne Chen

As I speak to residents in the Excelsior, I hear a lot of concerns regarding street safety. Residents are concerned about parking issues, car break-ins, street cleanliness/illegal dumping, pedestrian safety, sideshows and fireworks. In order to create more parking in existing footprints, I would initiate a process with the MTA to map out streets that are wide enough for conversion to 90-degree and 45-degree parking. I have heard the enthusiasm for neighborhood watch programs and would like to build these connections with neighbors. The remaining issues of pedestrian safety, speed limits and dangerous activity on our streets ... read more here

Adlah Chisti

Our community in District 11 is often overlooked when it comes to resources, and we need to fight for our fair share. Unlike other candidates, I will not use my position as a stepping stone for my career. In the Excelsior, particularly at intersections for streets crossing Brazil and Russia, respectively, we need better lighting, speed bumps, and traffic calming measures like bulb-outs, along with stricter enforcement of stop signs to ensure safety for families and children. With over seven schools and multiple childcare centers from Geneva Avenue to Silver Avenue/Cambridge Street, safety and accessibility are critical. Parking is ... read more here

Oscar Flores

Parking. Anyone living in the Excelsior has likely experienced the frustration of coming home late, whether from work or a night out, only to face the struggle of finding parking. By the time everyone is home, parking spaces are scarce. Many residents have to park far from their homes and walk late at night, which can be risky, especially for our working mothers and women. Others park on the sidewalk, risking traffic citations.

The challenge is similar on our main streets with businesses. Whether people are running quick errands or picking up takeout, finding parking can be nearly impossible, leading ... read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

One of the biggest issues affecting Excelsior residents is parking. I would create a working group to survey the possibility of diagonal parking in some areas with wider streets and curb cuts, while also working to reform the cost structure of the parking-permit system. 

Michael Lai

Trash and illegal dumping is a huge issue in the Excelsior, where I live. Oftentimes, you see whole mattresses and items dropped on street corners. First, I would enforce fines for illegal dumping, and increase education of bulky pickup and free dump days, such as the recent one at Balboa High School. For day-to-day trash, we need more public trash cans on Mission, Geneva, and at the parks (Excelsior, McLaren) that can’t be tampered with, and more power washing of commercial corridors on Mission and Geneva. We also need to audit Recology for why it keeps getting more expensive with ... read more here

Roger Marenco

Lack of communication from City Hall. Residents in District 11 are not being informed on what City Hall is doing for improvements to D11. As Supervisor, I would host monthly community meetings on-site in D11 venues, so that the residents do not have to travel all the way to City Hall. Although it would still be broadcast online, attendees would feel more included if they were able to attend meetings in their own neighborhood. I would also organize what I am referring to as "Worker Wednesday," where I would meet with workers the first Wednesday every month to address their issues.

Roger Marenco

Safety on the streets, which includes daily shoplifting, criminals committing crimes in plain view, dilapidated roads, and dirty streets. I would immediately re-appropriate the funds to repair the roads and clean the streets, and I would work with SFPD to bring more police to walk the streets. This would bring more customers to shop in our neighborhood, it would allow for smoother rides on public transportation and it would ensure safer visits to the OMI. Let's stop wasting time with politics and let's get down to business so that we can start to fix these obvious problems immediately.

Jose Morales

One major issue in the OMI is the unreliable public transportation system, with residents facing frequent delays and overcrowded buses. As supervisor, I would advocate for improvements to Muni service, including more frequent buses, better route coverage, and infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, I would push for enhanced safety measures at bus stops to ensure the system is accessible and reliable for all residents, especially seniors and those with disabilities.

This approach ensures that community members are personally invested in creating community assets that employ ... read more here

Chyanne Chen

I have heard from OMI residents who say they need access to community-serving resources in general. Young people want to see more programs available in the neighborhood and not have to travel to other neighborhoods. While there are limited services available in OMI, most of it is very spread out. OMI residents have expressed the desire to have a neighborhood-serving grocery stores. Recreation space is so limited, and there is often a struggle between programs for youth and seniors. The community has been waiting a long time for a new library. I’d like to see programming at Sisterhood ... read more here

Adlah Chisti

One key issue in the OMI are community resources. These are often not available within walking distances for our youth and seniors. As District 11 Supervisor, I would prioritize pedestrian and child safety by installing more lighting, speed bumps, stop signs and traffic-calming measures on Grafton and for areas near parks and schools. I would advocate for an affordable grocery store near Broad and Randolph streets, and push for our new Oceanview library, which hasn't been renovated in nearly 30 years. Additionally, I would work to establish the district's first affordable farmers market in the OMI, partnering with Sisterhood gardens, along with ... read more here

Oscar Flores

A concern for OMI is the public transit routes and services currently in place to navigate its hilly terrain. A solution would be to carefully reconsider existing routes and determine if they can be improved upon to help residents better navigate the terrain, and/or establish a shuttle program for the elderly and disabled, who are the most affected by this challenge.

Ernest “EJ” Jones

Pedestrian safety is a huge issue for residents of the OMI. At one point, residents pulled out sandwich boards to encourage stop signs at intersections of Grafton Avenue and Garfield Street. Neighbors on Lobos Street and Caine Avenue are concerned about speeds when their streets are used as a cut-through and, of course, Brotherhood Way at Orizaba Avenue needs traffic improvements. I would work with SFMTA to create a dedicated safety plan for the district, while also using creative methods, like three-way mirrors at four-way intersections, to increase visibility for drivers. Traffic calming near schools and parks are necessary to create safe spaces for ... read more here

Michael Lai

Randolph and Broad lacks a grocery store, restaurants, and small businesses. The corner of 19th Avenue and Randolph has been the same for decades. There’s so much potential! Here’s my five-step plan:

1. Organize and market a huge 2025 Night Market (like Sunset Night Market) with live music and activities partnering with SFMTA to market on the M (only 24-minute ride Castro, for example!) in partnership with existing community institutions like IT Bookman Center, Oceanview Branch Library, and Blue House Cafe, just as I did recently co-organizing a Mid-Autumn Festival at Geneva Carbarn and Andrew Yang fireside chat at Ingleside Presbyterian.
2. Increase ... read more here

Michael Lai

I live next to the Safeway on Mission Street, but large parts of District 11 (Lakeview/OMI, Outer Mission, Crocker Amazon, Excelsior near McLaren) are food deserts. I would use all of my creativity and fundraising/business experience to bring more grocery stores to D11!

District 11 has a demand problem. From a chain grocery store’s perspective, they are likely to pick another San Francisco location with more sales and parking. Short term, I would leverage all of my business, finance and negotiating experience to pitch grocers and make it easy for them, providing incentives like favorable lease conditions, organizing ... read more here

Roger Marenco

We need to eliminate the fees that owners have to pay whenever they open a grocery store. Instead of taxing businesses, we should be granting tax reductions. We need to clean the streets and provide safer public transportation so people can feel safe taking their groceries on the bus. We need to provide safety measures to eliminate shoplifting, because this is a huge deterrent for people who want to do business in San Francisco. We need to offer low-interest loans and appropriate funds to establish new grants for newly opened grocery stores in our communities.

Jose Morales

I believe the best way to bring more grocery stores to the Lakeview community, which is largely a food desert, is by collaborating with local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs within the district. Through a city program focused on identifying qualified candidates to open grocery stores, we can leverage franchise opportunities from companies like Grocery Outlet.

The city would support our local business owners and entrepreneurs by helping them apply for a franchise, secure an ideal location, streamline the permitting process, and assist with startup costs.

Chyanne Chen

In District 11, we have many neighborhood grocery stores that support our diverse cultural needs, particularly in the Excelsior, such as Cordoba Market, Casa Lucas, El Chico Market, La Loma Produce #3, and Guzman’s Produce, just to name a few. These community-serving mom-and-pop markets need our support and not competition. However, I have heard from OMI residents who don't have the same kind of access and want grocery stores they can walk to. Many residents would also like to see some different offerings, such as Trader Joes. If elected, I would work with the Office of Economic ... read more here

Adlah Chisti

Access to fresh groceries is a critical need in District 11, and one way to address this is through smart zoning reform. As supervisor, I will work to revise zoning laws to make it easier for grocery stores to open and succeed in our neighborhoods. By creating dedicated commercial zones and fast-tracking permits for grocery retailers, we can attract more stores and provide greater access to fresh, affordable food. I’m committed to working with city planners and the community to ensure our zoning laws support economic growth and improve food access for all residents.

Oscar Flores

Before discussing the introduction of more businesses, such as grocery stores, we must first address and resolve the issues of crime and homelessness. It is folly to entertain new business ideas if these fundamental problems remain unaddressed, as they are the primary reasons businesses are either avoiding or leaving District 11 and San Francisco.

Once these issues are truly resolved, we can engage with existing grocery businesses to assist them in expanding, such as the neighborhood staple Casa Lucas. Additionally, we should carefully consider the demographics of District 11 and encourage grocery stores with an ethnic focus to serve communities ... read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

As Supervisor, I will make sure that we prioritize investment in these neighborhoods. We need to incentivize grocery stores to open in our communities, support local farmers' markets, and promote community gardens where families can grow their own food. We cannot address hunger without addressing access. 

Lakeview/OMI neighborhoods are prime examples of the food deserts plaguing our city, where access to fresh, affordable food is either limited or nonexistent. It’s unacceptable that families in these communities often have to travel to access staple items. The lack of nearby grocery stores forces many of our residents to rely on corner ... read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

• Job: Community advocate
• Age: 38
• Residency: Tenant, living in District 11 since November 1985 and has lived here always, except for time away at college
• Transportation: Public, car
• Education: Bachelor's degree, Dominican University, master's degree in public administration from University of San Francisco
• Languages: English, Spanish

Michael Lai

• Job: Early education director, elected to the San Francisco Democratic Party
• Age: 31
• Residency: Tenant, living in District 11 since February 2024
• Transportation: Public 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in government at Harvard College with coursework at Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Languages: English, Mandarin

Roger Marenco

• Job: Transit operator
• Age: 42
• Residency: Tenant, living in District 11 since May 2014
• Transportation: Public 
• Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental sustainability and social justice from San Francisco State University. City College San Francisco
• Languages: English, Spanish

Jose Morales

• Job: Sales professional, small-business owner
• Age: 28
• Residency: Tenant, born in District 11 in 1995 and has lived there since, except for time away in college from 2014 to 2017 and living in Idaho from 2021 to the end of 2022
• Transportation: Car 
• Education: Bachelor's degree in economics from Sonoma State University
• Languages: English, Spanish

Chyanne Chen

• Job: Worker organizer, community facilitator and educator
• Age: 39
• Residency: Homeowner, landlord, living in District 11 since August 2000
• Transportation: Walk, public transportation, rideshare, and car
• Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Davis, master’s degree from Cornell University, doctoral degree in education in progress at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese

Adlah Chisti

• Job: Public policy analyst, caregiver
• Age: 40
• Residency: Live with parents and caregive for them, born in District 11 in 1983 and lived there since, moved out in 2013 and back in 2017
• Transportation: Public
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in politics and in environmental science, and master’s degree in education from University of San Francisco, master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy, juris doctorate from University of California Law, San Francisco
• Languages: English, Spanish, Hindi

Adlah Chisti

The SFUSD Resource Alignment Initiative (RAI) raises questions about equity. In District 11, we have 14 public schools, and instead of focusing on curriculum, we are focused on closures. K-8 schools are proposed to close because of their smaller class structure. While building maintenance costs are cited as a reason, and instead of looking at management salaries, we are on a hiring freeze of school counselors, social workers and much needed on site psychologists. The larger question is: Can our district survive this? The SFUSD RAI plan is set to be released on September 18, and we will have to ... read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

This week I stood with teachers, families, and administrators at 555 Franklin St. The SFUSD Resource Alignment Initiative is a pressing concern, especially for District 11, which has the highest number of school-age children in San Francisco. 

As supervisor, I am committed to ensuring that our district does not bear the brunt of any potential school closures. While I may not directly influence SFUSD's budget, I can advocate for equitable resource distribution and the protection of our public schools. One proposed solution for consolidation is the creation of more K-8 campuses which have proven effective. Nevertheless, I will actively address ... read more here

Michael Lai

I’ve heard from a lot of D11 parents that they are rightfully stressed about the SFUSD Resource Alignment Initiative and school closures. As a former volunteer civics teacher and public school kid, school closures should always be the last resort because of the disproportionate negative impact for children, families, and teachers.

We should first focus on increasing revenue, like turning fallow SFUSD land into teacher housing or revenue generating housing.

At a time when District enrollment has fallen to less than 50,000 students, faces a $425 million deficit, and SF has a historic number of small schools, I understand ... read more here

Roger Marenco

I'm against closing and/or merging schools because low-income workers and families are the ones that will suffer. I am in support of re-appropriating funds so that we can fund everything that deals with our educational system. This includes repairing infrastructure, updating facilities, increasing teacher salaries, providing adequate resources for students and so on. At a time where San Francisco is suffering from crime, open drug markets, homelessness, and fentanyl, the last thing we should be thinking about is closing schools because if schools close, then drugs and crime will feel like suitable choices for students with no schools.

Jose Morales

I believe that while budget efficiency is essential for long-term sustainability, I don't support stripping resources from some schools to give to others. SFUSD needs to do a better job overall in managing resources so that all schools can provide a high-quality education. This includes improving the lottery system so that every child has access to well-resourced schools without disadvantages to others. All our schools should have the tools they need to succeed, and that requires smart, equitable financial decisions across the board.

Chyanne Chen

I am deeply concerned that we still do not have details on what SFUSD is planning as part of this process. We have heard that schools may close or merge but have learned little about which schools would be impacted and we know, historically, that District 11 has gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to budget reductions. 

While the Board of Supervisors does not have direct control over decisions made by SFUSD, I would hope city leaders would be consulted in any major policy decisions to ensure we are not shortchanging students who may need more ... read more here

Chyanne Chen

I've heard from neighbors who see Boxer Stadium locked up and not used the vast majority of time. When it is in use, they see dozens or a couple hundred fans, far from its 3,500-person capacity. They ask: Why can't we access and use the field? How much does it cost to maintain this facility that rarely gets used? 

It's well past time for the neighborhood and city to reimagine the purpose of Boxer Stadium and its adjacent athletic fields, rather than continuing to spend resources maintaining a facility that serves very few. 

As supervisor, I would facilitate ... read more here

Adlah Chisti

We need to think about how to make Boxer Stadium more accessible for seniors, children and families. Right now, there’s no easy way for them to get there — no shuttle, no transportation, and that’s unacceptable. We need a shuttle service or some sort of transportation option that can bring seniors and others directly to the stadium. Given that Havelock Street is so narrow, the route might have to come through Ingleside Police Station or part of the Balboa Park Station area.

Ernest “EJ” Jones

Boxer Stadium is another example of underutilized and under-resourced space in District 11. The stadium has been underutilized for years, despite attempts to get more engagement at the site. As an aide, I fielded requests from the Glens Football Club who were looking for a space to host their United Soccer League games and practices. While the USL currently uses Boxer and Kezar Stadium for the SF Football Club, I would love to see use expanded to additional local teams and an investment of lights so that the stadium can host nighttime events. 

Working with the Friends groups may be ... read more here

Michael Lai

I grew up playing soccer, same as many District 11 kids, and modernizing Boxer Stadium is a historic opportunity. I see two paths forward: the first is to try to accelerate fundraising and modernization for World Cup 2026 practice games. Though that is only 1.5 years away, why not try to do something faster than expected, instead of insanely slow, for once? Fundraising and fast operations with public-private partnerships is something I have experience in (have raised about $17.9 million for a new daycare network during covid) and would be excited about.

In the likely scenario that... read more here

Roger Marenco

We will re-appropriate the funds and divert them towards parks, family needs and community upgrades. We will host monthly events in collaboration with SFPD, SFFD, CBO, non-profit organizations, street vendors and influencers, so that we can bring more publicity to make Balboa Park's athletic fields more accessible. We will use the media and social network sites to promote all of our monthly events to attract large numbers of community members which will create outstanding results when it comes to public support.

Jose Morales

Boxer Stadium is home to SF City FC, a local soccer club. After attending a game a few months ago, I noticed a few issues: Finding the entrance was confusing, and there was a significant lack of accessibility.

All of our green spaces should be accessible to everyone. Therefore, I would start by advocating for increased funding for accessibility improvements. Additionally, I would listen to community feedback to understand what is desired from Boxer Stadium, so we can work together to achieve the community's goals.

Jose Morales

I support DA Brooke Jenkins, because she has been doing a great job. San Francisco is moving away from being a city known for allowing everyone to get away with everything to a city where laws are enforced. 

I believe Jenkins will continue to lead us in the right direction. 

Chyanne Chen

I have not endorsed any candidate for district attorney.

Adlah Chisti

I will fully support and work with whichever district attorney the voters elect.

Ernest “EJ” Jones

The district attorney acts as San Francisco’s top law-enforcement official. Considering the path of the presidential nominee Kamala Harris, and with safety being a massive part of the discussion in the upcoming election, more people are focused on who we elect for the position. Each candidate has explained how they plan to hold people accountable and be more engaged with the community. 

While I would love to see each of the lawyers flex their skills and knowledge of the law in a debate or courtroom argument format, I’m prepared to work closely to ensure community safety with whoever the people choose in November. 

Michael Lai

I support District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and was proud to stand with her alongside other supporters when she pulled papers last week at City Hall for her reelection.

Public safety is the No. 1 concern for District 11 residents and, under her watch, San Francisco has gotten safer; violent crime is down 14 percent, property crime is down 32 percent since 2023, and drug overdoses are down in the first half of 2024.

DA Jenkins has increased prosecutions of fentanyl dealers, partnering with the US attorney, federal DEA, and more; she has cracked down on retail theft, and increased enforcement on repeat violent offenders... read more here

Roger Marenco

Ryan Khojasteh — because when we walk into Walgreens, we can see that the Cheetos remain locked up and the criminals are still free. It's time to stop playing politics and start realizing that criminals belong in jail. Innocent people become victims of these criminals, and innocent companies are leaving San Francisco because of these criminals. Criminals do not need help, resources, guidance, assistance, programs or safe-houses; they only need jail. 

Let's give Khojasteh a chance to see if he's ready, willing and able to treat criminals like criminals, so that you and your family can feel safe walking down the street.

Roger Marenco

• Job: Transit operator
• Age: 42
• Residency: Tenant, living in District 11 since May 2014
• Transportation: Public 
• Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental sustainability and social justice from San Francisco State University. City College San Francisco
• Languages: English, Spanish

Jose Morales

• Job: Sales professional, small-business owner
• Age: 28
• Residency: Tenant, born in District 11 in 1995 and has lived there since, except for time away in college from 2014 to 2017 and living in Idaho from 2021 to the end of 2022
• Transportation: Car 
• Education: Bachelor's degree in economics from Sonoma State University
• Languages: English, Spanish

Chyanne Chen

• Job: Worker organizer, community facilitator and educator
• Age: 39
• Residency: Homeowner, landlord, living in District 11 since August 2000
• Transportation: Walk, public transportation, rideshare, and car
• Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Davis, master’s degree from Cornell University, doctoral degree in education in progress at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese

Adlah Chisti

• Job: Public policy analyst, caregiver
• Age: 40
• Residency: Live with parents and caregive for them, born in District 11 in 1983 and lived there since, moved out in 2013 and back in 2017
• Transportation: Public
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in politics and in environmental science, and master’s degree in education from University of San Francisco, master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy, juris doctorate from University of California Law, San Francisco
• Languages: English, Spanish, Hindi

Ernest “EJ” Jones

• Job: Community advocate
• Age: 38
• Residency: Tenant, living in District 11 since November 1985 and has lived here always, except for time away at college
• Transportation: Public, car
• Education: Bachelor's degree, Dominican University, master's degree in public administration from University of San Francisco
• Languages: English, Spanish

Michael Lai

• Job: Early education director, elected to the San Francisco Democratic Party
• Age: 31
• Residency: Tenant, living in District 11 since February 2024
• Transportation: Public 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in government at Harvard College with coursework at Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Languages: English, Mandarin

Michael Lai

I voted to recall Alison Collins, Gabriela López, and Faauuga Moliga in 2022 because they put ideology over kids.

As a public school kid, educator, and school builder who has dedicated my whole career so far to expanding opportunity for kids and families, I was shocked to hear from parent friends with their kids in SFUSD during Covid that they found school board members focused on renaming 44 schools (because Abraham Lincoln is racist) instead of reopening schools.

These policies were harmful for all children, especially the most marginalized students of color they were purporting to help, and students are ... read more here

Roger Marenco

I voted in support of the school recall because I support the ability of the people to vote their representatives into office, and I support the ability of the people to vote their representatives out of office.

Jose Morales

I supported the school board recall because, at the time, we were witnessing complete incompetence from the board. I wished we could have recalled the entire board. 

During a period when students needed the most support, the school board was occupied with political theater concerning school names and murals. There's nothing I dislike more than wasteful political theater. Our elected leaders must be held accountable if they are not fulfilling the roles they were elected to perform. Recalls are an important aspect of democracy, something that makes this country great. The board should have done their job and reopened the schools.

Chyanne Chen

In general, I am not supportive of recalls. I did have serious concerns about the leadership of certain school board members, but my preferred approach is to focus on what we can do as parents and advocates to get immediate change through building coalitions, strengthening afterschool programs and working directly with local educators.

Note: Chyanne Chen said she does not remember how she voted in the 2022 school board recalls but in general she does not believe in recalls.

Adlah Chisti

I voted in the 2022 San Francisco Board of Education recall elections as follows:

• Alison Collins: Yes
• Gabriela López: Yes
• Faauuga Moliga: No

And anything for the kids. As a mom of a two-year-old, a former teacher at James Lick Middle School and an educator at Aim High for 10 years, my priority has always been the well-being and education of our students. It was crucial to find swift and effective solutions to reopen schools safely and responsibly. I did not support the recall of Faauuga Moliga, as I believed his efforts and decisions were more aligned with the needs ... read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

I did not support any of the school board recalls because I fundamentally believe that the process of recalling officials should not be used as a tool for policy disagreements. 

A recall should be reserved for cases of misconduct. Disagreement with a legitimately elected official’s policies should not trigger a special recall, as it undermines the democratic process and the stability of our educational governance. Instead, policy differences should be addressed through regular elections, public discourse, and constructive engagement with the school board. While I did not vocally participate in the advocacy or fight against a recall — I believe the ... read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

As the District Supervisor, I plan to activate the Persia Triangle by turning it into a vibrant community hub. 

This transformation could involve adding public art representative of our district's diverse culture, arranging events to honor our heritage, and promoting togetherness and pride. The space should be used for night markets, farmers markets, and monthly resource fairs in collaboration with community and faith-based organizations in District 11. This will ensure that valuable activities and resources are accessible to all residents with language support. 

Each of these activities will create a lively atmosphere and improve the area's appeal. Leveraging the vast ... read more here

Michael Lai

Excelsior has the most kids, but has never had a farmer’s market — we should bring it to Persia Triangle!

Short term, we need to bring back more street festivals, regular community events, and a farmer’s market to Persia Triangle on Saturday evenings and Sundays when Unique Auto, the tenant there, is closed. It’s not only important to get more foot traffic but also central to the vibrancy and liveliness to the Mission Terrace, Cayuga and Excelsior neighborhoods that border it. From co-organizing ChowSF, an Asian restaurant tour on Mission, Ocean, and Geneva this March, I’ve experienced just how much this type ... read more here

Roger Marenco

First we need to organize a massive District 11 event on-site so that everyone can see the potential that this site has for immediate development.

Next we need to host neighborhood meetings with community participation to develop a feasible plan that works for District 11.

Finally, we need to eliminate the red tape inside City Hall that hinders development, so that we can then start building up the Persia triangle so that it can become a lively part of District 11 that promotes community growth, that brings in consumer revenue generating resources and that provides more safety measures for our families.

Jose Morales

Jose Morales didn't submit an answer before the publication of this post.

Chyanne Chen

As District Supervisor, my plan to activate the Persia Triangle focuses on creating a vibrant, inclusive community hub. I propose public table seating for lunchtime gatherings, spaces for elders to play chess and mahjongg, and a regular farmers market to promote local produce. We can engage young people through an outdoor cinema for community entertainment, and transform the site into a youth space with outdoor programs and open-mic nights. I will strengthen cultural programming within the Excelsior Community Benefit District, celebrating our diverse cultural communities. We will involve local artists in these initiatives, fostering a multicultural district that honors ... read more here

Adlah Chisti

I think its important to establish a task force that brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local residents, business owners and community members.

The task force will identify key areas of improvement, such as public safety, infrastructure upgrades, and cultural events that reflect the unique character of the Persia Triangle. By working closely with relevant business owners and stakeholders, we can gather valuable feedback and develop initiatives that foster economic growth and enhance the quality of life in the area. 

Through transparency and effective communication the task force will ensure regular updates and community forums. This will ensure ... read more here

Adlah Chisti

Community outreach ensures that constituents' voices are heard and that policies reflect their needs, fostering trust and engagement. And at a minimum it's the job of the Supervisor to listen and I love to listen.

As supervisor, I would create specialized task forces with community representatives to focus on specific issues, allowing for targeted and efficient problem-solving and dedicated timelines. It's important to have a cooperative process with the community. And with SFMTA in particular, I believe that good planning, design and engineering of transit lanes and bike paths will ensure pedestrian safety, reliability and accessibility.

Ernest “EJ” Jones

I envision a district united in solidarity, where every resident feels supported, challenges are tackled together, and opportunities for growth are attainable. I plan to work with the community to achieve this vision and ensure inclusivity in decision-making processes.

My strategy includes providing language access, hiring the right staff with connections to the community, and addressing the fundamental challenge of balancing community outreach and efficiency. Grassroots outreach builds trust and gathers diverse perspectives but is time-consuming, while efficiency allows prompt decision-making but may reduce community interaction. Early input is key to making the late portions of the workflow quicker.

Michael Lai

Current community outreach options are limited to in-person meetings that few know about and attend or expensive, like polls. We should practice a transparent and time-boxed approach to outreach in various languages, with more extensive processes for major projects and streamlined ones for smaller improvements.

Given how diverse District 11 is, it’s really important to offer multiple engagement formats, especially online, and in different languages, especially Cantonese, Spanish, and Tagalog. Redesigning a main corridor may require community meetings, online surveys, and extended comment periods, while installing a bike rack may only need a brief online feedback form.

We also should fundamentally reimagine community outreach with bigger ideas, such as demographically representative citizen assemblies.

Roger Marenco

There should be no trade-offs when it comes to community outreach and efficiency because they both work hand in hand. We will establish monthly community meetings with labor unions, community leaders, nonprofit organizations and neighbors so that everyone can feel that they are a part of the discussion. We will establish accountability and follow-ups with what is demanded by the neighborhoods. We need to also focus on using technology to reach more people with news and updates on a faster level. Community outreach and efficiency are necessary tools, for positive results.

Jose Morales

I believe community outreach must be accessible to everyone, not just those who have the time to attend city hall meetings, which often feel like a 'pay to play' environment. Effective community outreach is essential for creating solutions that truly reflect the needs of our community. Unfortunately, the SFMTA has a history of ignoring these needs.

We must hold our agencies and elected leaders accountable and ensure they provide better community outreach. This will help us create efficient and meaningful change. By utilizing digital platforms, transparent communication, and continuous feedback, we can make the process more inclusive and productive.

Chyanne Chen

I don't think we need to choose between community outreach and efficiency. Indeed, I think the lack of community outreach in many areas has made SFMTA and other agencies less efficient. 

In my experience as a labor and community organizer, I have fought that when we bring residents and stakeholders together at the outset, we can identify problems and ideas early and better implement solutions that will have wide support. 

It is a misconception that community outreach “blocks” efficient programs. Good community outreach creates pathways for success because residents feel engaged and empowered. We need to stop seeing our residents as a “problem” that we must circumvent and start recognizing that government should be working for them.

Chyanne Chen

I plan to create free before- and after-school programs for all at schools and in community settings, and I will design them based on families' needs.

Speaking to lifelong San Franciscans, many remembered a time when recreation centers in every neighborhood provided free programs after school and in the summer. They provided meals, and regardless of whether a child enrolled in the program, there were extra meals, and no child went hungry. It was much easier for working families to make their dollars stretch and not have to worry about their kids.

The pandemic has significantly changed school and work schedules ... read more here

Adlah Chisti

If elected as District Supervisor, my boldest legislation would be to champion universal childcare funded by Prop C, which imposes a gross receipts tax on commercial property. 

Childcare is vital to a flourishing economy. This initiative would provide high-quality, affordable childcare to all families, supporting working parents, boosting workforce participation, and promoting early childhood development. By investing in our youngest residents, we ensure a more equitable and prosperous future for our community. Additionally, this initiative would create jobs in the childcare sector, stimulate the local economy, and make San Francisco a more attractive place to live and work, aligning with our city’s values of inclusivity and support for working families.

Ernest “EJ” Jones

If elected to the Board of Supervisors, my piece of legislation would have an immediate impact, which would be to make child locks on apartment windows above the first floor mandatory. Last week, we saw a child fall out of the window in the mission, and we would want to prevent this from happening to additional families. 

Secondly, It would be to honor Rose Ann Harris, a devoted resident and tireless community advocate, by dedicating Persia Triangle to her and her life’s work. Rose Ann's life was marked by dedication to San Francisco, and dedicating the Persia Triangle to Rose Ann Harris would commemorate her legacy and inspire future generations.

Michael Lai

The biggest job growth area the next ten years is healthcare, and with so many healthcare workers and elderly residents in District 11, I would rezone parts of downtown to build a hospital extension that combines 24/7 childcare funded by Baby Prop C, push for employers to hire local healthcare workers in District 11, and explore underused storefronts on Geneva and Ocean as well for medical and biomedical outpatient clinics.

This is inspired by the city of Phoenix, where I have launched micro childcare centers and has a biomedical campus downtown that creates jobs and boosts the local economy.

Roger Marenco

My boldest piece of legislation would be to immediately stop the never ending second chances that are given to criminals and implement stricter penalties for criminals. 

By now we've all seen YouTube videos of criminals breaking car windows in broad daylight, we've seen criminals shoplifting right in front of our eyes and we've seen criminals engaging in drug use freely and openly on the streets. We live in a backwards society where you walk into Walgreens and the Cheetos are locked up, but the criminals are set free. Enough is enough. Let's stop protecting criminals and start protecting our families.

Jose Morales

My boldest piece of legislation would focus on increasing public conservatorship for those suffering from severe mental conditions and drug addictions in San Francisco.

Having a huge mentally ill and drug-addicted population on our streets, intermingled with our everyday citizens, is dangerous and flat-out irresponsible. Our parents, grandparents, wives, and kids should feel safe walking to the corner store without having to step over people lying on the ground or tiptoeing around needles.

It is our job as leaders to protect our residents, especially our most vulnerable populations like the elderly and children, but unfortunately, we have failed.

Jose Morales

Jose Morales has not provided an answer to the question.

Chyanne Chen

I understand the challenges multi-generational households face. I’m a mom of two and a caretaker for my elderly parents who live nearby. I know that many families like mine live in District 11 and are often not well served by current programs. These challenges became more obvious during Covid-19 when limited housing, social distancing and remote learning put even more pressure on our families. 

We need to do more to support the health and safety of seniors and children, that includes enhanced programs, expanded library and community center hours (our hours have been drastically cut in recent years) and improved ... read more here

Adlah Chisti

Many families in District 11 share experiences like mine. My parents purchased our home in the 70s, and now I live in the same house with my two-year-old daughter and my parents. Like many in our community, my responsibilities changed and has made me the primary caregiver for them as their in-home support services provider and now also a proud union member of SEIU 2015. 

With 67 percent of District 11 being homeowners, supporting legislation for the expansion of ADUs is necessary. ADUs add to our housing stock and would decrease the housing shortage we are currently facing. As we ... read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

District 11’s multigenerational households exist throughout the district and are one of the most unique qualities of this district. 

By providing dedicated support for each generation, we can adequately support these households. We must create strong universal childcare, strong educational opportunities, and support after-school programs for our youth. These opportunities free up hours for parents to be able to learn skills, work, and build income for the family. We must also provide robust health and activity services for our seniors in the community. Creating opportunities for intergenerational collaboration such as community events, gardens, and collaborative programming brings all generations together ... read more here

Michael Lai

Like many in our district, I grew up in a multi-generational immigrant household with my grandparents from China, parents, and little sister.

First, we need to increase housing affordability by building more housing, especially affordable housing. Our district is “house-rich, cash-poor,” so we need to increase the ways existing homeowners can earn income while transforming their space for family or others. I would look at flexible financing tools and policies so that families can build ADUs, have lot-splits, and build duplexes if they so wish and look into reducing regulatory barriers for home sharing, giving homeowners more opportunities to generate ... read more here

Roger Marenco

We will establish a counseling program which will focus on bringing solutions to the issues that multi-generational households are facing. We will work on creating a debt relief assistance program whether it be through a small financial assistance program, or through a low interest debt relief loan program. We will also work on incentives for multi-generational households that are willing and able to build ADUs on their property. We need to work on providing new, different and/or modern incentives for multi-generational households.

Roger Marenco

Brotherhood Way is an obvious transit shortcoming that needs to be addressed immediately. However, I would like to address the roads in general which have gained the title of the most dangerous roads in America because of how deteriorated they have become due to political neglect. 

We need to invest immediately into repairing the roads for the safety of everyone who travels up and down the streets. We need to prioritize funding for this transit shortcoming immediately in the name of public safety. Let's establish "safe streets" as a daily, general mode of operation in San Francisco.

Jose Morales

One major transit shortcoming in District 11 is the 29 bus route. 

Since my freshman year at Archbishop Riordan High School, the 29 has been overcrowded and slow. Despite student advocacy for shorter wait times and more buses, the SFMTA's solution of removing routes to speed up buses has failed, causing accessibility issues for elderly residents and students. 

The SFMTA oversees too many city functions, leading to underperformance. Public transportation should be its top priority. If elected, I will push for breaking up SFMTA's power to ensure focused management and frequent audits for better transit services.

Chyanne Chen

We must first start by re-evaluating misguided decisions that have made it harder for residents to use transit. As a committed transit rider, I’ve seen how the loss of the 14X line has significantly lengthened commute times for the cross city connect, especially access to Chinatown. The consolidation of bus lines over the past 10-15 years has made it difficult for seniors and people with mobility issues trying to get around the district. SFMTA removed some "redundancies" by moving the 29, 52 and 54 lines, but as a result, those lines became less accessible to many. The 29 line serves ... read more here

Adlah Chisti

For a car-free working-class district, we need frequent buses, especially during peak hours. The 54 and 29 buses, the main District 11 connectors, are infrequent and overcrowded, making it difficult to board for seniors and families with strollers. Often it feels like SFMTA is not hearing us. 

As supervisor, I would increase bus frequency and ensure stops are less than half a mile to better serve seniors. Implementing a door-to-door electric shuttle or electric passenger bike service could help. 

Improving bike path and pedestrian safety, especially at freeway exits and entrances, is crucial for moms and families biking with their children... read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

A transit shortcoming for the district currently is the lack of connection through the hilly terrain of the district. This makes it extremely hard for seniors who live at the top of the topography to access and use public transportation effectively. This in turn leads to additional need for car usage. 

In order to solve this issue, I would recommend expansion of service to a shuttle program similar to what we see with the paratransit system to help connect steep terrain to additional bus lines. This is something that can be used conveniently throughout the University Mound, OMI, and Excelsior areas of the district.

Michael Lai

First, we need to increase the speed, reliability, and safety of buses and trains: the speed of the 29-Sunset, which takes so many kids to and from school; on-time arrivals for the 44-O'Shaughnessy; and making sure the J, which often does not come once every 15 minutes, is reliable.

Second, we need better pedestrian safety, especially in car-busy areas like San Jose Avenue, Geneva Avenue and Brotherhood Way. We have not moved quickly enough — and done enough — to implement better lighting, curb extensions, and automated speed cameras ensure the safety of children, family and elders in District 11.

Finally, certain areas of the ... read more here

Michael Lai

I’m excited to bring my creative problem-solving, fundraising and negotiation skills, relationships, and organizing and press skills to ensure District 11 gets its fair share of city services. I spent the past five years founding a creative joint childcare and workforce-housing model and would bring that same mindset to creative ordinances and charter amendments to unlock city services. 

Second, I’ve negotiated eight-figure contracts, and will negotiate hard for District 11 in the city budget and, when needed, raise outside money for district projects, just like the $30,000 I raised recently for a new Excelsior neon sign ... read more here

Roger Marenco

We need to start by doing exactly what I did when I was the president of TWU Local 250A, which is to open the books, and show everyone how much money is coming in and how the money is being spent.

Then we need to eliminate wasteful expenditures. 

Finally, we need to reallocate the money, so that the right programs can have funding to survive. When I did this, as stated earlier, I was able to increase the budget from negative $80,000 to positive $600,000 in just three years. This is a clear example of outstanding results by reappropriating funds.

Jose Morales

As Supervisor of District 11, I will ensure our district receives its fair share of city services by advocating strongly at City Hall, engaging with the community to understand their needs, and using data to prioritize resource allocation. 

I will collaborate with city departments, fight for fair budget allocations, and establish transparent processes for accountability. By building partnerships with nonprofits and local businesses, I will supplement city services and address any gaps. 

My goal is to ensure District 11 gets the attention and resources it deserves for a better quality of life for all residents.

Chyanne Chen

We cannot be afraid to raise our voices. I've spent my life building coalitions to bring about meaningful change, whether as a labor organizer fighting for higher pay and stronger benefits, or as a community advocate pushing to improve services to non-English-speaking residents. 

What I have found, again and again, is that when we stand together, we can make change happen. District 11 is a wonderfully diverse community full of working families, seniors and young people. I will work to build district-wide, and across racial and cultural coalitions, so that we can raise our voices together and get the attention our families deserve.

Adlah Chisti

As a supervisor, I will ensure District 11's concerns are consistently addressed at city council meetings and through regular town halls. I will fight for equitable budget allocations, build public-private partnerships, and advocate to establish an SFMTA satellite office in our district to improve services. Transparent tracking will hold departments accountable, while prioritizing infrastructure projects will enhance our quality of life. Collaboration with city departments and the mayor’s office is crucial, and I will stay dedicated to our district without letting personal ambitions for higher office get in the way of resources to our community.

Ernest “EJ” Jones

Slow streets work well when neighbors come together, hold community process, and commit to the activation of those streets. “Slowyuga” hit those marks and is unique because of the proximity to local schools. 

I would improve by expanding activation, and working with mapping programs to update routes for unfamiliar travelers as many programs still send cars on those routes. 

Michael Lai

I am very supportive of Cayuga Slow Street because our district has more young kids, families and elders than any other. We also need more joy, vibrancy, and community in District 11, and it has been awesome to see parents and community organizers of Slowyuga activate it! 

But SFMTA has been slow in implementing more speed cushions and aesthetic improvements like flower planters (e.g. on Page Slow Street). I would push MTA to prioritize these projects for safety reasons, especially since Slowyuga is extra long and has schools on it. I would also look at zoning changes to allow ... read more here

Roger Marenco

I am in support of slow streets, but only on small streets through the different neighborhoods and only after the neighbors and residents of the streets have had an opportunity to weigh in regarding the proposed changes. These decisions need to be addressed by all parties involved, not just by one entity that is constantly deprioritizing the need for people to use a car as a means of transportation. Slow streets are great but only on the proper streets.

Jose Morales

I am in favor of the Cayuga Slow street project, as it brings immense benefits to the community. Even in a bustling city like San Francisco, it is crucial for families to have a designated space where they can enjoy a leisurely bike ride or a peaceful stroll without the constant concern of cars zooming past them above the speed limit. I think the current plans will do a good job at keeping everyone safe on Cayuga. 

I also strongly support the expansion of the Slow Streets program to other areas within District 11. There is immense potential to provide everyone with ample space to venture out and unwind.

Chyanne Chen

"Slowyuga" encourages walking, running, biking, and community gatherings and I believe we need to do more to enhance its safety features. 

In my recent conversations, community members have expressed their frustration about the slow and inadequate roll out of signage and other traffic calming measures. We have seen the city investment on Sanchez and residents want something similar for our neighborhood. As Supervisor, I will work with residents and the City to continue to make these needed improvements — people walking their dogs, teaching their children to ride bikes or taking them to school should feel safer on Cayuga. 

D11 residents ... read more here

Adlah Chisti

I support the Cayuga Slow Street. I believe the Slow Streets initiative from SFMTA is important to keep residents, especially children, seniors, and cyclists safe. Designated slow streets increase community engagement and bring together neighbors in activities on the street. Organizations such as Slowyuga have done a great job of organizing activities that bring together neighbors through the Cayuga Terrace, Excelsior, and Mission Terrace Neighborhoods uniting more of District 11.

Adlah Chisti

Support and need to examine the unintended consequences. As such we should revisit the impacts of the protected bike lanes on the community and CCSF enrollment and student culture. In a year we should have proposed project alternatives for public review and commenting, and update the bike lanes as appropriate for both District 11 and District 7 with the input of community members. 

It's important to consider that CCSF is located in District 7, but many of its students are working-class individuals from District 11 who have specific transportation needs including parking. District 11 residents often juggle multiple jobs, are ... read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

I support the CCSF bike lane. 

As a person who has witnessed firsthand the reckless driving on Frida Kahlo Way we have to think about the safety of students first and the traffic calming the lane presents. The lane is an opportunity to expand access options for students who live nearby in District 11 and who commute into school. If we are going to get serious about Vision Zero we must begin now. 

Michael Lai

The Frida Kahlo Way bike lane is in District 7, not District 11, but I understand that it affects traffic on Ocean Ave. I attended the SFMTA Board Meeting about the bike lane and the MTA Board voted 7-7 to go ahead on construction of the bike lane. 

Pedestrian safety is critical, and I am supportive of bike lanes and speed cushioning (I personally mostly take Muni and bike around). However, given that more than half of D11 residents commute using cars to work, removing 29 parking spots is an obstacle. In general I would like to see SFMTA ... read more here

Roger Marenco

I'm against the CCSF bike lane. 

We need to protect our endangered species (parking spaces). The SFMTA tentacles have stretched too far and we need to cut them off before they continue to destroy our streets. Instead of wasting more time, money and resources on unnecessary projects, we should be fixing the streets, repairing potholes, cleaning the buses and improving our public transportation system. We have plenty of problems that need to be fixed and plenty of issues that need to be addressed, so let's focus on that instead of trying to turn Frida Kahlo Way into the Valencia Street debacle.

Jose Morales

Having spent four years attending Archbishop Riordan High School on Frida Kahlo Way and being an avid cyclist, I don't support the addition of a bike lane on Frida Kahlo Way. 

I don't see it as a primary biking route, lacking connectivity to significant destinations. The bike lane appears more as a weak move by SFMTA to push their stagnant Vision Zero goals. I'd be interested in examining any bike rider data on Frida Kahlo Way, although I doubt there is any, and if there is, it would likely support my stance that it's not a major bike route.

Chyanne Chen

The devastating tragedy at West Portal made clear we need to do more to support pedestrian and cyclist safety. Protected bike lanes are one way in which we can reduce fatalities and support stronger alternatives to driving.

I’ve been very disappointed, however, in how SFMTA has gone about achieving these laudable goals. Our community has to be active participants in these decisions so they work for all of us and it’s clear from talking to residents, students and faculty at CCSF that those conversations didn’t happen. 

I support efforts to strengthen our bicycle network but this process has not taken ... read more here

Chyanne Chen

I live within walking distance of Balboa Park BART Station. 

I love walking and using public transit. 

Most days I walk to Balboa Park BART or take the 14 and the 29 buses to get around the city.

Adlah Chisti

Public transportation and biking are my go to methods for reducing our carbon footprint and addressing climate change. I also grew up riding Muni and still primarily use Muni to get around the city and everywhere else. As a single mother and caregiver, it can be difficult to do errands on a bike. In an ideal world, I would like to bike to my destinations while feeling safe. But right now, I believe SFMTA is not listening to us.

Biking with a child over longer distances is challenging due to the lack of an interconnected network of bike lanes. Additionally...read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

I use public transit to and from work to reduce emissions from my vehicle. 

I typically walk to the K or the M Muni lines to get to work downtown. I'm also a frequent BART rider depending on what's most convenient. 

I do own and operate a vehicle like many District 11 residents but I try my best to take advantage of our public transit system and I tap my Clipper card frequently around San Francisco.

Michael Lai

I mostly take public transit, especially the 14R, 49, and 29 Muni buses and BART from Balboa Station, to get around the city. I also bike and walk, and take the occasional Uber when I'm running late (though it really hurts the wallet…).

While about 30 percent of District 11 residents take public transit to work, more than half use a car to get to work, especially our immigrant working families and elders, so it's important to consider all modes of transit when we think about transportation in our district.

Roger Marenco

I take the bus (Muni).

As a Transit Operator, I know firsthand that our public transportation system needs to be fixed, the buses need to be cleaned, the roads need to be repaired and the service needs to be improved. 

Wasteful expenditures hinder the system from being updated and from being more accessible to our riders such as the elderly, the disabled, and wheelchair users. 

Once in office, we will bring back more service, cleaner buses, and a more reliable system. Let's take the power away from MTA and put it in the hands of community leadership. 

Jose Morales

On most days, I zip around on a gas scooter I snagged for a great price on Facebook Marketplace. 

Sometimes, I opt for driving, while occasionally hopping on the bus. 

But my absolute favorite way to navigate is biking. They say four wheels move the body, but two wheels move the soul. And truly, there's no better way to soak in the city's vibe than from the saddle of a bike.

Jose Morales

Ensuring the Asian community feels valued and understood is a top priority for me.

I'm actively seeking a Mandarin/Cantonese speaker to join my campaign to help bridge the language barrier. It hasn't been easy, but I'm dedicated to showing the Asian community that I deeply care about their concerns. We share many similarities, and I'm committed to fighting for our district's rightful resources until my last day in office. 

Additionally, I've been grateful for the support of friends, family, and local Asian businesses like Sweet Delight Bakery on Mission and Excelsior, who have helped amplify our message within the community.

Chyanne Chen

I am committed to addressing the varied needs of the Asian community in District 11 and making sure that all voices are heard and represented. 

As a fully bilingual and bi-literate Cantonese and Mandarin speaker, I know the Asian community is not monolithic. It comprises many distinct cultures, languages and experiences. Recognizing this diversity is crucial to effectively reaching and meeting the needs of the Asian community in District 11. 

I will work closely with established community groups to ensure that my efforts are culturally sensitive and effectively targeted. I would work with them to establish and strengthen programs... read more here

Adlah Chisti

Ensuring representation for every community within District 11 is a cornerstone of my candidacy. Public safety and education are priority issues.

A fully staffed public safety department and community policing are crucial for maintaining clean and safe streets, fostering business revitalization, and increasing foot traffic. District 11 also saw a reduction in blessing scams impacting Asian seniors in our community. Thanks to Ingleside Police Captain Amy Hurewitz and Nancy Tung from the San Francisco District Attorney’s office who worked tirelessly to reduce Blessing scams through direct services and community engagement.

Quality public school education is vital for local economic growth and stability...read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

One of my top priorities is to ensure effective communication and engagement with the Asian community in District 11. 

Our plan to hire dedicated staff fluent in Chinese and Tagalog to ensure language accessibility. We will also organize collaborative events and provide multilingual literature to make our messages more inclusive and accessible. 

Engaging and empowering community leaders through leadership opportunities will help build solidarity among communities and help shape our district's future collaboratively. 

Lastly, we'll partner with community and faith-based organizations serving the Asian community in District 11, leveraging existing networks for targeted outreach, reflecting our community's diverse voices and needs.

Michael Lai

I love bringing the District 11 Chinese community together for every event on the Lunar calendar. In February, I organized a Lunar New Year lantern festival (元宵节) in the historic Geneva Carbarn with more than 600 RSVPs and, in April, a Qingming kite-flying event in McLaren Park to cherish our ancestors.

Our district also has thriving Filipino and Pacific Islander communities and businesses, and I’m stoked about Chow Fun, an Asian restaurant tour through Excelsior and OMI led by Filipino American leader Al Perez — hope you’ll join us for the kickoff this Saturday, May 25, at 11 a.m.!

Language access is critical … Read more. 

Roger Marenco

We will reach out to the Asian community by establishing a monthly or quarterly community newsletter that speaks to them in their native language so that they can relate to current events in a faster manner. 

We will assure the Asian community that crimes against Asians will not be tolerated and that criminals will be prosecuted. 

We will endeavor to host monthly community meetings in District 11 at Asian venues with translators so that everyone can feel welcome. We will encourage them to get involved by volunteering their time to help us fight for District 11 empowerment. 

Roger Marenco

I'm supporting whoever will treat students like students, workers like workers and criminals like criminals. 

I'm supporting whoever is running as a third-party candidate because Democrats and Republicans have proven that their neverending bickering will not allow us to move forward. 

This two-party system is crippling and limiting our potential. It's time to establish a new political party of New Ideas, so that we can finally fix old problems. New Ideas that focus on protecting our families, not criminals; supporting workers, not criminals; helping students, not criminals; providing assistance for children, elderly and people with disabilities, not criminals. 

Jose Morales

I have ruled out voting for Mayor London Breed, Aaron Peskin, or Ahsha Safaí. 

My attention is now on Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell. 

I appreciate Farrell's stance on replacing police chief Bill Scott and his proposal for tax exemptions for small businesses. 

On the other hand, Lurie's dedication to accountability and anti-corruption measures is appealing. We need to do a better job holding ourselves accountable and making sure we aren’t wasting taxpayer money on mediocre services. 

It's too early for me to finalize my decision.

Chyanne Chen

I am still carefully evaluating all the mayoral candidates. 

As I am deeply committed to addressing the long-standing disinvestment in District 11, I will support a candidate who shares my values and is dedicated to uplifting this part of the city. 

It's crucial for me to see a candidate with a clear and actionable plan for investing in our communities, improving public services, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all residents in District 11.

Adlah Chisti

I'm open to collaborating with any of the mayoral candidates who align with revitalizing the city for our children, seniors, parents, immigrants and working class. 

It's crucial to grow San Francisco's vibrancy for residents, newcomers and visitors alike, especially given our current challenges. I've also run multiple successful campaigns including current Supervisor Myrna Melgar and understand that candidates need to run campaigns that incorporate collaboration amongst different elected. 

And the voters of District 11, like myself, care about community ties to the district and ensuring we have a say in the decision making process. Rank choice voting, so for me:

1. London Breed — experience 
2. Aaron Peskin — experience 
3. Ahsha Safaí —  resources to District 11 
4. Mark Farrell — experience
5. Daniel Lurie — San Franciscan 

Ernest “EJ” Jones

I have the unique situation of working for one of the mayoral candidates. 

I worked for Supervisor Ahsha Safaí as a legislative aide. He listened to the community and added me to his staff.

While I am prepared to collaborate and work with everyone — I support him.  

Michael Lai

I will be heads down focused on District 11 between now and November, and will vote for the mayor that can best deliver for the district and our top issues of public safety, childcare and good schools, and affordability. As a newly elected member of the SF DCCC, I will vote for mayoral endorsements in the summer.

Note: As mentioned above, Lai said Thursday that he prefers anyone but Peskin. 

Michael Lai

Revitalizing our merchant corridors (Mission Street, Ocean Avenue and Geneva Street) is a top priority. We must increase cleanliness and safety, add foot traffic and cut costs for businesses.

Having talked to dozens of small businesses on the corridors, from long-time businesses like Baby’s Eatery and New Royal Bakery on Mission Street to new ones like Fate Tea House on Ocean Avenue, I keep hearing over and over again that foot traffic is sadly down sometimes more than 50 percent from before the pandemic, while costs are up (PG&E.) As a former business owner who ran more than 30 schools the past five years during the pandemic, I can empathize!... read more here

Roger Marenco

Allocate more funds for business growth, so that small businesses can apply for loans and grants.

Create monthly community meetings at local shops, so that residents can discuss District 11 issues with their local Supervisor while they enjoy a cup of coffee and some snacks.

Clean the streets from human feces, crime and filth, so that people can feel safe and clean to go out and shop at local businesses.

Sanitize the buses so that we can increase ridership on our public transportation system so that the passengers can feel safe and encouraged to use the buses and shop locally. 

Jose Morales

We'll initiate a robust recovery plan by strategically setting up business development hubs across the city.

These hubs will serve as centralized resource centers, providing comprehensive support for both existing business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. They will offer access to a wide range of services, including information on grants and funding, business education classes, tax assistance, and guidance in developing business plans. Additionally, these hubs will feature retail and kitchen spaces, allowing entrepreneurs to pilot their ideas. They will also organize community events to engage the local population and shine a spotlight on our vibrant local businesses.

Chyanne Chen

I will establish a District 11 small business task force to put forward recommendations for changes that could include more help navigating licensing, lowering or eliminating fees or creating special events to bolster foot traffic and public space activation. 

We also need to expand foot patrols, street crisis response teams and community ambassadors to make sure we’re working to make our commercial corridors safer and inviting for small businesses and customers alike. 

Finally, I will forge partnerships with District 7 to strengthen initiatives on Ocean Avenue, including more patrols, better lighting and clean sidewalks.

Adlah Chisti

The main takeaway is that the vacancy tax is not working and has become a burden on those who are actively trying to rent their storefront. And we need to reevaluate it. And without adequate funding or investment to some of these empty storefronts we may not see the change. We need to: 

• Expand the vacant to vibrant grant program for pop-ups to district-level corridors, not just downtown. 
• Continue the first year free program which waives the cost of initial registration fees, initial license fee. And I know this because I personally have attended Excelsior Action Group (EAG) meetings… read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

In order to boost business viability we have to first provide safe and clean environments for businesses to thrive in. We must work first to remove the graffiti and trash from our streets and storefronts. We must also stabilize the existing businesses who have anchored our spaces. Portions of this can be achieved through dedicated marketing campaigns for Excelsior and Ocean businesses.

We must highlight the spirit of our district by hosting cultural events and markets to attract people from outside of our neighborhood to our corridors. By partnering with the Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre and the Cow Palace we can capture attendees after events to increase the nighttime vibrancy.

Ernest “EJ” Jones

The majority of my donations came from friends, neighbors and family. It’s a humbling experience, because many are making sacrifices to support a candidate they believe in. We did a good job of creating gatherings where people could hear the story of the campaign and also give to the cause. Additionally, we qualified for public financing, which contributed and will contribute matching funds. 

The money that has been spent thus far has been used to create and print outreach materials like flyers, signs and the website. We pay for compliance/consultant services to make sure that the finances are properly recorded and vetted for any issues. 

Michael Lai

I just launched my campaign April 13, and am raising money from friends, neighbors, and supporters from my recent Democratic County Central Committee race, and organized labor. So far I’ve raised more than $50K, and spent very little, including on some nice window signs.

Roger Marenco

Unfortunately, I have not been able to raise any campaign funds.

Jose Morales

My campaign financing is clear-cut and uncomplicated. To date, our spending remains below $200, primarily allocated to website hosting and flyer printing at Office Depot, funded from my personal income. 

I firmly stand by the belief that votes cannot be bought, and I am confident in my ability to secure victory without being the top fundraiser. My constituents recognize me as the leader our community needs and deserves.

Chyanne Chen

We are a grassroots campaign and our donations have come from longtime community members, small business owners and everyday workers who share my belief that we need to lift up working families, which are the backbone of District 11. 

We have focused our spending to date on creating our campaign infrastructure and on voter contact.

Adlah Chisti

I am a completely grassroots campaign, and have spent it on flyers in English, Spanish and Chinese. I have window signs as well.

Adlah Chisti

Public safety is a basic necessity for children, families, seniors and women. 

Proposition E was poorly written. The pandemic led to less patrols and visibility due to low staffing at SFPD and support measures to hire staff. 

My public-safety plan will include increased visibility of officers through foot and bike patrol. I support measures that allow officers to be in the community and to build relationships. The ambassador program and community policing is vital for safety. We should know our neighbors. 

What we don’t know is if surveillance and drone technology will be in lieu of more officers ... read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

I voted no on Proposition E in the March Election. In my opinion, Prop. E tackled three issues: Government surveillance, police pursuit and police accountability. 

I support the use of technology, and I support the use of drones. However, it is important that there is a community process when new technology is proposed. 

Police pursuits are inherently dangerous. Our officers use their experience and judgment to make decisions around chases. I have a trust for our department. However, I believe the laws that were on the books were sufficient and aligned with national standards.

Police accountability is essential to building... read more here

Michael Lai

I voted yes on Proposition E to increase police effectiveness, and gave speeches to support it in democratic clubs around the city.

Public safety is the No. 1 priority for District 11 residents. At a time when SFPD is short of about 486 officers (23% of sworn officers) and enforcement is down, officers need to do more with less while staying accountable. I heard from police officers that some beat cops spend 40% of their time on administrative paperwork, instead of doing their job, and they are unable to use technology that other Bay Area police departments allow to fight crime. This lowers officer ...read more here

Roger Marenco

Yes on E, because police should have more rights than criminals. 

My birthplace of El Salvador is the epitome of what happens when you treat criminals like criminals. El Salvador went from being the most dangerous country in the western hemisphere to the safest, because it started treating criminals like criminals. 

The best element of Prop. E is that it gives police more tools to do their job. 

The worst element of Prop. E is that it doesn't restore all the tools necessary for the police to do their job. Let's protect the police, so they can protect us from criminals.

Chyanne Chen

Public safety is one of my top priorities, but I had serious concerns that elements of Prop. E would not make us safer. 

In particular, I worry that weakening the car-chase policy could lead to more accidents, and more fatal accidents. 41 percent of cases initiated between 2018 and 2021 resulted in collisions and a number of those caused injuries to innocent bystanders. The SFPD has also stated that we did not need to change our car-chase policy. 

While I’m open to measures to reduce paperwork, all in all, the possibility of serious accidents and injuries in the ...read more here

Chyanne Chen

District 11, one of the most diverse districts in SF, is home to longtime multigenerational residents who’ve been the mainstay of our community. 

My vision is a community where residents forge strong, collaborative ties. Together we can accomplish this by creating community hubs and ensuring services are available to everyone. 

We need to foster commercial revitalization, and improve the safety and functionality of our public infrastructure. 

My vision for District 11 is a community that is even more inclusive, and to foster a thriving neighborhood that truly reflects the values and needs of all its residents.

Adlah Chisti

I love Beep's burger. I was at Sunnyside Elementary, Aptos Middle school and then Lick-Wilmerding H.S. and we used to go there after school. 

A drive-in movie theater space. 

A bike path that connects Holloway Avenue through CCSF and one down through Geneva. Alternative and frequent modes of transportation for our seniors. 

A plaza at Persia Triangle. 

A beautiful D11 night with colorful lights and with food trucks and carnival style rides on Granada Avenue between Ocean and Holloway for children and families. 

Shared schoolyard spaces for weekend farmers market in the OMI and Excelsior. 

Retail and property crime would be low... read more here

Ernest “EJ” Jones

District 11’s potential is limitless, due to the intersection of culture, history and opportunity. I hear frequently from neighbors that they wish our district would embrace and honor more large-scale cultural experiences with festivals, night markets and entertainment. 

The potential to support vibrancy in our existing small businesses and attract new and exciting businesses of all varieties to our corridors is made real through community planning and collaboration. 

There is potential to add a new library in the district, and additional units of workforce housing along those corridors which, in turn, increases foot traffic, excitement and helps with safety.

Roger Marenco

The potential that I see in District 11 is with the voters. 

I see potential in educating our voters so that they can finally start dismantling this two-party system by voting into office non-politically affiliated representatives. 

If the voters decide to elect representatives who are not democrats or republicans, then this is the beginning of a social, conceptual paradigm shift, which symbolizes that voters are now thinking outside the box of this two-party political system. 

New times call for new measures, and real-life problems need real-life solutions. Let's use our potential to change the game.

Roger Marenco

First, we need to eliminate the red tape in City Hall, which hinders low-income affordable housing from being built. 

Second, we need to locate all of the vacant lots, abandoned buildings and empty spaces, so that we can start building housing. 

Third, we need to compel the owners of these sites with either incentives or citations. Incentives like subsidies, financial assistance, or revenue generating opportunities. If incentives are ineffective, then we use citations, fines, and fees against the owners for creating "wasted space" during a time where there is a critical need to build low-income and affordable housing.

Chyanne Chen

Worker Organizer, Community Facilitator & Educator

I advocated for Prop. A to boost affordable housing in San Francisco. 

District 11 needs housing for low to moderate income families, so that we can keep teachers, nurses, firefighters and other essential workers in the city. 

Mid-rise buildings in commercial corridors will bring increased foot traffic to support our local businesses. 

Despite District 11's high home-ownership rate and diversity, we face challenges with limited large development sites. 

My goal is to identify these opportunities, collaborate with landowners to address development barriers, streamline the review process, and ensure that our district remains affordable, welcoming and inclusive. 

Adlah Chisti

Housing is a human right, and we need it quickly. The Board of Supervisors needs to legislate to:

• Cut the red tape and streamline the permitting process. 
• Support reform for CEQA housing and zoning policies.
• Increase ADUs and in-law units. 
• Support appropriate height, density and affordability along neighborhood commercial districts and major transit.

I know this first-hand as a former environmental planner for Caltrans. 

Prioritizing affordable workforce housing for our teachers, nurses, veterans, and firefighters, and prioritizing housing opportunities for our seniors, children and families is a must. 

Both Ventana and Kapuso in District 11 show common sense, good policy... read more here 

Ernest “EJ” Jones

San Francisco needs to build 42,000 affordable housing units by 2030, and 82,000 total housing units by 2031. Addressing the housing crisis requires collective action from us all, particularly in District 11. As Supervisor, my plans include:

• Promoting higher density along transit and commercial areas.
• Increasing funding and tax incentives for a range of housing, from deeply affordable, middle income, worker, and market rate housing.
• Advancing existing community mapping to pinpoint potential sites prime for affordable housing.
• Encouraging office to residential conversions through tax abatement, which reduces project startup costs.

These strategies are vital for expanding San Francisco's housing production.

Ernest “EJ” Jones

Creating safe communities for ALL is a priority. 

First, this means that we fully staff all public safety departments (SFPD, SFFD, sheriff, 911 operators, paramedics and mental health professionals). 

For law enforcement, this means increased presence outside of vehicles and inside of our communities.

A renewed focus on public transportation safety is critical along with creating dedicated spaces to evaluate mental health. 

We will activate corridors with community-lead programming to put additional eyes and ears on our streets while focusing on the cleanliness of those spaces. 

Thoughtful investments into traffic calming to make walking, driving and biking our neighborhoods safer is a must.

Roger Marenco

We need to start by understanding that criminals need to be punished, not coddled. 

Everyone is tired of seeing the same criminals committing the same crimes. We will work on reforming Proposition 47 so that we can put criminals in jail. 

We will work on legislation to defund drug dealers, homeless vagrants and criminals so that we can re-fund our emergency response services. 

Due to insane policies that protect criminals, we now live in a society that locks up the Cheetos and sets the criminals free. The time has come to free the cheetos and lock up the criminals.

Chyanne Chen

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our community is paramount, and it demands a multifaceted approach. 

Addressing the vacancies among our city’s first responders, including law enforcement, 911 dispatchers and paramedics, is crucial for swift, effective emergency responses. 

Simultaneously, building resilient communities where residents are informed of available crisis resources, collaborate with law enforcement and actively participate in safety measures is essential. 

Additionally, we must invest in crime-reduction and -prevention programs through public education, youth recreation, and job training to provide young people with stronger opportunities. 

By tackling these issues collectively, we can create a safer, healthier environment for all community members.

Adlah Chisti

My perspective is a unique one. 

To begin with, I am a POST certified and former public-safety dispatcher. At the same time, I am a parent, and a caregiver to seniors. 

Public safety, as such, is a basic necessity for families, children and seniors to feel safe. Post pandemic, I support measures to staff SF City police at 2100.

I support a comprehensive public safety plan that would:

• Increase foot and bike patrols, visibility is cost efficient and vital to prevent crime.
• Include strategies increasing recruitment and retention incentives for officers.
• Continue expansion of ambassador programs and community policing...read more here

Adlah Chisti

Yes but have greatly improved since and we should continue to:

1. Expedite street design with bulb-outs, installing bollards at high-risk intersections and bus stops, and concrete dividers.
2. Create a comprehensive alternative transportation plan for District 11 that includes bike paths, transit upgrades, alternative modes of transit and pedestrian safety measures for our seniors, for our children and families in congested areas.
3. Support speed reduction by installing speed cameras including Alemany Boulevard, Geneva and Ocean Avenues. 
4. Enforce moving violations. The pandemic caused staffing shortage at the SFPD and decreased moving violation enforcements. However, our police officers in District 11 ... read more here

Ernest "EJ" Jones

Despite the tragedy witnessed at West Portal, I do not believe Vision Zero has failed. 

The vision for zero traffic deaths should be the target for the City. The vision should continue to be updated with longitudinal data and should immediately conduct assessments of bus stops in high traffic areas. Additions of bollards/barriers at these densely located stops could be an immediate solution for what we witnessed while we implement safety measures -  like protected bike lanes for bikers and shorter crossing distances for pedestrians throughout the city. 

Within the District, traffic calming along Alemany Boulevard, Randolph Street and San Jose Avenue should be a priority for traffic safety. 

Roger Marenco

"Vision Zero" has failed on many different levels. 

Vision Zero is a political ruse which utilizes our money to enact policies that make life more difficult for the average person. Vision Zero destroyed Mission Street, Potrero Avenue, Valencia Street, Van Ness Avenue, Market Street...etc. Vision Zero does not provide clean buses or safe streets. Vision Zero has accomplished the following:

• Destroyed our streets

• Eliminated parking spaces

• Infuriated merchants

• Diminished safety

• Created unnecessary bike lanes

• Increased parking fees

• Angered residents

Let's bring back safety by eliminating Vision Zero and replacing it with "Vision Hero".

Zero accomplishes nothing.

Hero accomplishes everything.

Chyanne Chen

The City is falling short of its goals and still has a long way to go to truly achieve what Vision Zero set out to do. 

Working together to achieve the goals of Vision Zero SF requires urgent action from the SFMTA in conjunction with strong leadership from the Mayor and Board of Supervisors to expedite the installation of proven safety measures and more consistent enforcement of traffic laws to prevent future tragedies on our streets. The approach needs to be multi-faceted and transformative - traffic calming measures, safe pedestrian and biking infrastructure, protected bus lanes, traffic bulb outs.

Chyanne Chen

I voted for Proposition A, B, D and G. 

We need affordable housing, and investing in police staff will help make the city safer. Strong ethics laws to combat impropriety by officials is key to a strong democracy. I also believe that providing a quality education, particularly in STEM, is important to prepare our kids for the future. 

While I supported parts of C, E, and F, I voted no, as I had serious concerns. 

Proposition C will not create the affordable housing our families need, and a potential loss of tax revenue. SFPD made clear current chase policies are effective … Read more.

Adlah Chisti

Like most voters, I said:

A: Yes to affordable housing.

C: Fiscally responsible tools are necessary to revitalize downtown. We have too many office spaces and we should diversify our industries.

D: Yes to ethics.

G: Anything for the kids. We have more pressing issues, like school budget cuts to staff and teachers. Let’s work together so that our kids continue to have a comprehensive education.

Ernest “EJ” Jones

A. Yes. More affordable housing!

B.  Yes. I support a fully staffed police force, but it should not be at the expense of other safety positions, like the 911 operators who receive the initial call. 

C. Yes. We need to speed up the recovery of downtown. Accelerating office to residential conversions allows for more foot traffic and vibrancy in vacant spaces. 

D. Yes. With recent news of corruption, we must accept revised policies that protect the integrity of our government. 

E. No. I support smart policing strategies, including the use of technology, to solve crime. I’m supportive of officers having … Read more.

Roger Marenco

A = YES, because we need to provide affordable housing for families, not “safe-houses” for criminals. 

B = NO, because we should help the police, not hinder the police. 

C = NO, because rich people do not need more tax exemptions; blue-collar workers need tax exemptions.

D = YES, because politicians operate with too much impunity, and they need to be held accountable.

E = YES, because police should have more rights than criminals. 

F = YES, because your tax dollars should not be going into the hands of drug users, homeless vagrants, or criminals.

G = YES because learning algebra early is helpful.

Chyanne Chen

My priority has always been the success of our communities and the well-being of all residents. I’ll support a candidate deeply committed to addressing our pressing issues like the safety of our neighborhoods and the lack of affordable housing. They must champion revitalizing our local economy and small businesses, and foster good job creation and support for our elders, children, and youth. 

District 11 has been my home for 24 years, and it’s too often been neglected by City Hall. We need a leader who acknowledges and actively supports our district and a thriving and secure San Francisco.

Adlah Chisti

I am committed to working collaboratively with any of the mayoral candidates. 

While the mayor oversees city operations for San Franciscans, it is the role of the Board of Supervisors to draft legislation. We need efficient city governance with clear and concise legislation and streamlined processes to effect change quickly. Achieving results on critical issues such as child care, senior care, affordable housing, public safety, and supporting small businesses requires building relationships and cooperation. 

The reality is that the only way we are going to solve the city’s problems is by working together. That means finding common ground even though we may disagree. 

Ernest “EJ” Jones

I’m concentrating on the District 11 race, and that is where I will put my energy. It’s very early, and I’m interested to see the entire field of candidates with their platforms. It’s no secret that Ahsha Safaí shared his experience with me, and we worked well together. 

Like most San Francisco voters, I will vote for the candidate that has a comprehensive plan to prioritize public safety, housing for families and the revitalization of our economy. The candidate must work collaboratively with the entire board to solve San Francisco’s problems in order to earn my vote.

Roger Marenco

I’m supporting whoever will treat students like students, workers like workers and criminals like criminals. I’m supporting whoever is running as a third-party candidate, because Democrats and Republicans have proven that their neverending bickering will not allow us to move forward. 

This two-party system is crippling and limiting our potential. It’s time to establish a new political party of new ideas so that we can finally fix old problems. New ideas that focus on protecting our families, not criminals; supporting workers, not criminals; helping students, not criminals; providing assistance for children, elderly and people with disabilities, not criminals. 

Chyanne Chen

I’m an immigrant, a community organizer and a parent. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the challenges facing District 11 residents. 

I’ve had to navigate language barriers, the public-education system and caregiving for my elderly parents. I have struggled with reliable transit and affordable childcare. Immigrant communities and working parents need much more support.  

My work with broad coalitions has centered around everyday San Franciscans gaining access to resources and a seat at the table. My life experience has equipped me with the insights and empathy necessary to serve as a supervisor.

Adlah Chisti

I have a Masters in Education from University of San Francisco, Masters of Public Policy from Georgetown University, and a Juris Doctor from University of California San Francisco Law (formerly Hastings), and have worked as an emergency dispatcher, environmental planner for Caltrans, a teacher at James Lick Middle School, and an educator at the Aim High program for 10 years.

I understand firsthand the challenges faced by families in our district. Born, raised and educated in District 11, I live in a multigenerational home with my two-year-old daughter and my elderly parents as their part time in-home support services worker. My life is … read more here 

Ernest “EJ” Jones

I am a lifelong resident of District 11, raised by a MUNI driver and a San Francisco Unified School District educator. I’m rooted in the values of working families and deeply understand the needs of this community. 

I have experience working on Affordable Housing Projects and land-use policy as a former Housing Director. 

I led operation of the OMI-COVID testing hub during the pandemic for this very community, supporting our senior and vulnerable populations. 

As a former legislative aide, I have a fundamental understanding of how to navigate City Hall on day one. Collectively, my lived and professional experiences make me the best choice for Supervisor.

Roger Marenco

I’m a MUNI Transit Operator, community organizer and a pragmatist. As the former President of Local 250A, I negotiated the two best contracts for MUNI Operators. After I unveiled theft and corruption in Local 250A, I was able to grow our bank account from negative $80,000, to positive $600,000 within three years. 

These life experiences will help me unveil the corruption and red tape inside City Hall, which hinders us from moving forward. Let’s cut the BS, the red tape and the corruption, so that we can take action against crime and corruption, so that we can protect our families.

Chyanne Chen

My foremost goal is to improve the quality of life in our district, emphasizing safety, vibrancy, and inclusivity. 

My plan revolves around creating stable environments for our children and seniors, bolstering local businesses, and ensuring reliable public transit. I aim to bridge community divides through cross-racial solidarity and collaborative action. Tackling pedestrian safety and advocating for improved public amenities like recreation centers, parks and libraries, are key priorities. 

As an immigrant mother with two decades of neighborhood involvement, I'm committed to uniting and empowering our community, leveraging my extensive organizing experience to build a safe and accessible neighborhood for all.

Adlah Chisti

Ensuring livability is essential for families, children, and seniors, and prioritizing their safety is paramount. Quality, affordable childcare and access to early childhood education contribute to the economic stability and safety of the community.

To address safety concerns, we need to expand community policing and the police ambassador program to continue working with District 11 businesses, families, seniors, nonprofits and neighborhood associations. We need a comprehensive approach for our District that provides quality services while effectively addressing crime, behavioral and mental health issues. By implementing these measures, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone in our community.

Ernest “EJ” Jones

Public safety and its connection to economic vitality is the consistent issue neighbors are talking about throughout my District. Families and business owners alike want to see a decrease in business vandalism, car break-ins and robberies. Crimes like these harm our commercial corridors and leave residents feeling unsafe and unprotected. 

I plan to create a District 11 safety plan that holistically approaches safety issues using the coordination of neighborhood activations, community-oriented policing, and investments in mental health and wellness programs. Within 100 days in office, I will publish the District 11 safety plan based on my conversations with community groups, residents and merchants.

Roger Marenco

Public safety is our most important issue. Backwards-thinking politicians believe that giving more never-ending second chances and more of our tax dollars to the homeless, to drug users and to criminals, will reduce crime. This backwards thinking insanity is the reason why vagrants are allowed to defecate anywhere on the streets, why people are allowed to use drugs in public spaces and why criminals are given neverending second-chances. 

Let's stop protecting criminals and let's start protecting our families. We need to re-appropriate our tax dollars, so that we can fund the real programs, which will protect our families.