Meet the District 3 candidates: ‘Do you support the sober living facility that Mayor Breed proposed and shelved?’

Eduard Navarro

Tech startup founder

No, I don’t support a sober living facility in Hotel North Beach. Here’s why: 

 – Our community was not adequately consulted, a key driver for success. 

 – The location, within one of our city’s most vibrant nightlife areas, could be counterproductive for individuals in recovery. 

– The use does not enhance the strong character of the District 3, vital for tourism and greater spend in local shops and restaurants. 

While the intent to aid those in recovery is commendable, we must find a more suitable site that balances support for individuals in recovery with the interests of our vibrant community and its economic drivers.

JConr B. Ortega

Self-described formerly homeless, DAD democrat, leatherman, boxer

The sober hotel project was doomed from the start since the community was not involved, nor is there a plan for treatment itself. In terms of the specific North Beach/Chinatown location, I do not support it. It was poorly designed, planned and executed. We need leadership that will do a better job at involving the community and to have a plan before seizing properties and forcing a community to accept something. I support sober hotels, but not this one specifically.

Danny Sauter

Executive Director, Neighborhood Centers Together

The recent proposal for a site on the edge of Chinatown and North Beach was poorly coordinated, and left more questions than answers. In the days following the announcement, I had countless phone calls and meetings to learn more and try to produce answers for the community. The plan never gained my support and it was quickly canceled.

I believe a sober-living environment is an important model for our city to establish to combat our crises of homelessness and substance abuse. I hope we can find an alternative site and learn from the mistakes made in this particular plan.

Matthew Susk

Former lead with Divvy Homes

No, for two reasons.

First, there was no effort to engage the Chinatown community. When I spoke with small business owners and families living near the proposed location, they were shocked to learn of the plan. The Chinatown community deserves to be treated with respect. 

Second, the city has not proven it’s capable of operating these facilities effectively. Average success rates are in the 5%-10% range. The city must hold nonprofits accountable for their effectiveness. That will happen under my leadership.

Moe Jamil

Deputy City Attorney, San Francisco City Attorney’s Office

The mayor’s proposed sober-living facility was yet another example of failed community engagement and outreach to our historic neighborhoods of Chinatown and North Beach. Rather than engage in a true dialogue with residents and merchants regarding the proposal, the mayor attempted to claim victory by holding a press conference to celebrate the announcement of the sober-living facility, leaving local merchants and residents feeling blindsided. As District 3supervisor, I will demand meaningful community engagement and outreach to merchants and residents for any development, shelter, or transit projects prior to holding a press conference. It’s what the community expects and deserves.

Sharon Lai

Economic recovery leader at the World Economic Forum, former board member at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

I support the concept of sober living facilities as a housing option, but in this case, the city failed to conduct community outreach prior to publicly announcing its plans, which made it virtually impossible to address concerns from the Chinatown, Jackson Square and North Beach communities I heard from regarding impacts on their small businesses. We need innovative housing solutions, but that should come with engagement and support from community members. Conducting community outreach prior to announcing a new sober living facility is crucial to build trust, and to ensure transparency and that all voices are heard.