Between now and the November election, Mission Local is asking each District 3 candidate one question per week, and candidates will get 100 words to respond. We will compile all responses to the 40-odd questions on a “Meet the candidates” page, so that voters can get a full picture of their stances.
Because Supervisor Aaron Peskin terms out next January, six candidates have filed to run for the seat to lead District 3, which includes North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, the Financial District, Russian Hill and Nob Hill.
Question this week: What makes you love D3? And when did you begin living in D3?
Matthew Susk
Former lead with Divvy Homes
District 3 represents urban living at its best. It’s where the pulse of the city beats the strongest. From the bustling markets of Chinatown to the cozy cafes of North Beach, every street and alleyway has a story to tell.
D3 is a slice of San Francisco where world famous innovation meets world class tradition. We are proud to be home to not only San Francisco’s oldest bar but also the newest startups. The vibrancy, the people, and the sense of belonging make District 3 the best place to live and work.
Moe Jamil
Deputy City Attorney, San Francisco City Attorney’s Office
(1) Diverse historic neighborhoods
District 3 has the oldest and most vibrant Chinatown in the country, the vitality found in North Beach and Polk Street, vistas from Nob, Russian and Telegraph Hills, our amazing waterfront from the Barbary Coast to Fisherman’s Wharf and the beautiful architecture of Lower Nob Hill and Downtown. That’s why I’ve volunteered for numerous neighborhood organizations to help renters and homeowners protect these treasures.
(2) Amazing small and legacy businesses
Walk any part of D3 and you’ll find amazing cafes, bars, restaurants and our critically important neighborhood-serving businesses that represent the true lifeblood of the City.
Sharon Lai
Economic recovery leader at the World Economic Forum, former board member at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
I love the intertwined histories between District 3 and my Chinese ancestry. I feel close to my heritage. Like early immigrants, I have made a life here. It’s dense and convenient, much like Hong Kong, where I’m from. I live next to my kids’ favorite dog park and school. We ride the cable car for groceries, take the bus for appointments, and walk to family dinners in our neighborhood.
It’s a slice of history, the city’s front door, and cultural epicenter. I’m humbled by its beauty and proud to be running to honor its history and shape its inclusive resilient future.
Eduard Navarro
Tech startup founder
- Diverse neighborhoods: From North Beach’s flavors to Chinatown’s vibrancy.
- Living history: Stories embedded into landmarks and the imperial grid.
- Local commerce: Cafés, markets, and eateries enriching the local scene.
- Scenic beauty: Captivating views and hills that inspire.
- Unique sloping streets: Defying engineering and parking.
- Unique ever-changing weather: Dress like an onion for wonderfully cold summers.
- Strong sense of identity: The unique San Franciscan character that binds all of us residents together and makes D3 home.
- And opportunity: I see so much more possible; from street beautification to rekindled fraternity, brightening our city´s ❤️ as beacon & safe-harbor to the world.
JConr B. Ortega
Self-described formerly homeless, leatherman, boxer
What I love about District 3 is we boast the best of what SF has to offer. Most specifically, our district is evenly divided by neighborhood cultures. I love the sharp contrast between the cultural neighborhoods. Walk along Broadway and see the two distinctive Chinese and Italian cultures. Walk down Montgomery and see the two distinctive shopping and financial cultures. Walk Columbus to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Embarcadero, and see the Golden Gate Bridge and Sea Lions in the Bay. Walk up and down Hyde (or ride the cable car) to see the neighborhoods of Russian/Nob Hill. We are iconic.
Danny Sauter
Executive Director, Neighborhood Centers Together
I love District 3 because of the people and the neighborhoods which show the magic that can occur when people live in a walkable, urban setting with schools, parks, small businesses, and dense housing right outside their door. District 3 is where people want to live, want to visit and want to shop, precisely because of this setting. Our neighborhoods, from Chinatown to North Beach, have a storied history and represent the best of San Francisco and the incredible diversity of people who make it the world’s greatest city.
Answers may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have questions for the candidates, please let us know at yujie@missionlocal.com.
Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
