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.
Have a question for the candidates? Meet me on Wednesday, June 26, at 6 p.m. at NOOK, 1500 Hyde St. Email me at yujie@missionlocal.com.
Question this week: As a supervisor, what sort of legislation could you imagine that could better integrate the existing shelters in D3?
Eduard Navarro
- Job: Tech startup founder
- Age: 44
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since December 2021
- Transportation: Walking, public transportation
- Education: CFA Institute: Chartered Financial Analyst, passed level 1. Master’s degree from Columbia University, architecture, concentration in urban design. Master’s degree from Columbia University, real estate development, concentrating in finance. Ecole d’Architecture de La Villette. Bachelor’s degree in architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology.
- Languages: Spanish, French, German, English, Valèncian (Catalan)
It’s crucial to distinguish between those needing institutional care for mental health, addiction, or other ailments, and those facing circumstantial hardship or reintegrating into the community.
For the latter, rather than more legislation for existing shelters, we need robust programs focusing on community engagement, support services, and partnerships with local organizations. Offering job training and creating community advisory boards can foster a supportive environment for shelter residents. These initiatives will bridge the gap between shelters and the community, promoting collaboration to help individuals get back on their feet and become active participants.
Danny Sauter
- Job: Executive Director, Neighborhood Centers Together
- Age: 35
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since 2014
- Transportation: Public transportation
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Miami University
- Languages: English, Cantonese
As supervisor, I will make sure that resources, from shelters to supportive housing, are well-run and are resulting in long-term recovery and stable housing outcomes. I will champion legislation and oversight to prioritize:
Transparency and communication: There must be a commitment to open communication between any service providers and surrounding neighbors. This should involve regular updates, and easy ways for neighbors to share concerns.
Safety & drug-free spaces: There should be zero tolerance for weapons in or around shelters or city-run facilities. Drug-free common-area guidelines must be enforced, and I support state legislation to allow funding of more drug-free facilities.
Endorsed by: Nor Cal Carpenters Union, Senator Scott Wiener, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, Operating Engineers Local 3 … read more here
Matthew Susk
- Job: Former lead with Divvy Homes
- Age: 32
- Residency: TIC owner, first moved to District 3 in 2007. 2007-2009 while in high school, 2014-2016 after college, 2023-present with his wife.
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University, master’s in business from Georgetown University
- Languages: English
Legislation should integrate supportive services like mental health counseling, job training, addiction treatment and abstinence-based solutions within shelter programs. This can be achieved through partnerships with healthcare providers, educational institutions, and businesses.
Additionally, legislation must require measuring success and investing in top performers, instead of continuing to fund low performers. We must make tough decisions if we want better results. By implementing these changes, the most vulnerable San Franciscans will receive the help they need, restoring efficiency and compassion to our shelter system.
Wendy Ha Chau
- Job: Attorney
- Age: 44
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since 2009
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: J.D. from John F. Kennedy University
- Languages: English
There are many types of shelters in District 3, and each shelter requires different solutions. BUT the shelter called the Tay Navigation Center impacts D3 in such a negative way that it needs immediate change.
I would integrate existing laws that regulate Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF), and turn that place into an actual SUD treatment center AND job-education center.
SUD Staff would be licensed nurses (PTs, LVS and CNAs), while job-training staff would come from the California Conservation Corps (which will start the SF Conservation Corps). The ages of the people served will be 18 to 29.
Moe Jamil
- Job: Deputy city attorney, San Francisco City Attorney’s Office
- Age: 46
- Residency: Owner-occupied condo owner, living in District 3 since May 2014
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: University of California, Berkeley, and law school at Santa Clara University, K-12 public school
- Languages: English, Cantonese
As supervisor, I will work with the mayor to ensure all city departments maintain proper oversight of any shelter or supportive housing in our district and across the city. This includes mitigating potential impacts these facilities may have on local residents and small businesses by enforcing community-negotiated Good Neighbor policies.
Just as I have done over the last decade as a District 3 community leader, as supervisor I will bring together coalitions of neighbors, merchant groups, community benefit districts and other stakeholders to ensure these facilities are a net positive program for our neighborhoods.
Endorsed by: San Francisco Tenants Union, Teamsters Joint Council 7, Retired Assistant Police Chief Garrett Tom, Board President Aaron Peskin … read more here
Sharon Lai
- Job: Economic recovery leader at the World Economic Forum, former board member at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
- Age: 41
- Residency: Tenant and owner, living in District 3 since 2023, first moved to SF in 2005
- Transportation: Walk and Muni when solo, drive when with kids
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Berkeley, development studies and city and regional planning; master’s degree in public administration, Harvard Kennedy School
- Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
District 3 has taken on new shelters at 711 Post St. and in Lower Polk. These additions have not been without issue. Clean, safe streets around new projects need to be a given for shelters in District 3.
Currently, our contracts for shelters in San Francisco include good-neighbor policies that lay out expectations. These often fall short, however, and are not always enforced.
Any new shelter needs to start with a community-developed good neighbor policy that incorporates resident feedback. Legislation could do this, but reforming existing contracting policies and engaging with the community would be my first step as supervisor.
Endorsed by: Community Tenants Association, Teamsters Joint Council 7, 7 of the current Board of Supervisors … read more here
Money raised and spent in the District 3 supervisor race
Money spent
Money raised
Sharon Lai
$9,493
$86,241
Danny Sauter
$7,904
$74,566
Moe Jamil
$16,015
$71,672
JConr B. Ortega
$0
Matthew Susk
$0
Eduard Navarro
$0
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
Money raised
Money spent
Sharon Lai
$9,493
$86,241
Danny Sauter
$7,904
$74,566
Moe Jamil
$16,015
$71,672
JConr B. Ortega
$0
Matthew Susk
$0
Eduard Navarro
$0
$0
$50K
$100K
$150K
$200K
Source: San Francisco Ethics Commission, as of April 3, 2024. Chart by Junyao Yang.
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.
