Between February 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 his seat to lead District 3, which includes North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, the Financial District, Russian Hill and Nob Hill.
Weeks ago, some of you mentioned creating a mini-park or central public space for the Lower Nob Hill neighborhood. I’ve heard similar wishes from local residents there: There’s a lack of park space in the area, and they want a park.
Question this week: Do you support building a park in Lower Nob Hill? Why or why not? As a supervisor, how would you create a park space in the Lower Nob Hill area?
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
I support Lower Nob Hill and Lower Polk’s efforts to acquire, build and maintain a new park in the neighborhood. For years, efforts fell on deaf ears at the Recreation and Parks Department but, thanks to the hard work of Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin listening to community organizations like the Lower Polk Community Benefit District, Lower Nob Hill Neighborhood Alliance, and the Lower Polk Neighbors, the department is now committed to making this happen and a site has been identified. As Supervisor, I will continue these efforts to bring this project across the finish line.
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
Yes, I support building a park in Lower Nob Hill. The neighborhood is one of the densest, and currently has very little, if any, open recreational space.
As supervisor, I would work with the neighborhood community and our City departments, including Recreation and Parks, Real Estate and the mayor’s office to identify sites and conduct a community planning process. I would create and lead the funding path to ensure that the capital as well as operations are funded.
The above is likely to be a lengthy process. Short-term, I would identify vacant and underutilized lots to be activated near-term.
Endorsed by: Community Tenants Association, Teamsters Joint Council 7, 7 of the current Board of Supervisors … read more here
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)
I fully support building a central public space/park in Lower Nob Hill. As Supervisor, I would engage the community through public meetings and surveys. As an urban designer, I can already identify and envision various exciting options. As an entrepreneur and financier, I know how to cobble together funding from various sources. Plus, learning from my neighbors, expert area residents, I would ensure the space is planted fully with native species, especially those that can feed animals or people. Together we can create a vibrant, sustainable park that enhances the quality of life and encapsulates the identity of Lower … read more here
Danny Sauter
- Job: Executive Director, Neighborhood Centers Together
- Age: 36
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since 2014
- Transportation: Public transportation
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Miami University
- Languages: English, Cantonese
Yes, I have been advocating for a new park in the Lower Nob Hill neighborhood for the past 4 years. Lower Nob Hill is one of the densest parts of San Francisco and it deserves open space like every other neighborhood.
As Supervisor, I will bring together the city’s Real Estate Division, Rec & Parks Department, and other partners including neighbors and prospective donors to identify, acquire, and open a new park for the Lower Nob Hill neighborhood. Neighbors deserve this, and it’s my commitment to deliver it.
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
As the next District 3 supervisor, I will create spaces that address residents’ needs and foster community. We will build modular parklets in parking spaces, sacrificing a few parking spots to provide much-needed green areas for recreation and relaxation. This will benefit the entire community and increase police presence, fulfilling a long-standing neighborhood request.
I will collaborate with local businesses and organizations to secure funding and support. Integrating community policing within the park will enhance safety and strengthen neighborhood ties, ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for all.
Wendy Ha Chau
- Job: Attorney
- Age: 44
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since 2009
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: Juris doctor degree from John F. Kennedy University
- Languages: English
No. The TenderNob has plenty of parks in the Tenderloin, with Urban Alchemy staff providing security. We love our neighbors.
The focus of the TenderNob should be to build up the small businesses. These small businesses should be world famous tourist attractions like any other neighborhood in District 3. By giving $800K to each small business or to start new businesses, we’ll have the opportunity to have more Michelin-star restaurants, like Liholiho Yacht Club, the Hawaiian restaurant on Sutter.
We can work with the Academy of Arts and SF Art Institute to provide spaces for the students to … 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.
