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.
Have a question for the candidates? Email me at yujie@missionlocal.com.
Question this week: Do you support changing the zoning in Chinatown to allow for more buildings? If yes, how high would it be and who would the new buildings be for?
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)
Zoning alone is not useful in creating human-scaled, community-responsive urban space. I believe in curating a master plan for Chinatown that enhances its existing architecture and community while identifying or creating opportunities for additional construction. Zoning would then adapt and conform to that master plan. Any proposed height that exceeds the current ceiling must achieve master-plan objectives of community-enhancement and beautification, and thus be carefully evaluated within the broader context of the surrounding neighborhoods and the city. Housing is the cornerstone of a vibrant urban fabric. Providing more housing in Chinatown is positive to consolidate and enrich the community.
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
Chinatown is a vibrant, incredible neighborhood. Any changes within this community must be well thought-out and led by community voices. The current “Chinatown Area Plan” has largely worked to keep Financial District style office towers out of Chinatown and to prioritize open space and support tourism and small businesses while also respecting residential areas.
I am encouraged by the community’s calls for more housing in Chinatown, particularly for Seniors and Families. In particular, I support the plans for 175 new homes and a new banquet hall on Pacific Avenue at the New Asia site.
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
Chinatown’s unique character and historical significance are irreplaceable. As the oldest Chinatown in America, it’s essential to preserve its cultural heritage. Rather than changing the zoning to allow for more buildings, I believe the focus should be on working with residents to enhance the community in ways that respect its history. Any development must be thoughtfully considered to ensure it aligns with the values and needs of those who live there, safeguarding Chinatown’s legacy for future generations.
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 response submitted.]
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
The Chinatown Plan was a historic community driven effort to protect and preserve Chinatown. It should not be disturbed unless there is strong demonstrated support from Chinatown residents, small businesses and family associations. Change is not impossible. The history of the I-Hotel is a useful recent example of how height limits can be narrowly modified to build affordable housing with strong stakeholder support.
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
The existing Chinatown Area Plan’s zoning restrictions were adopted after a community process that was intended to protect Chinatown as a dense residential village, cultural site and tourist destination. These key elements are still relevant today. I support this plan and in general there are other mechanisms to allow for unique project proposals such as a Special Use District for the proposed New Asia site redevelopment efforts for an 100% Affordable Senior Housing project.
I would not support making drastic changes to this plan, however I would be open to considering well thought out adjustments in consultation with the community.
Endorsed by: Community Tenants Association, Teamsters Joint Council 7, 7 of the current Board of Supervisors … read more here
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.
I am not impressed at all by any of these weak-kneed candidates’ responses. They are all terrified by Chinatown’s supposed power brokers. So Chinatown gets special treatment no matter what the greater needs of the City’s people.
No bike lane for special Chinatown. No post addiction housing on Kearney Street next to a popular Chinese restaurant. No large, denser housing unless it is for Chinese seniors and 100% affordable.
Every politician cowers when it comes to Chinatown.
I am pretty sick of it. My neighborhood matters too, but all neighborhoods need to change to accommodate housing, transit, the formerly homeless, etc. Chinatown should not be the exception.