Welcome back to our weekly “Meet the Candidates” series, in which District 1 supervisorial candidates who have filed to run respond to a question in 100 words or fewer.
Answers are published each week, but we are also archiving each answer on this page for District 1, to make it easier for voters to browse.
Next week, I will be at Cinderella Bakery at 436 Balboa St. at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Drop by and share your thoughts, or reach me at junyao@missionlocal.com.
It is not rare to spot coyotes in Golden Gate Park. Recently, neighbors also reported seeing coyotes walking down Lake Street, and near 26th and Clement streets. Earlier in June, a five-year old girl was bitten by a coyote at the Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park.
District 1 is surrounded by urban green spaces, including Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. So we asked the candidates this week: Neighbors report more sightings of coyotes around the neighborhood and parents and dog owners are concerned. Tell me about your thoughts and how we can live in harmony with wildlife in our neighborhood.
Sherman D’Silva
- Job: Owner of a laundromat on Geary Boulevard
- Age: 51
- Residency: Homeowner, living in District 1 since 1973
- Transportation: Driving
- Education: Bachelor’s degrees from San Francisco State University
- Languages: English
Coyotes are part of the natural wildlife that exists in the parks we all enjoy and that are a part of our neighborhood. Coyotes help maintain the balance of other wild animals, like rodents and raccoons, in the Presidio, Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
That being said, there have been numerous encounters that are concerning, especially the recent occurrence at the Botanical Garden. Other than making the public aware of how to handle coyote encounters, the only other option would be to euthanize coyotes that enter certain areas that are frequented by dogs and children.
Jen Nossokoff
- Job: Vice president of a healthcare company and physician assistant
- Age: 38
- Residency: Homeowner, living in District 1 since 2020
- Transportation: Walking, biking, public transportation, driving
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and master’s degree from Samuel Merritt University
- Languages: English
I understand the concerns many of us share about the recent increase in coyote sightings around our neighborhood. Having a small dog, a 17-pound chiweenie named Rocky Balboa who has been part of our family since we rescued him nine years ago, I feel this issue on a personal level. I also have a 1 1/2-year-old child who spends a considerable amount of time in Golden Gate Park, and their safety is always on my mind.
The conversation about coyotes in San Francisco, especially in areas like Golden Gate Park, has been gaining attention. Coyotes are a natural part … read more here
Endorsed by: Everytown For Gun Safety, San Francisco League of Conservation Voters, San Francisco Women’s Political Committee (#2), Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate
Marjan Philhour
- Job: Business owner, former advisor and fundraiser to London Breed
- Age: 50
- Residency: Homeowner, born in District 1 and moved back in 2006
- Transportation: Biking, walking, driving and public transportation
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley
- Languages: English
We have three elderly dogs in our family, and we have had our own encounters while out with them in Golden Gate Park. It can be stressful for all parties. As time has passed, coyotes have become more a natural part of our urban ecosystem, and coexistence with them — as well as protection of our canine companions — can be achieved through some practical steps. We must employ a balanced approach between wildlife protection and public safety. This means coordinating with Rec and Park, Animal Care and Control, and other related departments. We must also strive to:
- Stay vigilant and educated: … read more here
Endorsed by: San Francisco Democratic Party, TogetherSF, San Francisco Police Officers Association … read more here
Jeremiah Boehner
- Job: Marketing specialist and U.S. Army veteran
- Age: 39
- Residency: Tenant, living in District 1 since 2006
- Transportation: Driving
- Education: University of San Francisco
- Languages: English
I would try to work with wildlife experts to relocate the coyotes to a more suitable habitat.
Endorsed by: San Francisco Republican Party
Connie Chan
- Job: Incumbent District 1 Supervisor
- Age: 45
- Residency: Homeowner, living in District 1 since 2011
- Transportation: Driving and walking
- Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of California, Davis
- Languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin
It is concerning that people and their animals have been attacked by coyotes in San Francisco. We must renew our efforts to outreach and educate about how to live with wildlife like coyotes in our urban environment.
For more than a decade, city departments such as Rec and Park and Animal Care and Control have partnered with Project Coyote, an organization founded to educate local governments on how to coexist with coyotes, especially in urban environments like San Francisco. We must keep up with this partnership and our efforts of outreach and education to our residents and visitors so we … read more here
Endorsed by: Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798, San Francisco Labor Council, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, Local 21, Service Employees International Union 1021 … read more here
Money raised by District 1 candidates
Candidates are ordered alphabetically and rotated each week. Answers may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have questions for the candidates, please let us know at junyao@missionlocal.com.
Read the rest of the series here. Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
Another really not important issue to Richmond residents…
(Just because you put it in your name doesn’t mean you speak for all residents.)
Most people I talk to love coyotes and natural wildlife in our city. I think that’s represented in the district also, but I don’t speak for everyone.