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.
Between now and the November election, Mission Local will ask 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.
Question this week: Do you support the sober living facility that Mayor Breed proposed and shelved? Why or why not?
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)
No, I don’t support a sober living facility in Hotel North Beach. Here’s why:
– Our community was not adequately consulted, a key driver for success.
– The location, within one of our city’s most vibrant nightlife areas, could be counterproductive for individuals in recovery.
– The use does not enhance the strong character of the District 3, vital for tourism and greater spend in local shops and restaurants.
While the intent to aid those in recovery is commendable, we must find a more suitable site that balances support for individuals in recovery with the interests of our vibrant community and its economic drivers.
JConr B. Ortega
- Job: Self-described formerly homeless, leatherman, boxer
The sober hotel project was doomed from the start since the community was not involved, nor is there a plan for treatment itself. In terms of the specific North Beach/Chinatown location, I do not support it. It was poorly designed, planned and executed. We need leadership that will do a better job at involving the community and to have a plan before seizing properties and forcing a community to accept something. I support sober hotels, but not this one specifically.
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
The recent proposal for a site on the edge of Chinatown and North Beach was poorly coordinated, and left more questions than answers. In the days following the announcement, I had countless phone calls and meetings to learn more and try to produce answers for the community. The plan never gained my support and it was quickly canceled.
I believe a sober-living environment is an important model for our city to establish to combat our crises of homelessness and substance abuse. I hope we can find an alternative site and learn from the mistakes made in this particular plan.
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
No, for two reasons.
First, there was no effort to engage the Chinatown community. When I spoke with small business owners and families living near the proposed location, they were shocked to learn of the plan. The Chinatown community deserves to be treated with respect.
Second, the city has not proven it’s capable of operating these facilities effectively. Average success rates are in the 5%-10% range. The city must hold nonprofits accountable for their effectiveness. That will happen under my leadership.
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 mayor’s proposed sober-living facility was yet another example of failed community engagement and outreach to our historic neighborhoods of Chinatown and North Beach. Rather than engage in a true dialogue with residents and merchants regarding the proposal, the mayor attempted to claim victory by holding a press conference to celebrate the announcement of the sober-living facility, leaving local merchants and residents feeling blindsided. As District 3supervisor, I will demand meaningful community engagement and outreach to merchants and residents for any development, shelter, or transit projects prior to holding a press conference. It’s what the community expects and deserves.
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
I support the concept of sober living facilities as a housing option, but in this case, the city failed to conduct community outreach prior to publicly announcing its plans, which made it virtually impossible to address concerns from the Chinatown, Jackson Square and North Beach communities I heard from regarding impacts on their small businesses. We need innovative housing solutions, but that should come with engagement and support from community members. Conducting community outreach prior to announcing a new sober living facility is crucial to build trust, and to ensure transparency and that all voices are heard.
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.
Read the rest of the series here. Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
