Welcome to the 11th Congressional District's “Meet the Candidates” series. In this series, we ask each candidate to answer one question each week leading up to the election. Answers should be approximately 100 words.
District 11 Supervisor Asha Safai is running for mayor after his term ends, and so far seven candidates have entered the ring to replace him, representing Excelsior, Ocean View and Outer Mission. ing. Read my latest analysis of the race.
This week we ask candidates the following questions: What is the first thing you will do as a supervisor to boost the vitality of local businesses in your district?
Specifically, they will share detailed plans to improve issues such as supporting small businesses, addressing vacant storefronts, promoting walking along corridors like Mission Street and Ocean Avenue, and attracting new businesses to the district. Candidates were encouraged to elaborate.
Note: Next week, I'll be in District 11 for a coffee chat at Excelsior Coffee, 4495 Mission Street, on Wednesday, May 15th at 10am. Please come and visit us.
michael rye
- work: Early Education Director, San Francisco Democratic Party Elected
- Year:31
- residence: Tenant, living in D11 from February 2024
- Transportation facilities: public
- education: AB worked in government at Harvard University and completed his studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
- language: Mandarin
Revitalizing the merchant corridor (Mission, Ocean, Geneva) is a top priority.we have to Increase cleanliness and safety, Add pedestrian trafficand reduce costs for companies.
I've talked to dozens of small businesses down the hallway, from long-established establishments like Baby's Eatery and New Royal Bakery on Mission Street to newer establishments like Fate Tea House on Ocean Avenue. I've heard many times that the number of customers is sadly decreasing. In some cases, costs have increased by more than 50 percent compared to before the pandemic (PG&E). As a former business owner who ran more than 30 schools in the past five years during the pandemic, I can empathize. … read more.
Supporter: Attorney General Rob Bonta, Sen. Scott Wiener, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, and Northern California Carpenters Union Directors Joel Engardio and Matt Dorsey.Read more here
Roger Malenko
- work: Transportation operator
- Year:42
- residence: Tenant, resident in District 11 since May 2014
- Transportation facilities: public
- education: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sustainability and Social Justice from San Francisco State University. City University of San Francisco.
- language: Spanish
allocate more funds We help small and medium-sized businesses apply for loans and grants to help them grow their business.
Create a monthly community meeting Residents can discuss District 11 issues with local supervisors while enjoying coffee and snacks at local businesses.
clean the streets To eliminate human waste, crime, and filth so people can feel safe and clean to go out and shop at local businesses.
disinfect the bus The aim is to increase the number of people using public transport and to allow passengers to use buses and shop locally with confidence.
Jose Morales
- work: Sales professionals, small business owners
- Year:28
- residence: Tennant, born in D11 in 1995, lived there except for college from 2014 to 2017, and will live in Idaho from 2021 to the end of 2022
- Transportation facilities: car
- education: Bachelor's degree in Economics from Sonoma State University
- language: Spanish
Strategically launch a strong recovery plan. Setting up a business development hub all over the city.
These hubs act as centralized resource centers, providing comprehensive support to both existing business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. You'll have access to a wide range of services, including grant and funding information, business education classes, tax assistance, and business planning guidance. In addition, these hubs will have retail and kitchen space, allowing entrepreneurs to test out their ideas. We will also organize community events to engage local residents and spotlight vibrant local businesses.
Xian Chen
- work: Worker Organizer, Community Facilitator, Educator
- Year:39
- residence: Homeowner, landlord, living in D11 since August 2000
- Transportation facilities: Walking, public transportation, carpooling, car
- education: Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Davis, Master's degree from Cornell University, and Doctorate in Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- language:Mandarin, Cantonese
i will do it Establish the D11 Small and Medium Enterprise Task Force Propose recommendations for changes, including assistance with managing licenses, lowering or eliminating fees, or creating special events to increase foot traffic and revitalize public spaces.
we should too Expand foot patrols, street crisis response teams, and community ambassadors Confirm that we are working to make commercial corridors safer and more attractive to both small businesses and customers.
Finally, I do Build partnership with District 7 to strengthen efforts on Ocean AvenueThis includes increased patrols, improved lighting, and cleaner sidewalks.
Approved by: Congressman Phil Ting, former Police Chief Larry Yee, San Francisco School Board Member Jenny Lam, former Superintendent Norman Yee, Sandy Fewer, and Mabel Teng.
Adora Chisti
- work:Public Policy Analyst, Caregiver
- Year:40
- residence: I live with my parents and take care of them. In 1983 she was born in D11 and has lived there ever since. She moved in 2013 and returned in 2017.
- Transportation facilities: public
- education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Environmental Science, Master of Education from USF, Master of Public Policy from Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy, Juris Doctorate from UC LAW SF.
- language: Spanish, Hindi
Adlah Chisti was unable to respond in time for this week's edition of Meet the Candidates.
Ernest “EJ” Jones
- work: Community Advocate
- Year:38
- residence: I have lived in D11 since November 1985 and have always lived here except for university holidays.
To increase the viability of your business, you must first do the following Provide a safe and clean environment We first remove graffiti and trash From our streets and storefronts.we must too Stabilization of existing businesses The people who support our space. Some of this can be achieved through specialized tools. marketing campaign For Excelsior and Ocean Business.
We must emphasize the spirit of the district by Organize and attract cultural events and markets People come into the hallway from outside the neighborhood.by In partnership with Jerry Garcia Amphitheater and Cow Palace Capture attendees after the event and add to the vibrancy of the evening.
Supporter: The supervisors are Sherman Walton and Myrna Melgar, Congressman Matt Haney, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown Jr., and Transportation Workers Union Local 250A.Read more here
Contributing to District 11
Funds Raised and Spent in District 11 Supervisor Election
Source: San Francisco Ethics Commission, as of April 3, 2024. Graph by Junyao Yang.
Candidates are arranged alphabetically but rotated weekly. Answers may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have any questions for candidates, please contact us at: xueer@missionlocal.com.
Read the rest of the District 11 questions hereand the entire “Meet the Candidates” series here.
You can register to vote from. sf.gov website. Series illustrations by Neil Ballard.
Read more Possible answers
