Meet the candidates: San Francisco’s District 9 supervisor race

Julian Bermudez

Establish a drug buy-back program. We can all agree that the number one goal is to get drugs off the streets. My proposal will encourage people to surrender fentanyl or fentanyl-laced drugs for cash. The cash-back value will be higher than the street market price of the drugs turned in. This allows regular residents to take part in the removal of drugs from our streets, with a cash incentive.

I’m a businessman, and I aim to tackle our drug crisis like corporations ruin small businesses. Drug dealers don’t sell because they like selling drugs, but because they like the… Read more

h brown

Voters,

I would move to follow the European model and decriminalize all drugs.

Notice that I did not say “legalize.”

When you decriminalize, you take two of the three worst elements out of the equation.

First, you remove the cops, because nobody’s doing anything illegal here.

Second, you remove the dealers, because there is no profit for them.

Don’t insist on re-inventing the wheel.

Copy Switzerland and Portugal.

Did Prohibition teach us nothing?

Trevor Chandler

In the short term, we must consolidate our numerous crisis-outreach teams under one roof for greater communication and responsiveness to stop overdoses as they happen.

In the medium term, we must shift our strategy from harm reduction only to one that gauges the success of departments and nonprofit partners on how many people they direct into addiction treatment. Bringing someone back from death just to let them die slower is not kind, and it is not progressive.

In the longer term, I have proposed a bold plan at www.trevor4sf.com to make San Francisco a leader in fighting opioid addiction.

Jackie Fielder

Last year’s record number 806 overdose fatalities — disparately impacting Black San Franciscans and growing among Latino San Franciscans — demonstrates a broken status quo. I would call for a declaration of emergency to rapidly coordinate resources and provide true Treatment on Demand.

Portugal put decisions about drug policy into the hands of public health experts, and the result was 100,000 people in recovery. Mobile clinics, medicated assisted therapies (MAT), public education campaigns, street outreach, language access, wellness hubs, more dual diagnosis beds, research, tracking outcomes and, most importantly, staffing up so we can provide treatment 24/7 are all priorities for me.

Jaime Gutierrez

Addiction is a disease of isolation. Harm reduction by itself does not work. It is enabling addicts to isolate themselves. This needs to be rethought with an emphasis on community rather than dying alone.

The city needs detoxes where addicts can safely get sober, make a decision, and then obtain the resources they need to stay sober and recover by any means necessary, including medication or through mental health programs. They can learn to give back. San Francisco has become the place to come to get loaded and die, rather than a place to find a way out and live.

Roberto Hernandez

As a recovering drug addict and alcoholic, I understand firsthand the experience of a user and the time-intensive healing process — in my case, the last 28 years.

We need to improve the overall the health and well-being of people who use drugs by addressing social determinants of health by engaging those people and increasing availability and accessibility of substance abuse services.

A “Whole City” approach to overdose prevention means strengthened community engagement and social support for people at high risk, alternatives to drug use and solutions for deeper, undiagnosed health issues that are part of the city’s mental health crisis.

Michael Petrelis

We need to open storefront drug consumption sites along with using an RV for users to safely inject or inhale substances, with trained staff present to assist in the event of bad reaction or overdose.

Homeless users have no indoor location where they can be off the street and get high. Let’s give them a few hours to ride out their highs.

Opening the Tenderloin Center for a few months at UN Plaza saved lives, and reduced visible drug use on surrounding sidewalks. This band-aid approach undermined opening a secure and permanent consumption site, addressing long-term solutions.

Stephen Torres

We need to treat overdose deaths as what they are: A public health crisis. In San Francisco, we listened to doctors and scientists during Covid-19 and avoided the devastating death toll experienced in other places.

Many of us have already lost loved ones, neighbors, family and friends to this crisis. We cannot continue to blame, exploit and criminalize the victims of this epidemic for the sake of political gain. We must demand better. We must follow the public health evidence again — scale up effective interventions including treatment and avoid responses that make things worse — so we can save lives.

Julian Bermudez

No, I do not. This is real life and not a movie. People die when anyone, regardless of reason, drives at high speeds. A quick Google search of “car chase deaths”, and you’ll be greeted with the fact that almost half of the deaths that happen in a car chase have been innocent bystanders.

I am aiming to be a major advocate for street safety and I am part of the movement to reach one year with no traffic deaths. The ends do not justify the means, that’s common sense thinking. Vote No On Prop E.

h brown

Let’s see.

100 words on why I don’t want SFPD to have any more power at doing anything.

They are incompetent and poorly led, and have lots of racist members.

I watch every minute of these Max Carter-Oberstone/Cindy Elias meetings.

Counting the airport, they have 2,300 members. 10 are assigned a regular foot patrol.

[Editor’s note: As of Feb. 2024, the police department reports having some 1,865 sworn officers — although not all of these are “full duty”.]

We need an elected Police Chief as Michael Hennessey has suggested for decades.

Elect a powerful leader with a platform reflecting SF Values.

It will be a nice change.

Trevor Chandler

Yes. This is a common-sense update to our law that is in line with jurisdictions in surrounding counties. By having an accountable, responsive and fully staffed police department, we can ensure San Franciscans don’t have a target placed on their back by those who come to San Francisco to commit crimes knowing they cannot be pursued.

I have heard from too many District 9 residents who have been the victims of violent crime; they and all San Franciscans deserve to be fully protected by their police department.

Jackie Fielder

SFPD already has authority to chase a car when they believe someone “poses an immediate risk to public safety.” And still, we see headlines of SFPD car crashes practically every other month.

Last June was the infamous crash into Lucca Ravioli on Valencia that sent an adult and child to the hospital. Three months later, there was a fatal accident in Portola. We can create safe neighborhoods without putting pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers at risk. I support proven strategies to make our neighborhoods safe, and accountability for people who cause harm to others, but Prop. E isn’t one of them.

Jaime Gutierrez

Public safety has to be all-inclusive — meaning that preserving life should always be considered. This includes all parties involved.

It is difficult to say at face value that it is prudent to get into a high-speed chase anytime a crime is committed, whether it is a felony or misdemeanor. The police should attempt to always be sure that the public at large is protected. This cannot be handled with a knee-jerk reaction. It needs further insight. This being the case, this issue needs to be looked at closely. I support justice. Pragmatism should be the watchword here.

Roberto Hernandez

At this time of community need, it’s unfortunate that public safety has become politicized to the point that there are multiple ballot measures on the March ballot regarding policing. For me, this question is not about misdemeanors or felonies, but what’s happening under the circumstances. If there is violence involved, we are counting on police to intervene, including the potential for a police officer to safely engage in a car chase.

But we shouldn’t need ballot measures to achieve that policy position. We need a comprehensive safety plan for our City and can achieve that through collaborative policy discussions.

Michael Petrelis

The SFPD car-chase policy should be flexible, given the situation. But generally, on our tight urban streets, I’m opposed to high-speed chases.

As seen in the Sept. video making news, I obtained the Castro’s Lookout bar robbers getaway car escaping capture, even though an SFPD cop was parked behind their vehicle and didn’t attempt blocking them.

I strongly oppose Prop E, because it is bad community policing to create SFPD policies at the ballot box, when it’s better to do that at police commission meetings after much public discussion at City Hall and in the community.

Stephen Torres

Last year, a car barreled through the wall of the former Lucca on Valencia following a high speed chase. In December, another chase resulted in a lockdown order at Flynn Elementary. Fifty-seven police chases since 2018 have ended in a car crash, including 23 where someone was injured.

When I talk to District 9 voters, they want a police department that is responsive to street-level safety needs and crimes that harm small businesses and residents. Changing the current car chase policy, which even SFPD says is sufficient, to further enable more reckless pursuits is the wrong solution to the wrong problem.

Julian Bermudez

No, I do not support it. I’ve walked around the area since the ban at different times of the day. It’s easy to see all that was done was to prevent illegal vendors from selling in the day. Yes, it’s cleaner and there’s visible enforcement. But when will the permitted vendors return?

I want to push making 24th and 16th BART locations part-farmers market, part-community center. Creating a symbiotic relationship between the community and vendors. The event brings in foot traffic, hence vendors are able to sell more.

h brown

Campers,

I am opposed to a vending ban on Mission Street.

I would lift the ban and add Police Kobans at the BART stops manned 24/7/365.

The street needs energy, not oppression.

And I’d add live music and poetry also.

Trevor Chandler

The illegal vending ban has shown a tangible improvement in the quality of life for Mission residents and small businesses; efforts to support and improve conditions for legal vendors should continue as this program is extended.

That it took so long for City Hall to respond shows the disconnect between District 9 residents and our elected leaders. We should engage in positive and proactive responses to our problems, not wait until they get out of control to address them. That’s why I’ve also put out a plan to reinvigorate our 16th and 24th Street BART Plazas at www.trevor4sf.com.

Jackie Fielder

It’s vital that we think beyond a ban on street vendors towards a solution that gives us safe, clean and accessible BART plazas, while ensuring that the economic well-being of legitimate street vendors is secured.

I will make it a priority to create a pathway for street vendors from being on the street to being small-business owners. And I will convene a community process for transforming the BART Plazas from the drab, gray, transitory spaces for people coming and going that they are today, into lively, activated, and welcoming town centers for longtime Mission vendors, tourists and community members.

Jaime Gutierrez

There are concerns with vending on Mission Street that involve the best use of public space.

The first issue is trash. Street vending generates trash that is not managed by street vendors.

Another issue is the space for presentation. Some people do not want to be required to step over or go around a vendor.

Considering these issues, I support the ban on Mission street. However, if Mission Street vending were moved to Osage and Lilac Alleys, with the DPW cleaning the trash daily, along with ambassadors and police oversight, I would support lifting the ban on Mission Street vending.

Roberto Hernandez

I’ve spent decades working with District 9 small businesses and street vendors to get the support they need from City Hall.

Street vending works if the right resources are in place, as we see in Latin America and countries around the world. Permitted vendors selling their wares make the Mission bright and vibrant, but unlicensed sales are clearly a problem. Proper vendor permitting and monitoring is essential to a long-term solution.

As Supervisor, I’ll meet with vendors, small businesses, residents and neighbors to evaluate the effectiveness of approaches initiated to date to develop and implement a community-based street vending plan.

Michael Petrelis

What I support is limited vending on Mission Street at the 16th and 24th Street BART Plazas, because they add vibrancy, while also opposing street merchants congesting near bus shelters, making it difficult to board or off-load the buses.

Consideration of retail stores, bars and restaurants on Mission Street and their business needs must be integral to a workable plan for sidewalk and plaza vending.

I want more vendors in many of the empty storefronts and to attract customers. Let’s have musicians, comedians and magicians perform inside, with a tip jar prominently displayed so they can collect money.

Stephen Torres

I understand this has been a very difficult situation for our vendors, neighbors and community leaders. And I appreciate that Supervisor Hillary Ronen has had to overcome major challenges in attempting to resolve it.

I do worry, however, about the ongoing impacts of this ban on our community vendors, who are already struggling to keep afloat. We cannot dismiss the impact this has had on their livelihood and cultural importance. I believe we need to create sanctioned tianguis at the plazas and other public spaces, while maintaining safe and clear access to businesses and transportation.

Julian Bermudez

Transparency and accountability: Two values that I will hold true to myself as District 9 supervisor. I plan to have a social media platform where I — and potentially other supervisors, government officials, and residents — can share and discuss city politics, coming straight from the source.

From a small reel informing people of a new policy in place, to a podcast-type interview where a public official comes in to explain their plan in a neutral environment. It is important that the people of San Francisco are aware and well-informed about everything that is happening out of City Hall.

h brown

Voters: Greed is genetic and has many children, of which ‘corruption’ is but one. I propose the City get ahead of the curve, and create a “‘Cybre Cop” to detect as many of the signs of a dirty player as an unleashed AGI program can find.

Knowing their applications will be subjected to screening by our “‘SFCF” system will discourage bad actors. Acronym is for: “San Francisco Cybre Filter.” It’s really an electronic Law Enforcement Auditor that constantly upgrades itself as Public Records become available.

You think the FBI is good? Wait til you see the AGI. Go Niners!

Trevor Chandler

The fact that the role of “Permit Expediter” even exists epitomizes a system that encourages and legitimizes corruption.

Using the proven structure from the federal False Claims Act, we will empower citizens to file lawsuits on behalf of the government against corrupt public officials and contractors who have defrauded taxpayers, allowing them to receive a portion of the recovered funds as a reward. This has resulted in more than $2 billion in awards and settlements at the federal level in 2022 alone.

The time for action is now. San Francisco deserves a City Hall that operates with integrity and accountability.

Jackie Fielder

The Nuru saga, the building-inspector scandals, and now a police nonprofit financing a Tahoe getaway when it should be giving free security assessments to small businesses. The amount of corruption that’s been swirling around the mayor’s administration is unacceptable.

Every single department head reports to the mayor. The mayor has the majority of appointment power over the city’s more than 100 departments, boards, and commissions.  We need a new mayor who can clean house and put real public servants in charge. We also need stronger contract auditing protocols, whistleblower protections, and more democratic RFP reviews for contracts.

Jaime Gutierrez

Corruption in city government exists: DPW, DBI, nonprofit expenditures and some members of government profit from flipping properties. Any person or affiliated company committing a crime against the public integrity of the city needs to be punished beyond just prison or financial penalty. We must preserve civic integrity.

The individual and their connections past or present must be held accountable. They should be banned from any further business with the city. I will fight to expose those involved to bring integrity and security to San Franciscans. Transparency is the key to a city government that is accountable to its citizens.

Roberto Hernandez

Corruption in City government, or by those doing business with the City, is unacceptable. The Board of Supervisors can send a strong message there will be consequences for such conduct. 

I pledge to support current Board efforts and work on anti-corruption legislation. Within 45 days of taking office in District 9, I will introduce an ordinance requiring City departments to adopt anti-corruption operating procedures governing their internal operations and contract processes, including penalties for non-compliance.

These procedures will be filed with the Board, and departments must affirm their compliance with the procedures whenever seeking Board approval for any matter.

Michael Petrelis

I’d start by continuing to file many public records requests for the calendars of elected officials and department heads, to learn who they’re meeting with and what topics are being discussed. Calendars of all public servants required to keep a Prop. G [publicly accessible daily calendar] must be shared on their City-funded sites, on a weekly basis.

Next, I want annual forensic audits performed of all City agencies and bi-annual audits of nonprofits receiving $250,000 or more in municipal funds. A website containing the findings would be established for much needed public inspection. More transparency equals less corruption at City Hall.

Stephen Torres

Curtailing corruption in city government should be constant, and lies in more reform, transparency and oversight, not less.

I have seen how the various oversight bodies that have been implemented within our government have strengthened citizen representation and voice over what happens in this city. It is not perfect — there are still trappings built into some that facilitate corruption, and this is where the reform needs to happen. The idea, however, that what we need is to lessen community and board oversight, and consolidate more power for the mayor as a means for reform should be met with serious concern.

Julian Bermudez

Currently, I don’t have anyone specifically that I admire. I haven’t really had a chance to connect with our current supervisors on a personal level.

However, I do admire Shamann Walton’s love for the city, sporting his 49er suit after our win. That is definitely something I’d sport as well. I have a lot of pride for my city.

Trevor Chandler

As Supervisor, I will prioritize getting it right over being right and I will be willing to work across ideological differences to make changes that will have a real, positive impact on the everyday lives of D9 residents.

D9 deserves a supervisor focused on ensuring their city works for them by getting the basics done right ensuring safe, clean streets. Supervisor Mandelman demonstrates a similar commitment to collaboration and results.

Jackie Fielder

I admire a handful for different reasons.

Ronen for her get-it-done work ethic and years and years of service to the residents of District 9. Preston for his advocacy for tenants, a public bank, and safe streets; Peskin for his immense knowledge of how the City works; Chan for her fierce advocacy for working families as Budget chair; Walton for his commitment to justice and professionalism; and Melgar for her years of work uplifting and protecting Latino, immigrant, and low income communities.

I would be honored to work alongside them as Supervisor.

Jaime Gutierrez

Myrna Melgar: a woman that was born in El Salvador, came to the United States, and through hard work and dedication she created a chance for herself to matter. Her work ethic must be impeccable.

I was raised by a Salvadoran woman just like her. My grandmother raised me with a tough loving hand. She relieved my mentally ill mother of a boy who at times was incorrigible. My grandmother gave me a work ethic. I am truly lucky to have had the upbringing she provided for me. Myrna appears to live by the values that were instilled in me.

Roberto Hernandez

Anyone who aspires to be on the Board of Supervisors should be admired. Community needs are significant and the work is often thankless.

Like me, Supervisor Shamann Walton grew up here and has remained true to his progressive values. I admire how he has delivered for his district and beyond. During COVID, he secured essential resources for residents of his district, District 9 and the entire City. I’m honored to have his endorsement.

I admire mi hermana Supervisor Myrna Melgar for her housing leadership and her inspiring career evolution from activist to planner to Commission President to Supervisor.

Michael Petrelis

Generally, I don’t admire supervisors but on a single vital cultural and fiscal issue, saving the Castro Theatre and curbing the greed of Another Planet Entertainment executives taking over management of it, I respect Aaron Peskin for casting the lone vote against ruining its magnificent interior integrity.

Peskin disclosed APE broke promises to spend millions upgrading the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. I expect him to closely watchdog APE renovating the Castro, keeping us informed if all promises are totally fulfilled every step of the way, something Rafael Mandelman certainly won’t because he showed himself to be a shill for APE.

Stephen Torres

This is a difficult question, in a way, because I have good relationships, have worked with, and very much admire a number of the currently serving supervisors. Indeed, I cannot decide on one and would have to say I greatly admire both Supervisors Peskin and Walton.

For me, their dedication to centering their respective districts and the communities that make them up as well as skills in finding consensus with, and collaborating with their fellow colleagues are notable in the history of their leadership.

Julian Bermudez

In my life, I’ve experienced being both the leader and the worker. Both in college and high school I became a leader who led by example and hard work. As a youth leader, coach, and even rush chair, my devotion was never questioned. That devotion was enough to encourage people to follow.

My true lessons in leadership came during my time in the Army. As a lower enlisted soldier, I was the de facto worker bee for any objective. I had horrible and amazing leadership; both taught me what to do and what not to do as a leader.

Trevor Chandler

As an internationally recognized LGBTQ civil rights leader, I worked in red states to protect the transgender community. I know what it takes to build coalitions, have tough conversations, and get real results no matter how tough the fight is.

As someone in long-term recovery, I know how important it is to have real treatment on demand for those who want sobriety.

My current role as a public school teacher has shown me just how important it is that our elected leaders put outcomes over empty ideology; failed leadership has a real and direct impact on San Francisco’s families.

Jackie Fielder

My values come from being the proud granddaughter of Mexican immigrants – a farmworker and a factory worker – and Native American grandparents who survived boarding schools, as well as being the daughter of a single working mom.

I earned a B.A. in public policy and M.A. in sociology at Stanford because policy has profoundly impacted the trajectory of my family and our people – our right to housing, education, healthcare, clean water and air, and equitable opportunities. As a renter and climate organizer I have felt the crunch of affordability. Urgency for the most vulnerable is what I would bring to City Hall.

Jaime Gutierrez

I am a product of this District (9). My first residence was at 14th/Minna and I currently reside at 25th/Cypress. Both of these are on alleyways that usually have had issues that have been ongoing for fifty years.

I’ve worked in a mental health non-profit, a twenty plus year cab driver, ten years as a SFUSD substitute teacher, and a MUNI operator. I am a graduate from UC Berkeley with a degree in Social Welfare. Furthermore, I am uniquely qualified to help others and I am here to offer hope for a better future.

Roberto Hernandez

Growing up in the Mission and Bernal, I faced the same challenges our young people face. I was fortunate to be mentored by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, who put me on the path to community service.

My lifetime dedication to District 9 residents has taught me to see problems differently, to listen and to engage people in decisions that affect them. This is how we’ve delivered wins for the community through the City’s policy-making process. Our challenges can’t be solved by political insiders or bureaucrats but rather by organizing, elevating community members’ voices, and holding City Hall accountable.

Michael Petrelis

As I turn 65 on January 26th, I’ve reflected on various life experiences that have given me decades of privileged gay and AIDS activism. I see how my personal needs for healthcare, housing and equality led me to organize and win changes for other LGBTQ and HIV positive folks, including lowering drug prices.

My pleasures from sodomy directly motivated me to join public displays of queer affection for the media to advance our visibility. Struggles to stay alive and thrive, occasionally without insurance or secure housing, would continue to guide my supervisorial duties, meeting safety net needs of Mission residents.

Stephen Torres

As a worker in the service industry for 20+ years and a renter, I am experiencing in real time the impacts that many D9 residents are. From decreased income to public health crises, to a lack of deeply affordable housing, to the decimation of our small businesses.

My roles in the City’s Cultural Districts and Entertainment Commission were focused on the centering and protection of our communities. Being supervisor would be a continuation of a career of service.

Julian Bermudez

My number-one issue is traffic and street safety. This is one of the most common issues that comes up when I talk with San Francisco residents, especially in District 9. I believe that investing in infrastructure that increases pedestrian safety and improves traffic flow can improve San Francisco exponentially.

From something as small as fixing potholes, to creating physical bike lane infrastructure and more visible lighting in our neighborhoods, walking, driving or cycling should not be as stressful as it feels today. My plan is to become the most active chair in the Land Use and Transportation Committee and promote more… Read more

Trevor Chandler

Having already knocked on thousands of doors, I know for a fact that safe and clean streets must be the top priority. It’s why I support an accountable, responsive, and fully staffed police department, and why I support arresting fentanyl dealers.

D9 also has some of the most littered streets in the City. As Supervisor, I will hold DPW accountable to ensure District 9 gets the same treatment as Pac Heights and Union Square. I won’t just talk about it, I’ll do it, which is why I volunteer for trash pickups in D9 every month.

Jackie Fielder

Houston curbed their homelessness 63% by following a housing-first model, supported by decades of research. As Supervisor, I will follow the best parts of the Houston model, which involve getting all the city’s homeless departments and nonprofits operating under one strategy, cutting through red tape, and getting people into housing first before worrying about the paperwork.

The same needs to be done to build and staff up our behavioral health system infrastructure. We need more beds and nurses for people with severe mental health and substance abuse issues. We can do this by declaring an emergency on homelessness.

Jaime Gutierrez

The number one issue for me is that the cost of living keeps rising, but the standard of living is plummeting. We are no longer living in a district that is safe, clean and comfortably prosperous.

The city has fallen short of its civic duty to its citizens. Small businesses are being pushed out because of bureaucracy. Property owners are paying high taxes for nothing. In actuality, property value is eroding because of malfeasance. This and other issues need to be thoroughly and thoughtfully probed to provide the greatest good for the community.

District 9 is a working-class district that is … Read more

Roberto Hernandez

One of District 9’s challenges is that we have more than one priority issue. Crime, housing, homelessness, decent wages and clean streets are all concerns that our residents share with me on a daily basis, especially seniors, small business owners, youth and parents.

“Safety” is a holistic term that connects these issues and describes my priority as Supervisor. I was born and raised in District 9, and my lifetime of experience addressing safety issues has taught me that bringing together our residents, businesses, government agencies, community-based organizations and unions is essential to delivering solutions. I’m ready. ¡Sí Se Puede!

Michael Petrelis

My number one issue is a few small concerns. For months, graffiti covering the front of the building at 225 Valencia St. has been a complaint of neighbors. 

Locating the name and address of the owner, I mailed him a complaint asking him to remove the graffiti. Records show the Lyon-Martin Clinic was granted a permit changing the status, as a subtenant, from a commercial business to a health facility. 

The clinic hasn’t responded, but the property manager has. The City informed the owner that he’s violating laws and action must be taken. This shows how I act to improve the Mission.

Stephen Torres

The most important issue is the wellness, safety and prosperity of our community. I mean that in the most holistic way, however. Nothing exists in a vacuum, and we need to strengthen our community and cultural density in comprehensive and sustainable ways.

When a community is destabilized, it leaves a void of crime and deterioration. We must invest in our District with the same vigor and priority currently being allocated for downtown. We must create legislation that ensures our vulnerable communities are protected in the face of multiple efforts to strip away their current safeguards. In short, my priority is … Read more