Ahsha Safai

Q1: As Mayor, on day 1, do you support the full revitalization of Sunset Blvd (i.e. maintenance of green spaces and gray water installation) to bring the Boulevard’s condition on par with Park Presidio Blvd. (in the Richmond district)? 

Yes. I support full revitalization of Sunset Blvd. One specific way I would support plans to revitalize the Boulevard is to support the addition of full-time gardeners to bring the current 2.5 staff to 4.  ​

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Q2: Given the size (almost 1/2 the length of SF at ~2.6 miles long) and importance of Sunset Blvd., would you support it having its own line-item budget versus dollars coming out of the general fund?

The General Fund would be more appropriate. Some sections of the Boulevard would require multiple department partnerships including road work by Public Works and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority for curb ramps or electrical work for new street lights for pedestrian safety or connecting San Francisco Public Utilities Commission owned recycled waterways to the irrigation systems on Sunset. Some of the funds for that type of work can come from other funding sources like Prop L. 

 

Q3: Given the report on ABC News reporting on the Grand Jury's findings, would you support a complete audit of DPW?

I believe every department should be audited. I ran a ballot measure, Prop C, 18 months ago that required oversight and accountability from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. The measure passed with 67% of the vote in November 2022. Since then, we have had to cut certain contracts as a result of the mandatory audits. As Mayor, I would create a high level position within the Controller’s office that would be regularly auditing all departments to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately. 

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Q4: Do you support up-zoning 36th and 37th avenue per the housing element?

 I support the housing element and there are some parts of the process that will need to go through an extensive community process. Every project has to be evaluated based on the surrounding location. Typically, we can build up to 6-8 stories on commercial corridors that are wide enough to withstand the scale of the building. 

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Q5: Do you support the jurisdictional transfer of Sunset Blvd from DPW to Rec and Park?

Yes, Sunset Blvd should be a part of our City’s larger urban green space. Jurisdictional transfers typically happen by passing legislation through the Board of Supervisors and ultimately signed by the Mayor. Department heads do not always have to be supportive for this to happen.