top of page

Aaron Peskin's Q&A and Walk Summary

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)? 

​Absolutely. This is actually one of the premier green corridors within the city and we can do so much better in taking care of it by immediately transitioning jurisdiction of gardening and caretaking to the Recreation and Park Department (as is the case with Park Presidio), dedicating long-term funding for upkeep, and funding essential capital improvements like connecting the Boulevard’s irrigation system to the greywater system that feeds Golden Gate Park. I will start these processes in my first month as Mayor and pledge to complete the full restoration by the end of my first term. ​

​

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?

While all funds for maintaining open spaces come from the General Fund, I would support specifically calling Sunset Blvd out as a discrete item in The City’s Capital Plan for ongoing funding and maintenance. 

 

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

Yes, I actually undertook a comprehensive audit on Public Works in the early 2000s and believe it is time for another such audit to benefit Public Works. Also, I’ve placed a measure on this November’s ballot that would create an independent office of the Inspector General tasked with investigating waste, fraud and corruption in city government to make sure we have an independent voice in city hall fully focused on essential tasks like holding DPW accountable to taxpayers and our communities.

​

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

While I recognize the need for accommodating affordable housing, I firmly believe that zoning decisions need to be made in conjunction with our neighborhoods. Every other major candidate in this race would sell out our neighborhoods in a heartbeat to appease developers and speculative interests, but I have always been a champion for community input and self-determination. The housing elements and proposed upzoning plans were done against, not with our communities, and for that reason I believe these plans and processes must be re-evaluated. My 24 year record of standing up for neighborhoods and working collaboratively with neighborhoods on plans and development decisions differentiates me from all the other candidates in this race.

​

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

Yes. Rec and Park has proven far more capable of proper maintenance through their stewardship of Park Presidio in the Richmond. I have a long history of holding government accountable to our neighborhoods, and will work to make sure the heads of Rec and Park, DPW, and PUC are very clear on their responsibilities to make Sunset Blvd the well cared for resource it deserves to be. I am a problem solver who has a track record of getting things done and holding people accountable.

​

Our Walk with Aaron Peskin on Sunset Boulevard:​

      On Saturday, September 28th, Friends of Sunset Boulevard (FOSB) and neighbors joined mayoral candidate Aaron Peskin for a walk on Sunset Boulevard to view the current conditions and challenges the Blvd faces.

​

Initial Reactions from Neighbors:

"Aaron is disarming in that he not only is willing to listen, but starts by listening. He talked to us like fellow San Franciscans, not at us in politico speak." ~Anonymous

​

"By far the most knowledgeable about how the City works and how to get things done! He offered real solutions and strategies."  ~Anonymous

​

"He answered questions directly, no BS. There was a drive-by question from a woman in her car who stopped, rolled down her window and called out, 'Aaron Peskin, what’s your position on the Great Highway?' To which Aaron called back, 'I’m no on K!' The driver gave a thumbs up and drove off." ~Anonymous

​

Sunset Boulevard concerns and Aaron Peskin's commitments:​

  • The meeting began with Aaron stating that he was there to listen to our concerns. He shared that his first job was with the Trust for Public Land, working on public land use and environmental issues.

  • Aaron listened to our concerns and frustration with the current situation with DPW, which is accountable for the maintenance of Sunset Boulevard. He shared an analogous situation with Friends of Pioneer Park, a single issue, grassroots organization that worked to get the land around Coit Tower maintained. 

  • Aaron also shared other examples of where he has brought about change in public spaces, such as Washington Square Park, which needed to be totally redone to incorporate a new drainage system. He convinced PUC to kick in significant funds and how PUC could show savings from the improvements.

  • Neighbors asked Mr.Peskin how he would transfer Sunset Boulevard's jurisdiction to Rec and Park given the complexity of this task.

    • Mr.Peskin stated that he would have a meeting with DPW, Rec & Park and neighbors to lay out his vision for the Boulevard and ensure a smooth transition

    • It would require the approval of 6 supervisors

  • Neighbors mentioned up-zoning single-family homes along 36th and 37th avenue

    • Mr. Peskin stated that San Francisco has an affordability crisis and believes the role of the government is to help residents with housing affordability and not the private sector

    • Mr.Peskin mentioned Broken City by Patrick Condon, which outlines the role of government in relation to housing

  • Mr.Peskin is the only candidate who is advocating for increased rent control and building of affordable housing.

  • Aaron supports Prop C, which would establish an independent Office of the Inspector General, with the power of search warrant and subpoena, tasked with rooting out waste, fraud and corruption in city government.

  • Neighbors wanted to understand government and land use jurisdiction on Sunset Boulevard given DPW's neglect.

    • Sunset Boulevard is land under the jurisdiction of DPW

    • Land owned by the Department of Public Works (DPW) can be sold without the approval of voters 

    • Land owned by Rec and Park cannot be sold and must require a vote by the public

​

bottom of page