Community

Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Matt Haney Introduce Legislation to Prevent Frivolous Appeals From Delaying City Projects And Policies

Published

6 years ago

November 12, 2020

Kiki

Mayor London Breed

Legislation would raise the requirements for City projects to be appealed and allow them to continue during the appeals process to prevent unnecessary delays

On Tuesday, San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed and District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney introduced legislation designed to prevent the abuse of the appeals process for City projects and policies that often result in unnecessary delays and increased costs.

Under current law, one person is capable of appealing and pausing projects and policies related to transportation, public works, infrastructure, and the environment. The legislation maintains the ability for appeals to be filed, but raises the requirements to prevent frivolous appeals that result in project delays and cost increases.

One recent example was an appeal of the City’s Slow Streets program, which is designed to give pedestrians access to roads with limited car traffic in order to safely move around San Francisco during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

This appeal of the Slow Streets program was filed by just two individuals. While the appeal was eventually dismissed unanimously, the delay was unnecessary and resulted in hundreds of hours of staff time that could have otherwise been spent responding to other City and resident needs.

Additionally, the appeal meant countless residents in neighborhoods throughout the City did not have access to a nearby Slow Street for weeks, and in some cases months. A total of six separate appeals have been filed to stall San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) projects since June.

“Our response to the pandemic has shown that San Francisco is capable of doing great things when we don’t get in our own way,” said Breed. “People should be able to appeal projects and policies that are going to impact our city and their lives, but by setting the bar so low for an appeal to be filed, we set ourselves up for delays and cost overruns before we even get started.

“That’s a system designed to fail. This legislation allows for appeals to continue while preventing frivolous appeals that keep our city from moving forward,” Breed said.

Under the legislation, appeals to the Board of Supervisors for projects that are not directly under their decision-making authority would require 50 signatures from San Francisco residents, or five members of the Board of Supervisors, as opposed to the current rules that require just one appellant.

Furthermore, a number of project types could continue while the appeal is being heard, such as projects that are temporary in nature, involve easily reversible physical changes, or are related to health and safety.

“This is common sense, necessary legislation, only applying to public projects, that will improve our city’s ability to act decisively and respond with urgency to meet public needs, while still protecting the right to appeal,” said Haney. “The public’s right to appeal government decisions is an important part of our democracy, but a single person should not be able to completely derail a public project like Slow Streets or emergency transit lanes that fulfill a clear public purpose and can be reversed.”

“After the recent CEQA appeal that paused Slow Streets was rejected, our teams were in the streets within 12 hours and new Slow Streets were installed on Clay and Noe streets and Pacific and Tompkins avenues in less than a week,” said SFMTA Director of Transportation Jeffrey Tumlin. “These welcoming and accessible improvements are needed to keep our city moving during this crisis. With fewer frivolous appeals, staff could instead spend time on the City’s recovery.”

Under the legislation, the Slow Streets program appeal would have required 50 signatures to be filed, and implementation of the program would have been allowed to continue during the appeal since the physical changes are easily reversible and only require removing signs saying the road is closed to through traffic.

“We want to thank Mayor Breed and Supervisor Haney for their forward-thinking legislation that will help our city meet our Vision Zero and Transit First goals with urgency,” said Janice Li, advocacy director for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. “The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition enthusiastically supports this legislation that lets the city planners do what they do best: design safe streets that make it easier for people to walk, bike, and take transit.”

The San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Communications provided this report.

Kiki

Posts by Kiki | Website

Up Next

Geraldine Gillette Earp, 100

Don't Miss

Union Backed School Board Candidates Finish Strong Against Billionaire Supported Candidates

Kiki

Click to comment

Community

Golden State Valkyries Become Bay Area Legends Winning WNBA Championship on Halloween Night

In only their second year as a franchise, the Golden State Valkyries captured the 2026 WNBA Championship with a 68-63 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Playing before a sold-out crowd at Chase Center on Halloween night, Gabby Williams delivered a historic 30-point performance to earn Finals MVP honors. The victory marks a rapid rise for the expansion team, which has already set league attendance records and surpassed a $1 billion valuation. Fans gathered by the hundreds of thousands this week to celebrate the new Bay Area legends, read more.

Published

4 days ago

November 6, 2026

Post News Group

“We’re so proud,” said Mayor Barbara Lee who donned a violet wig on Wednesday at a rally honoring the Golden State Valkyries as the team celebrated its historic 2026 WNBA Championship in Oakland. Photo courtesy of NBC.

By Dr. Y’Anad Burrell Special to The Post

In only their second year as a franchise, the Golden State Valkyries became the WBNA 2026 Champions, with Gabby Williams named WNBA Finals MVP. A Halloween night movie of magic and there was no surprise that the game was sold out, with more than 18,000 fans inside Chase Center while thousands more packed the open space at Thrive Center from hours preceding the game through the final buzzer.

In the decisive Game 7, Williams delivered a legendary performance, scoring 30 points to lead the Golden State Valkyries to a 68-63 championship victory over the Atlanta Dream. Remarkably, 28 of her 30 points came in the second half, setting a WNBA postseason record for points in a half and earning her Finals MVP honors.

The team celebrated its victory on Wednesday with a rally in Oakland followed by a ferry ride to San Francisco’s Embarcadero and then a two-mile parade that drew about 400,000 fans.

Williams has become a symbol of the Bay Area’s impact on the team. Although born in Nevada, Williams has deep family roots in Oakland and has often said the city’s culture, community, and basketball traditions shaped her identity and playing style.

After signing with the Valkyries, she began calling the city home and noting that “there’s no Golden State without Oakland.”

The Valkyries have several ballers who made an impact on winning this series, including Veronica Burton, Tiffany ‘Tip’ Hayes, Kayla Thornton, Kaila Charles, and Cecilia Zandalasini.

Veteran center Kiah Stokes brought championship experience and defensive leadership when she signed a multi-year free-agent contract with the franchise on April 13. A former first-round draft pick out of UConn and a three-time WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces before joining Golden State, Stokes was recruited by head coach Natalie Nakae, with whom she had previously worked in Las Vegas.

Known as one of the league’s premier rim protectors and rebounders, Stokes quickly became a defensive anchor for the expansion franchise and played a major role in leading the Valkyries to their historic championship run.

The Valkyries have accomplished something extraordinary, proving that a new franchise can make an immediate impact both on and off the court. In their first year, the Valkyries became the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season and set all-time league attendance records. The franchise sold out all home games, reporting 18,064 attendees per game in both seasons — the highest attendance figures in WNBA history. The Valkyries’ success has also translated into extraordinary franchise value. After entering the league by paying a $50 million expansion fee, the organization generated record revenues and rapidly became one of the most valuable franchises in women’s sports, valued at over $! billion.

The WNBA Finals’ deciding game averaged 3.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA playoff game in league history and the most-watched finals game since 1999.

The record audience reflects the league’s growing popularity and has major implications for its future, including higher media rights value, increased advertising revenue, stronger sponsorship opportunities, rising merchandise sales, and greater ticket demand.

The Finals also featured sold-out arenas and record postseason viewership, demonstrating that the WNBA is expanding its commercial reach, attracting new fans, and strengthening its position as a major professional sports league.

Post News Group

Posts by Post News Group

Black History

U.S. Rep. John Garamendi Honors local ‘Women of the Year’ at Annual Awards Ceremony

Congressman John Garamendi recently honored 52 remarkable women during his 13th annual Women of the Year ceremony in Benicia. The event recognized leaders from California’s 8th District for their significant contributions to public service, education, business, and community life. The honorees, including 16 women from West Contra Costa County, were officially commemorated in the Congressional Record for their dedication to the region. The diverse group includes veterans, educators, and community advocates who have shaped the local landscape through decades of service. Read more about these influential leaders.

Published

4 days ago

November 6, 2026

Post News Group

Some of the Congressional Women of the Year. Photo courtesy of Congressmember John Garamendi's office.

By The Richmond Standard

Sixteen women from West Contra Costa County were among 52 honorees recognized by Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) at his 13th annual Women of the Year ceremony in Benicia on Oct. 23.

The 2026 honorees from Solano and Contra Costa counties were recognized for contributions to public service, education, business and community life.

“Every year, I’m honored to recognize the remarkable women of California’s Eighth District who serve as the backbone of our community,” Garamendi said.

Their contributions were also recognized in the Congressional Record. The following profiles summarize the ceremony remarks and supporting biographies.

Richmond

Annie King-Meredith

King-Meredith was honored for six decades of community service. An engineer and project manager whose professional career included defense-industry work, she has served organizations including the North Richmond Municipal Advisory Council and Shields-Reid Neighborhood Council. Her contributions also include environmental justice advocacy and artwork addressing social injustice.

Elana Bolds

Bolds was recognized for supporting Richmond youth and families and organizing community events. She established the annual “Put the Guns Down” event about 20 years ago in response to neighborhood violence. Through her organization, Visions of Hope, she brings together families, service providers, community leaders and public safety partners to address bullying and violence prevention.

Maria Del Rocio Martinez Luna

Martinez Luna was honored for her work supporting businesses and families along Richmond’s 23rd Street corridor. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, she became the first person in her family to graduate from high school. A longtime Rigo’s Auto Sales employee and secretary of the 23rd Street Merchants Association, she helps organize community events, supports immigration information forums and works with local partners on neighborhood concerns.

Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela

Dawkins-Padigela was recognized for her professional and community leadership. A U.S. Air Force veteran who served seven years as an aircraft mechanic, she later pursued graduate studies in marriage and family therapy and professional clinical counseling. As president of East Bay CAMFT, she supports professional education, networking and collaboration among mental health practitioners.

Dr. Mayra Padilla

Padilla, a dean at Contra Costa College, was honored for advancing educational equity and student success. A Richmond High School graduate, she began her higher education at Contra Costa College before earning a bachelor’s degree in applied physics from UC Davis and a doctorate in neuroscience from UC Berkeley. She later returned to CCC to lead initiatives expanding opportunities for students pursuing STEM careers.

Michelle Denise Milam

Milam was recognized for a public service career that began as a teenager with the East Bay Public Safety Corridor Partnership. As crime prevention manager for the Richmond Police Department, she has worked with government and community partners on violence prevention and homelessness response. Her congressional tribute credits her with helping secure nearly $30 million for outreach, shelter, treatment, encampment resolution and pathways to housing.

Nwaeze Nmereole

Nmereole was honored for supporting immigrant communities, young people and elderly residents throughout Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area. Her volunteer work includes GED tutoring, vocational nursing exam preparation, computer instruction and youth mentorship. She also helps immigrants navigate services and assists elderly residents with transportation, prescriptions and groceries.

Shasa Curl

Curl was recognized for more than two decades of service to Richmond, beginning with the city’s redevelopment agency. She became interim city manager in November 2021 and permanent city manager in April 2022 before retiring in 2026. Garamendi credited her with helping secure more than $300 million in grants for infrastructure, housing and education, strengthening city finances and helping Richmond exit the state auditor’s high-risk designation.

Post News Group

Posts by Post News Group

Community

Richmond Neighbors Put Pantry Power on the Map

Richmond Area Mutual Aid has released a new digital map identifying Little Free Food Pantries across the city to help residents combat rising grocery costs. These neighborhood outposts operate on a mutual aid model, encouraging community members to leave shelf-stable goods and fresh produce for those in need. While some locations began as small pandemic-era projects, they have evolved into essential hubs supported by local families, retirees, and nonprofit organizations. Organizers are now seeking new hosts to expand this autonomous network further. Read more.

Published

4 days ago

November 6, 2026

Post News Group

A pantry at 34th street and Roosevelt avenue in Richmond. Photo courtesy of Achala Jayagoda.

By Kathy Chouteau The Richmond Standard

In Richmond, a small cabinet can carry a big message: dinner is here, no questions asked. Richmond Area Mutual Aid (RAMA) has created a map of current Little Free Food Pantries across the city. The neighborhood outposts encourage anyone to take what they need and leave what they can.

The map connects residents with pantries that may be as simple as a shelf, box or cabinet outside a home or business. According to RAMA’s website, the spaces can hold shelf-stable groceries and fresh produce that can safely spend some time outside refrigeration. The operating principle is as clear as the group’s motto: “Give what you can, take what you need.”

One of the map’s sites is near 34th Street and Roosevelt Avenue, where Achala Jayagoda and her family host a pantry that began as a Little Free Food Table during the pandemic. Her son, Eagle, founded it. The pantry has since grown into a lasting neighborhood resource. Amid the high cost of food, Jayagoda said supplies can disappear with startling speed.

“It continues to serve the community with everyone’s support,” Jayagoda toldTthe Richmond Standard. She said the people who contribute are not only nearby neighbors, but donors from elsewhere in Richmond and, at times, beyond the city. A few nonprofit organizations pitch in, too.

Jayagoda has also heard from retirees who collect end-of-day giveaways from grocery stores and bakeries and bring them to the pantry. Sometimes the deliveries include fresh food. At first concerned about leaving perishables out, she said it turns out those items move quickly. It’s a sign, in her view, of how urgently people need the help.

In fact, the pantry can be emptied within hours. Then the same community that uses it swings back into action. “Thankfully, the community helps restock it as quickly as possible so people can continue getting food,” Jayagoda said. As the holidays approach, she hopes that circle of giving will widen to reach more families.

RAMA describes itself on its website as a group of neighbors from Richmond and nearby communities working toward a place that is “safe, joyful and thriving.” The pantry project turns that broad aim into something concrete: a can of beans, a bag of rice, a loaf of bread—and a nearby place to share it.

Keeping each pantry going takes more than a sturdy box. RAMA’s website says every location needs an individual or organization willing to place the pantry on its property, and a team of stewards who can stock and clean it. A host may also serve as a steward. That local team is the point: RAMA wants each pantry to become an autonomous neighborhood hub supported over time by people who live nearby.

For residents ready to start one, RAMA says it can guide or support pantry construction and installation, share reclaimed food and help hosts adapt shelving or other materials into a workable setup. RAMA has announced free pantry build days Nov. 14 and Dec. 12; residents can email Richmondareamutualaid@proton.me for details.

Check out the Richmond pantry map below and get more information from RAMA at https://www.wegotusrichmond.org/pantries/. Visit RAMA on Instagram at @RichmondAreaMutualAid.