Commissioner urged to honor Muwekma Ohlone in San Francisco land use lawsuit

The recent San Francisco government meeting highlighted significant discussions surrounding land use jurisdiction and the recognition of the city's Indigenous history.

A key topic was the legal implications of Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), which asserts its applicability to charter cities like San Francisco. This has sparked a legal challenge, prompting a call for the city to join ongoing lawsuits against SB 10 and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding its law methodology. The speaker, Francisco de Costa, emphasized the importance of the city taking a stand on these issues.

Additionally, de Costa urged the city to acknowledge the Muwekma Ohlone as the original inhabitants of San Francisco. He stressed the importance of recognizing the historical context of the land, stating that every square inch was taken from its rightful owners. This call for recognition aims to honor the Indigenous people and their connection to the land.

The discussions reflect ongoing tensions between state legislation and local governance, as well as a growing awareness of the need to address historical injustices. The city’s response to these issues could shape future land use policies and community relations.