San Francisco committee forwards Pacific Islander cultural district to full board after broad community support

The Land Use and Transportation Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 on Nov. 7 to send a resolution establishing a Pacific Islander Cultural District in Visitation Valley and Sunnydale to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation.

President Walton, who sponsored the resolution, told the committee the measure is "long overdue" and said the city is home to "approximately 7,000 Pacific Islanders," with the majority living in Visitation Valley and nearby southern neighborhoods. He described the resolution as the first step toward creating a codified cultural district and said the council will follow up with an ordinance to formalize boundaries and protections.

The resolution defines the district using neighborhood streets as borders, naming Visitation Valley Avenue, Campbell Avenue, San Bruno Avenue, Bayshore Boulevard, Hester Avenue, Geneva Avenue, Moscow Street, France Avenue, LeGrande Avenue and the west border of McLaren Park as components of the proposed area. Committee members and public speakers said the district is meant to preserve historical sites, support existing community spaces and create economic and cultural opportunities.

Dozens of residents, community leaders and nonprofit representatives spoke in favor during the public-comment period. Tino Felice of the Samoan Community Development Center urged the committee to "pass this item" and called the district "long overdue," saying it would let Pacific Islanders share their culture and history with the city. Janice Lee, Coalition Director for the Coalition for Community Safety and Justice, said the district "will allow the incredible leaders of the PI community to secure more grant funding," urging supervisors to vote yes.

Speakers also tied the district to long-term community needs. Pastors, educators and longtime residents described the value of cultural hubs for youth outreach, intergenerational connection and pride, and called for the resolution to move forward to implementation so programs and funding can follow.

Chair Supervisor Mirna Malgaard moved to forward the resolution. Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Dean Preston joined Malgaard in voting "aye," and the clerk recorded three ayes; the motion passed. The clerk previously noted items acted on today will appear on the Board agenda for Nov. 15 unless otherwise stated.

The committee provided a positive recommendation; the next procedural step is consideration by the full Board of Supervisors, where the resolution will be scheduled for a later meeting.