Committee unanimously backs resolution supporting permanent Filipino Cultural District gateway
January 11, 2024 | San Francisco County, California
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The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on Jan. 11 voted to forward an amended resolution to the Board of Supervisors expressing support for a permanent cultural monument and public‑realm artworks for the Filipino Cultural District and urging the San Francisco Arts Commission and Department of Public Works to work with the Planning Department and community to advance the project.
Supervisor Dorsey said the resolution had grown to unanimous sponsorship and framed the gateway as part of cultural‑district efforts to increase visibility for the Filipino community and contribute to economic recovery downtown. He read amendments that struck language urging prioritization, permitting and funding (per City Attorney guidance and department feedback) and replaced it with language asking the Arts Commission to commission works that center underrepresented voices.
Raquel Redondis, director of Soma Filipinas, described the two‑piece gateway design selected through a community call for artists, noted selection of artist Francesca Gammes, described design inspirations drawn from Filipino iconography and natural elements, and said bronze narrative elements would depict Filipino American experiences (including references to the I Hotel and WWII veterans). Planning Director Rich Hillis and Ralph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Arts Commission, expressed agency support and said the city must be a partner in implementation and funding.
Public commenters including Janet Daniels and Patricia Zamora (Community Art Stabilization Trust) urged committee support and described benefits for artists, cultural visibility, and tourism. Supervisor Dorsey moved to amend the resolution as read and forward it to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the motion passed with no opposition recorded (one supervisor absent). The committee indicated it would continue work with departments on funding and a 90‑day path forward.
The full Board will receive the amended resolution on its upcoming agenda.
Supervisor Dorsey said the resolution had grown to unanimous sponsorship and framed the gateway as part of cultural‑district efforts to increase visibility for the Filipino community and contribute to economic recovery downtown. He read amendments that struck language urging prioritization, permitting and funding (per City Attorney guidance and department feedback) and replaced it with language asking the Arts Commission to commission works that center underrepresented voices.
Raquel Redondis, director of Soma Filipinas, described the two‑piece gateway design selected through a community call for artists, noted selection of artist Francesca Gammes, described design inspirations drawn from Filipino iconography and natural elements, and said bronze narrative elements would depict Filipino American experiences (including references to the I Hotel and WWII veterans). Planning Director Rich Hillis and Ralph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Arts Commission, expressed agency support and said the city must be a partner in implementation and funding.
Public commenters including Janet Daniels and Patricia Zamora (Community Art Stabilization Trust) urged committee support and described benefits for artists, cultural visibility, and tourism. Supervisor Dorsey moved to amend the resolution as read and forward it to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the motion passed with no opposition recorded (one supervisor absent). The committee indicated it would continue work with departments on funding and a 90‑day path forward.
The full Board will receive the amended resolution on its upcoming agenda.
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