Rules Committee recommends Ankita Kumar for Sunshine Ordinance Task Force seat

Ankita Kumar, a San Francisco‑based journalist nominated by the Society of Professional Journalists, was recommended unanimously by the Rules Committee on Jan. 8 to fill Seat 4 on the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force with a term ending April 27, 2025. Chair Supervisor Matt Dorsey introduced Kumar, called her background “very impressive,” and invited her to speak briefly.

Kumar told the committee she has worked on reporting about refugees, immigrants and press‑freedom issues, highlighted her documentary work and contributions to a local Indian‑American publication, and said she believes the Sunshine Ordinance helps hold government accountable and preserve access to public records. “I believe in the free press,” Kumar said during her one‑minute remarks.

Two public commenters spoke in favor of Kumar’s appointment: Richard Nee, a former member of the task force and representative of San Franciscans for Sunshine, said the local SPJ chapter’s endorsement was unanimous; Bridal Mojadad, vice president of SPJ Northern California, described Kumar’s experience as regional coordinator and urged the committee to confirm the nomination. With no objections raised by committee members, Chair Dorsey moved to recommend the appointment to the full Board and the committee recorded a unanimous roll call vote in favor.

The committee’s positive recommendation means the nomination will appear on the full Board of Supervisors agenda for consideration on Jan. 23, 2024.