Committee forwards four shelter-monitoring nominees and hears Recreation and Park nominations; Rec and Park nominations tabled

At its Sept. 13, 2021 meeting the Rules Committee advanced personnel items. The committee recommended four applicants for seats on the Shelter Monitoring Committee (SMC) to the full Board of Supervisors and heard two mayoral nominations to the Recreation and Park Commission.

SMC: Angie David, staff to the Shelter Monitoring Committee, described SMC’s role in conducting announced and unannounced visits to congregate shelters, collecting complaints and reporting on conditions. The committee heard two-minute statements from four applicants: Chris Plonquet (former youth commission member and person with lived experience), Gabriela Avalos (incumbent seeking reappointment), Diana Almanza (seeking reappointment with a requested residency waiver), and Tracy Watson (former SMC seat holder and shelter worker). After no public opposition, the Rules Committee voted to forward Chris Plonquet to Seat 2, Gabriela Avalos to Seat 3, Diana Almanza to Seat 4 (with a residency waiver) and Tracy Watson to Seat 6, and the motion passed without objection.

Recreation and Park nominations: The committee then considered two mayoral nominations — Venita/Vanita Louie (community volunteer highlighted by numerous callers) and Lawrence ("Larry") Griffin (labor and public-service background). Supervisors asked both nominees about equity, oversight of philanthropic partners (the Parks Alliance), and "shadow" impacts on parks from nearby development. Louie said she would prioritize affordable programming, community engagement and stronger reporting in any department MOU; Griffin emphasized transparency and asking staff pointed questions.

Public comment on the Recreation and Park nominations included more than a dozen callers from Chinatown and other neighborhoods advocating for Louie’s confirmation and noting her volunteer work, community leadership and support for Portsmouth Square renovation.

After hearing the testimony, Chair Peskin moved to table Items 3 and 4 (the two Rec and Park nominations) for further consideration; the motion passed on a roll-call vote.