EJ Jones, Candidate For District 11 Supervisor, Answers Reader Questions

The Ingleside Light gathered questions from the community and posed them to the District 7, District 11 and mayor candidates in advance of the Nov. 5 election.

Here are the responses from former legislative aide to current District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safaí EJ Jones, who has always prided himself on putting his community and neighborhood first. Now, Jones continues that mission by campaigning for increased safety, affordable housing and education initiatives and the completion of community projects like the Ocean View Library.

Jones is running against labor union organizer Chyanne Chen, political campaign staffer Adlah Chisti, small business owner Jose Morales, SFMTA transit operator Roger Marenco and San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee member Michael Lai.

Responses have been lightly edited.

How do you plan to be consistently involved in the neighborhood once in office?

I will continue to support collaborative efforts to engage in community conversations. During this campaign process and prior to the campaign, I would attend community meetings from across the district. The most important part of attending these meetings is the ability to hear varying opinions, varying experiences and possible solutions to problems. As Supervisor I will continue to engage community members at this level and implore staff of the District 11 to also be engaged so that they will have the understanding and knowledge of the community needs. Making sure that the community has a seat at the table provides transparency and access to solutions and builds bridges between the problems and the solutions.

What will you do to eliminate drug dealing and other crime in the neighborhood's parks?

We have been lenient on street-level drug dealers of fentanyl and in turn, we are seeing many people die as a result. We must hold these dealers accountable but also create pathways for those addicted to drugs to recover with the option of abstinence. We must focus legislatively on distinguishing the two in order to get to the root of the issues.

The best approach to reducing crime is prevention. Access to a great education, vocational training, good jobs that pay a living wage, stable housing, affordable transportation and social and mental health services — these are the key pillars of a strong social safety net and the most effective ways to reduce and prevent crime in the long term. Strong communities are safe communities, and we can, should and must invest in them. We must continue to address the root causes of crime — poverty, institutional barriers and systemic injustice — that reinforce the inequitable opportunities and outcomes that too many communities, especially communities of color, face. In addition, I support fully staffing all of our safety positions including our police and Park Ranger programs.

What will you do to reduce crime against small business owners?

Safety must be holistic to truly be effective. Outside of a fully staffed police department, we should focus on corridor activations also. Studies have shown more eyes and ears on the street help to curb offenses.

There should be an increased presence of community ambassadors in all commercial areas until staffing levels allow for foot and bike patrol officers. Increased opportunities for neighbors to meet each other. As neighbors create bonds they will begin to work together to keep their communities safe. This is especially important to have between different cultural and intergenerational spaces.

Discreet and easy reporting applications or text lines (similar to 311) would be an excellent way to share in-the-moment info when a crime or unsafe situation is happening. This would be especially helpful in the Muni App where situations may be contained to a moving bus or on the street where a person may be able to snap photos but may not be in the position to act immediately.

Do you support adding more protected bike infrastructure in District 11 and the city, even if it means the loss of some (but not all) parking spots? 

I support added protected bike lanes throughout San Francisco. I am also a proponent of making sure that we leave access for members of our community who do use vehicles. I truly believe we can do both. I have seen, in San Francisco and in other cities where they have moved the bike lanes closest to the curb and allowed for parking outside of that. This preserves the parking stock but allows for bikes to travel with protection. We have to create options for all San Franciscans while planning things like bike lanes. There has to be a healthy balance to ensure the vitality of our corridors and to provide options to the residents of our district and city. 

Historically, the M line has been neglected; however, it serves communities along Randolph Street and Broad Street, extending to Balboa Park. Since the M line provides access for community members, Randolph Street and Broad Street are ideal candidates for development into a new commercial corridor. Please provide your vision for this corridor and outline the actions you intend to take to bring that vision to fruition.

Many years ago Randolph and Broad were thriving corridors with businesses, options for food, and even gas stations. Over the years, illegal conversions of commercial spaces took away many of the spaces that were dedicated to storefronts. I do believe that the M-Line route can withstand density and within that density, we should put commercial spaces for access to things like groceries, cafes and delis. For many years that section of the community has been considered a food desert. We have seen our first coffee shop in the community with Blue House Coffee but the community could use spaces where people can grab a bite and mingle. It would not only increase vibrancy but create space for the community to gather and build community.  As the density occurs we must remember the businesses that do exist along that corridor such as Lacy’s Barbershop, Dream Team, Ana’s Market and Family Market. We cannot allow these businesses to be lost as they have carried the weight of operating in the community without infrastructure support for years. These businesses are the fabric of our community and should be allowed to remain and supported through any development that is done to increase density and access to new businesses. 

What is one issue in the neighborhood that you see ignored? How would you tackle this issue?

I think the cleanliness of our District is often overlooked. I know there have been strides to utilize ambassadors and other programs to manage the illegal dumping and trash levels in our district. Frankly, there are not enough trash cans and the cans that are accessible are not checked enough. As I walk through the district I constantly notice spaces that are dirty each and every day. On Ney Street, the neighbors complain frequently about trash piling up on the freeway side of the street. In Brighton, without fail, there is trash dumped a few times a week. This is a problem that can be solved with enforcement, cameras and fines against bad actors. We have beautiful communities filled with hardworking people who deserve clean sidewalks. In an article with the founder of Refuse Refuse a street in our district was named as one of the dirtiest in San Francisco. This is unacceptable and deserves more attention. 

Will you commit to fully funding the Dignity Fund in this and future years to meet the growing number and needs of older adults and people with Disabilities?

Yes. Our seniors and people with disabilities deserve our full support at all times. As someone who has worked with seniors, I understand the challenges that many of them face and I am happy to be a champion for their causes. 

In many ways, City College of San Francisco was the beating heart of the neighborhood, a source of jobs and customers for local businesses. But its troubles have led to a 60%+ decline in enrollment which has precipitated other issues. How will you work with the college community to turn it around?

As we prepare for staffing shortages in many of our essential services throughout San Francisco we should utilize City College as a prominent job training option for those roles. Officers need minimum education requirements now in order to be prepared for the department. We should utilize City College to create those pathways and work with local community job centers to get potential candidates connected with the school. 

City College should also focus on creating pathways to specialized employment for other careers as well. Expanding the offering of child care to students with children would help to eliminate barriers faced by some students and would make it possible for greater access in our communities. 

Connecting students with trade opportunities would be another great option for many students. Working on pre-apprenticeship coursework would allow students to be prepared for union entry exams and would help to strengthen the applicant pool that applies for our trade opportunities. 

The SFMTA has big plans to speed up the K Ingleside and M Ocean View light rail lines that include boarding island modernization and consolidation, red lanes and more. How will you increase ridership in the neighborhood?

District 11 is a district made up of working-class neighbors. Reliable public transit is one of the most needed parts of our community. We must first prioritize efficient transit that is clean and safe for all ages.  I believe that while we do have many lines that run through the district we can improve on our service delivery as well. During the school year mornings, the 29-Line often is overcrowded and forced to skip stops. This happens as a result of many students traveling from various stops along the line to school along Ocean Avenue or the Sunset. The route also drops off close to Balboa and Denman Middle School which increases ridership. I would prioritize access to more buses during the peak time so students are not passed up and can get to school on time. 

Even with the number of bus lines with access to our district, we still are missing a lot of connectivity through the residential portions of our district. This makes it complicated for residents to get to the stops that will ultimately allow them to access transit. Much of this is due to topography and hilly terrain. I would explore a shuttle that could connect residents to bus stops throughout the district. A pilot program has been launched in District 10  and I would monitor that closely for effectiveness. 

One of the biggest challenges with SFMTA is its community engagement process. I would challenge SFMTA and its leadership to spend more time at the community level having conversations with our residents. This may mean attending neighborhood meetings, hosting discussions or engaging on social media to deeply understand the needs of the District 11 ridership. 

Many neighbors have expressed serious concern about traffic safety along many of our streets. San Jose, Alemany and residential neighborhoods as well. I would work closely with the SFMTA department heads to create and implement traffic safety to insure the protection of our pedestrians, bikers and drivers. Part of this engagement would include thinking of out-of-the-box methods for reducing stunt driving in our neighborhoods. The leadership of SFMTA must be prepared to collaborate on all of these projects and also be willing to truly value the input of our community members. We cannot prioritize certain groups of people over others, instead, we should be prepared to create transit plans that are effective for all members of our city. 

Our leadership will need to ensure that each city department operates efficiently and meets the needs of San Francisco residents. While opinions on SFMTA’s performance may vary, it is crucial for the new mayor to establish clear standards and expectations for the department. Evaluating whether the current leadership is meeting these standards will be an essential part of this process.

The tree canopy could be a lot better in this part of town — and citywide. What will you do to make it grow?

While working in the District 11 office I was able to witness first hand the number of trees that were put into the budget by Supervisor Safaí. I also have a deep understanding of the need for additional trees throughout San Francisco. I will continue to budget for tree installs but beyond that, I would advocate for better servicing of these trees. One of the biggest issues that I hear from neighbors is that the city does such a poor job of maintaining the trees and correcting cracked sidewalks that come as a result of some of the trees. Nevertheless, tree planting will remain a crucial part of my budget priorities and supporting community planting will remain a clear objective of my office. 

The Balboa Park Area Plan studied many major and minor projects, including decking the Interstate 280 freeway, realigning freeway ramps, etc. How will you advance portions yet to be done in the district?

I would advance the Balboa Park Area Plan by focusing on a few of the key aspects of the plan. One of the main objectives of the plan was to strengthen the Ocean Avenue Neighborhood Commercial District. In order to truly have a strong commercial neighborhood area we must focus on attracting new businesses to the area while stabilizing the existing businesses that exist in the current ecosystem. 

Additionally, I support mixed-use residential and commercial infill within the commercial district. The commercial district offers opportunities for parcels to be redeveloped over time. These small projects can add to the housing stock on upper floors and improve retail spaces on the ground floor while maintaining the district’s fine-grained character. We’ve seen the larger parcels around the Phelan Loop provide new development of additional housing and have supported retail uses, such as the current grocery store, coffee shop and restaurant. Expanding on these successes is an opportunity to improve upon the initial plan that was set forth in 2000. 

Another key point to mention is that we must invest in the Geneva Car Barn. Now that we have new housing across the street, it is important to create community spaces that can be enjoyed by the residents and all who visit our district via the Balboa Park Transit Station. This will require serious collaboration between the SF Parks, community and sponsors to really make progress on this project.

What will you do to breathe new life into the neighborhood's commercial corridors? Please list 10 concrete proposals.

1. Making it easier to open. Creating clear step-by-step instructions, guidelines and approval processes that help to streamline the initial process of opening a storefront here in San Francisco. 

2. Assigning a Small Business Liaison for each commercial corridor to create a direct contact that can assist with the tough conversations between City Hall and small businesses. Having a representative who acutely understands the local businesses will be key in creating the correct programs and opportunities for them. 

3. Streamlining the grants and awards processes. Business owners tell me often that they do not have the time to continuously input business information in order to qualify for grant opportunities. The system should be much like our housing portal. You enter your information, certify yearly and you see all of the options that you qualify for. This will allow for business owners who are already overworked and short-staffed to focus on the things that matter most to them - serving their clients. 

4. Organizing street fairs, cultural festivals and themed markets to draw people from outside the district.

5. Allocating a specific budget for targeted advertising campaigns that promote our business corridors.

6. Strengthening the online presence of each business corridor to promote events, sales and their offerings.

7. Creating connected experiences before and after events at venues like City College and the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater can also boost local business.

8. Organizing cultural events and festivals on each corridor to celebrate our district’s diversity.

9. Assigning dedicated staff to assist Community Benefits Districts in organizing events, improving infrastructure and enhancing the overall appeal of commercial corridors. 

10. Introducing farmers' markets to bring regular community gatherings and support local vendors in commercial corridors.

What does adequate community policing look like for the greater Ingleside neighborhood and its diverse communities?

There is space for police in our communities as long as there is accountability. There are simply tasks that cannot be handled by community groups or intervention specialists and because of that I do believe that police make our streets safer. 

I believe true safety requires a holistic approach of community policing, neighborhood or community activation, education and mental health treatment. As an alternative to police, investments in intervention programs must continue along with the implementation of trained and professionally courteous ambassadors.  

We must also focus on bridging the gap between neighbors so that they are ready to help each other in times of need. We must do a better job of community building across socioeconomic and identity lines. 

Do you support the renewal and expansion of the Ocean Avenue Community Benefit District? If so, why and how will you work with its leadership to make sure it delivers the best results for all stakeholders?

Yes, I do support the renewal and expansion of the Ocean Avenue Community Benefit District because it plays a crucial role in enhancing the vibrancy, safety and overall quality of life along Ocean Avenue. The Ocean Avenue Community Benefit District has been instrumental in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment, supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of community in the area. Expanding its efforts will allow for even greater improvements, such as increased security, beautification projects and business support services, which are essential for the economic and social well-being of the district.

To make sure the district delivers the best results for all stakeholders, I will advocate for regular audits to promote transparency and accountability and my office will collaborate closely with the CBD leadership to provide support and guidance. I will also secure ongoing assistance from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) to enhance the district's resources and effectiveness. Additionally, I will actively participate in monthly meetings to stay aligned with the community's needs and facilitate open communication between local store owners and the CBD, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. 

Will you support the Recreation and Parks Department in achieving the completion of Phase 2 of the Geneva Office Building? If so, how?

Yes. The Geneva Office Building has long been neglected. Decades of conversation and advocacy have gone into the planning process for the building. While it is amazing to see the Powerhouse portion up and running, it is necessary to get the Office Building back on track. I will work diligently with community members, Park and Rec and other stakeholders to create a concrete plan to get the Car Barn where it needs to be for this community. First and foremost I think there is a need to have a clear plan for what the end product will be and how it will serve the community. From there, we can access and raise funds to be able to move the project to completion. 

How will you incentivize landlords to rent out long-vacant units and thus increase the housing stock?

I think it's important to first understand the needs of these landlords. I would convene a working group to get to the bottom of why these units are not available. Once I understand the issues I would begin to work to remove any barriers to filling these vacancies. In many cases, small landlords do not have the necessary capital to be able to make improvements to make the spaces habitable. In that case, we can create a fund to help get these units online and ready for the rental market. 

What's your position on Recology's monopoly on trash collection?

While Recology has a monopoly on our trash collection, at this time, we as a city do not have an alternative that is readily available to take over. In March of 2024, the competing bid was dropped by a competitor. Therefore, as the city looks for competing bids, the Board of Supervisors must be vigilant in checking that Recology is accurately meeting the terms of its contract. Additionally, there must be oversight to make sure that Recology is not overcharging its San Francisco customers for service. Recology employs many District 11 residents and we also want to ensure that those employees are being paid and treated with respect within the company. This issue is important and will have my attention as we move through the process.