Michael Lai, District 11 Supervisor Candidate, 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 Michael Lai's answers. With a background in childcare and a seat on the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, Michael Lai is campaigning for a seat on the board of supervisors representing District 11. Aside from childcare initiatives, his campaign also focuses on public safety with an emphasis on police staffing and pedestrian security, clean streets, small business revitalization and affordable housing.

Lai is running against labor union organizer Chyanne Chen, political campaign staffer Adlah Chisti, small business owner Jose Morales, SFMTA transit operator Roger Marenco and former District 11 supervisor legislative aide EJ Jones.

Responses have been lightly edited.

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

My favorite part about running for office has been knocking on doors and hearing people’s stories and needs. District 11 isn’t one neighborhood but a set of micro-neighborhoods, and even smaller blocks where individual streets of neighbors are close to one another.

First, I look forward to continue being present, out in the community ranging from Community Benefit District meetings and police captain meetings to senior center services, daycare circle times, church services and special events like Pasta Night, Family Day and spending as much time in the district as possible. My office will also continue to organize events like the Mid Autumn Festival. With my community organizer hat on, it’s important to listen to the community and also build District 11’s political power so there is an advocacy coalition behind projects so the district is not continually forgotten. This involves supporting long-time organizers like the New Mission Terrace Improvement Association and newer organizations, such as Slowyuga and the Mission Terrace parents community, with whatever is needed — funding, connections or more — and historic institutions like nonprofits, churches, schools and employers. To this end, I will build a team of four legislative aides who are from and representative of our community, able to speak the largest languages (e.g. Cantonese, Spanish and Tagalog) and a culture of listening, engaging and fast execution of problems working with various agencies, so everyone knows their concerns and suggestions are welcomed. Fourth, I will host regular town halls and events in the district (e.g., monthly coffee chats in District 11 parks), where all people can participate in accessible mediums and formats. Finally, we should reimagine neighborhood involvement with bigger ideas, such as demographically representative citizen assemblies. I’ve started working on community projects (e.g., organizing ChowSF, which supported over 39 AAPI small businesses) and in office, I’m excited to continue these commitments and advocate for our district’s needs.

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

Eliminating drug dealing and other crimes in parks — public spaces for the district’s many families — starts with partnerships between law enforcement, the supervisor’s office and the community.

First, we should increase foot patrols, response times and targeted operations through SFPD staffing. The district has two major police stations — Ingleside and Taraval (which is far from Lakeview/OMI). Capt. Amy Hurwitz at Ingleside Station has indicated that 15 years ago they were at 120 officers; now, it’s 63. Taraval is at 55. We need to get fully staffed. Second, we need increased community policing such as neighborhood watch groups and park ambassadors.

Third, we should continue to arrest dealers, explore diversion, such as drug market intervention policy and expand treatment and rehab options for users. Fourth, we should explore Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED, such as lighting and infrastructure improvements (as in street lights on Arch Street near Sisterhood Gardens), park activation by increasing organized activities, such as re-opening Boxer Stadium and redesigning spaces, modifying park layouts to eliminate secluded areas where drug deals may occur. Well-maintained and open spaces with clear visibility reduce the opportunity for criminal behavior.

Longtime community leaders Mary and Al Harris tell me that Lakeview/OMI used to be much rougher during the crack epidemic — crack houses, pit bull fighting and gang violence. It was thanks to Minnie and Lovie Ward and their efforts, and many community leaders that they organized to fight.

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

Several small business owner friends in the Excelsior have gotten robbed in the last couple of months. It’s tragic and adds to the already high burden in San Francisco and leads to closures in our neighborhoods that already have blight.

First, we need a fully staffed police department and efficient and accountable officers. There are two types of retail theft — first, it’s estimated 30% to 50% of petty theft is drug related. We need to arrest dealers, diversion programs for low-level dealers, and get people into treatment & rehab programs. We also need reform of Proposition 47. For organized crime rings, we need to beef up security cameras, automated license plate readers, and specialized resources within SFPD. I stumped for Proposition E in March 2024 to allow SFPD to use tools like this.

For businesses that are hit, I would push for the implementation of security improvement grants, helping businesses invest in tools like cameras and better lighting, as well as advocate for a streamlined reporting system to ensure that businesses feel supported and can quickly respond to incidents. At the same time, it’s important to look at the root causes behind crime. Public safety is not just about enforcement and accountability; it also is about providing economic opportunity and healthy alternatives to disaffected folks.

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?

Yes, I support protected biking infrastructure, in addition to speed cushioning, Flock safety cameras and more, given I’m a big advocate for pedestrian safety. However, parking is also a big issue in the district given the number of house rich, cash poor intergenerational immigrant families with cars, and many community members who are upset by SFMTA’s community outreach. I would need to do some more research on exact streets and car vs. bike flow — 54% of District 11 residents drive to work currently vs. 4% bike to work. I would seek win-win solutions: adding parking spots by switching from parallel to angled on some streets and implementing a permit program at the same time we add protected bike lanes. I would also be excited about adding more safe bike routes for kids, such as a bike path in Balboa Park.

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.

I would first bring together community leaders like I.T. Bookman Community Center, the Planning Department, the Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community Development, SFMTA, the Office of Economic & Workforce Development, the Ocean View Branch Library and more to come up with a comprehensive plan. A few components of the plan include:

• Centering and breaking ground on the new Ocean View Library
• Upzoning, rezoning certain buildings for ground floor retail and building up so there is more affordable housing
• Recruiting an anchor draw business or two; partnering with Little Footprints & Blue Cafe
• Vibrancy with the 19th Avenue and  Randolph Street corner which has been the same for a long time
• Festivals and events

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

Trash and illegal dumping — it impacts our health, safety, and community and, time and time again, I have heard neighbors experience this right outside their front door.

First, we need fines and enforcement for illegal dumping, such as patrols in dumping hotspots and stricter penalties for those who do such a thing, and this is only possible with a more efficient and less corrupt DPW. Second, we need an awareness campaign about free bulky pickups from Recology, and audit Recology’s contract to see inefficiencies around cost. Third, we need more trash cans. In 2007, then-Mayor Gavin Newsom got rid of. Finally, we need more community building and trash cleanup days, like the weekly Ocean Ale House cleanup, weekly Lakeview/OMI cleanup and more.

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! District 11 has one of the largest fixed-income senior populations in San Francisco and we need to make sure we take care of our seniors.

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?

I recently went to CCSF Spirit Day and was heartwarmed to talk to many District 11 residents who are going to City College for their associates degree or a certificate.

The first step to saving City College is for competent, student centered board members to steward the college through fiscal and accreditation crises. As an elected DCCC member, last week we endorsed multiple members of the community college board (for example, Luis Zamora who was just appointed by Mayor London Breed to a vacancy). Electing creative, competent leadership who will fight for CCSF is the first step in creating and sustaining change.

To partner with CCSF board members, I would prioritize increased investment in job training and certification programs that meet the evolving needs of our local industries, ensuring that the college remains a hub for economic mobility, such as City BUILD for union apprenticeships and the new law enforcement training academies, and at least one flagship program with high tech, such as AI or biotech. Moreover, I’d encourage building student housing on our corridors, which would increase young people vibrancy as well.

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?

According to a recent SFMTA survey, we need more safety, more reliability and more density to increase ridership. I would fight for patrol in areas or during times that are disproportionately impacted, as well as increased frequency (especially during peak hours) to ensure that the trains are a convenient and reliable choice for more people. Then, we need to upzone & build more housing to increase more fundamental density for ridership on Broad Street and Randolph Street and address our housing crisis at the same time.

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

I would advocate for implementation of the Urban Forest Plan, ensuring that the city meets its goal of planting 50,000 new trees by 2035, provided that the city can also care for the trees. I would work to secure stable funding–our families must have quality air, less urban heat and strong overall livability in our neighborhoods. Throughout this process, we must collaborate with the community and organizations like Friends of the Urban Forest in operationalizing this plan. At the same time, I’ve heard from many homeowners that lack of thoughtful placement of trees and neglect has led to unintended consequences, such as tree roots disrupting sewage systems and tree leaves clogging storm drains. We need to make sure the city cares for these trees and doesn’t leave D11 homeowners in the lurch.

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?

Advancing the Balboa Park Area Plan is a priority for me. Ocean Avenue, the Balboa Park BART and Muni station and CCSF combine in a dynamic transit, commercial and education hub that has so much potential. There will be a lot of dynamism and change upcoming to the region, with the Kapuso at the Upper Yard affordable housing project opened in the last couple of years and Balboa Reservoir upcoming.

At a time when the city is facing a $790 million deficit, it will require a supervisor with creative fundraising and organizing experience to move projects along. One example of an unfinished project follows Objective 8.1 of the plan — Phase II of Geneva Car Barn. I've hosted a Lunar New Year Lantern Festival and Mid Autumn Festival in Phase I and would be excited to help with public or private partnerships to bring Phase II to life.

I would also collaborate closely with agencies like Caltrans and regional transit authorities to align our goals, secure funding and push forward key projects like decking the Interstate 280 freeway and realigning freeway ramps. These improvements would reconnect neighborhoods, reduce traffic congestion and create new open spaces. Community engagement would be central, ensuring that local needs are addressed and building momentum for long-term projects.

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

1. Build the Ocean View Library and do the pedestrian safety improvements if it’s at 100 Orizaba Ave.

2. Tenant Improvement Fund: Create a city-funded program via the Office of Economic and Workforce Development for tenant improvements, with a repayment plan split between landlords and tenants for intergenerational landlords who want to pass off tenant improvement costs to landlords.

4. Reopen the El Rey: reopen the El Rey Theater!

5. Add more neon: Chinatown and other neighborhoods have very distinct aesthetics. What if Excelsior had more neon? Just raised money for an Excelsior neon sign and there’s already Little Joe’s Cable Car restaurant.

6. Open up Boxer Stadium in Balboa Park for professional soccer. This would help activate Ocean & San Jose near the retail corridors.

7. Turn Persia Triangle into a Parklet and add the first Excelsior farmer’s market

8. Vacant to Vibrant: Offer temporary use permits for pop-ups, art installations, or local events in empty spaces to increase foot traffic. Upzone and find vacant buildings and demolish them, build mixed-use retail and 6-8 stories of housing. This density will create more foot traffic.

9. Bring a gym to Excelsior, perhaps in the old Bank of America building: gyms draw businesses and Ocean Avenue has 24-Hour Fitness.

10. Streamline Permits: Reduce red tape and fees for starting and maintaining small businesses, making it easier to operate.

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

Community policing has a combination of areas: (a) neighborhood watch groups and community members looking out for safety & enforcing with tough love their youth (b) SFPD officers who are deep in the community (ideally they are from & live there) (c) deep partnerships with community organizations (d) language connection - in the case of Ingleside & nearby communities, it's really important that officers & information is translated and disseminated in Cantonese and Spanish. Because of how important this is, I've been helping Ingleside Police Station translate its newsletter into Chinese and Spanish.

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?

I do support the renewal and expansion of the Ocean Avenue Community Benefit District. Community Benefit Districts are a great concept for bringing more local events and cleanliness to small business corridors. I’ve been to a couple of Ocean Avenue Community Benefit district meetings and events (e.g. the Ocean Avenue Wine Walk), in addition to Excelsior Community Benefit District meetings and would continue to work with them to learn about issues small businesses are facing ordinances that could be written about, connect them to broader city resources and have my legislative aides work directly with them on events.

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

I know the friends of Geneva Car Barn and Rec & Park put a lot of work into the Geneva Powerhouse Phase I. It’s a beautiful space, and I’ve organized large events there — in February, a Lunar New Year Lantern Festival with 643 RSVPs and Sunday, Sept. 15, a Mid Autumn Festival. I’ve talked to Rec & Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg about helping to fundraise for Phase II, in partnership with Friends of the Geneva Carbarn, to help with seismic retrofitting, office improvements, a theater space and more.

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

For residential landlords, there is a mix of incentives, from carrots such as property tax relief and tenant improvement support to sticks such as a vacancy tax & anti-speculation regulation. I would want to understand why landlords are not renting and then craft policy accordingly.

For commercial landlords for long-time vacancies on say, Mission Street, some are old, intergenerational landlords who pay almost nothing in property taxes due to Prop 13 and have poorly kept buildings and pass on tenant improvement costs to landlords. I would be systematic about each vacancy and also explore a tenant improvement city fund via the Office of Economic & Workforce Development and look at some locations that make sense to sell, demolish and build up in mixed-use retail and residential, which would help with the city’s housing affordability crisis at the same time as it adds more foot traffic.

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

Recology’s monopoly on trash collection has led to higher costs for San Francisco taxpayers, inefficient service and rate hikes. Lack of accountability has also led to corruption, famously in the 2021 bribery and corruption collection with DPW Director Muhammed Nuru. There are benefits, such as leading with their zero waste goal and operating as a worker-owned cooperative. Overall, though, I support more oversight and transparency in the rate-setting process and an open bidding process for lower costs.