District 5 April 30 Newsletter
Market St hearing - We held a hearing on traffic, curb access, and the future of Market Street. (read more)
Lithium Ion Batteries - We introduced legislation to ban unsafe, uncertified lithium-ion batteries. (read more
Landmarking 111 Taylor - We moved to protect the full Compton’s Cafeteria site and its history. (read more
Carmen Johnson Way - The Fillmore community honored a community leader with the unveiling of Carmen Johnson Way.
Cherry Blossom Festival - Japantown celebrated the 59th Cherry Blossom Festival and honored community seniors.
Keep reading for more
Dear Neighbor,
Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities of local government—and increasingly, that means making sure new technology is operating responsibly in our neighborhoods.
This month, we took action on the growing threat of fires caused by uncertified lithium-ion batteries. Across San Francisco, these batteries have caused dangerous fires that spread quickly, displace families, and put lives at risk—especially in dense, multi-unit buildings like those common in District 5. After devastating incidents, including the fire at 50 Golden Gate that displaced more than 130 residents, we introduced legislation to prohibit the sale and delivery of uncertified lithium-ion batteries and powered mobility devices in San Francisco. By requiring nationally recognized safety certifications, we can help prevent these fires before they start.
We also held a hearing on the return of rideshare vehicles to Market Street and the growing challenges around curb access, double parking, and traffic congestion downtown. Market Street should work for transit riders, small businesses, delivery workers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. As our downtown evolves, we need transportation policy that improves mobility rather than creating new disruptions. This hearing helped us better understand what’s working, what isn’t, and what steps the City must take next.
San Francisco should continue to lead in technology and innovation, but we must do so responsibly. Supporting new ideas and protecting public safety are not competing goals; they go hand in hand. I will continue working to ensure our city remains both forward-looking and safe for every resident.
In service,
Bilal Mahmood
Regulating Lithium Ion Batteries to Curb Fires
This month, with the San Francisco Fire Department, I introduced legislation to ban the sale of uncertified lithium-ion batteries.
These uncertified batteries are now one of the leading causes of building fires in San Francisco. Our laws need to catch up with the technology people rely on every day. When residents buy batteries for e-bikes or scooters, they should know those products are safe.
This legislation aims to prevent dangerous fires before they start.
Historic Landmarking the Compton Cafeteria Site
I sponsored legislation to expand landmark protections for the historic Compton’s Cafeteria site in the Tenderloin. This building was the site of a pivotal 1966 transgender uprising that helped shape the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
By protecting the full building, we are preserving an important part of San Francisco's history.
Thank you to the Transgender District for your advocacy and leadership on this work. The ordinance will be heard in committee in the coming weeks—stay tuned!
Market St Hearing
A year ago, Market Street underwent new policy shifts, including a pilot allowing commercial rideshare vehicles such as Uber Black and Waymo on portions of Market Street, as well as service reductions affecting major transit lines. So I wanted answers from city departments about their plans for cars & rideshare, and economic revitalization on San Francisco’s most significant corridor. I held a hearing this past week to focus on key topics shaping the future of Market Street - here’s what we learned:
No one department or team owns the vision for Market Street, and in response I'm calling for a more coordinated approach to realize the vision of the Better Market Street Plan
Investments in the public realm are focused on Embarcadero and Powell, matching where bond financing is available
The pilot initiative that allowed rideshares and AVs in loading zones has seen minimal utilization
Ridership of Muni and cycling has increased by double digits in the last year, but overcrowding on lines has also been observed and will be addressed by SFMTA this summer
Crosswalk Comeback: Stripes Strike Back
A Hayes Valley neighbor reached out about faded crosswalk striping at Fulton and Laguna.
It was a real safety concern for people walking through the neighborhood.
We worked with SFMTA to follow up, track the request, and make sure it got done. Now, the zebra striping is in place, making the intersection safer and more visible for everyone.
If something in your neighborhood needs attention—street safety, infrastructure, or a quality-of-life issue—please reach out to our office at MahmoodStaff@sfgov.org.
Autism Appreciation Month
April is Autism Appreciation Month. For the first time, we hosted a training for City Hall staff on how to better serve the neurodivergent community. The Be Visible Project led a workshop for legislative aides on communication, accessibility, and serving constituents with diverse needs.
As someone who is autistic, this work was especially meaningful to me. I’m grateful to everyone who participated and helped make City Hall more inclusive.
We introduced a resolution at the Board of Supervisors to recognize Autism Appreciation Month and continue uplifting autistic voices.
We also recognized Mika Kie Weissbuch at the Board of Supervisors this month with a commendation.
Mika is the co -director of the SF Disability Cultural Center - the first publicly funded disability center in the country. They previously founded Huellas de Paz - a community cultural center in Nicaragua which provides gender affirming support for LGBTQIA+ communities, and has led in fostering connection for years.
Mika is a powerful example of what it means to build community rooted in belonging. Through their leadership, they are not only creating space, but helping redefine how our city understands disability.
59th Cherry Blossom Festival
Every year before the Cherry Blossom Parade, the Japantown community comes together to honor seniors who helped shape the neighborhood.
This year, we honored Jim Yokomizo, Alice Yokomizo, Yoshiko Kanazawa, Sandy Mori, Ruth Kitayama-Terao, Roxanne Coulon, and Masa Fukuizumi.
For decades, they’ve helped strengthen organizations like Kimochi, Yu-Ai Kai, and the Japantown Task Force.
Their leadership continues to shape Japantown today.
Coffee Chat
Join me next Saturday in Haight Ashbury for our monthly coffee chat.
I’m hosting informal 1:1 conversations in Haight Ashbury, and I’d love to hear from you. Bring your thoughts, your questions, your neighborhood stories, or just yourself and a cup of coffee.
These chats are a chance for us to talk directly about what’s working, what’s not, and what you want to see in District 5. Exact location shared after you sign up. RSVP Here
Fillmore Community Action Plan Upcoming Workshops
Join our office, the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs, City Departments and community leaders for a workshop series to receive feedback on Health, Economic & Workforce Development, Housing, and Placemaking, Arts & Culture. Join one or all of the workshops below at the African American Arts and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton Street:
Health: Thursday, April 30th, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Housing: Thursday, May 7, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Economic & Workforce Development: Tuesday, May 19, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Placemaking, Arts & Culture: Thursday, June 4, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Fillmore Community Action Plan Upcoming Workshops
Join our office, the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs, City Departments and community leaders for a workshop series to receive feedback on Health, Economic & Workforce Development, Housing, and Placemaking, Arts & Culture. Join one or all of the workshops below at the African American Arts and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton Street:
Health: Thursday, April 30th, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Housing: Thursday, May 7, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Economic & Workforce Development: Tuesday, May 19, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Placemaking, Arts & Culture: Thursday, June 4, 5:30pm-8:00pm
May Day Labor March
May Day is on Friday, May 1 and there will be actions in San Francisco throughout the day, with the big Labor March at 4 PM at the Embarcadero Plaza. Join the SF Labor Council, our unions, and allied organizations to show the millionaire and billionaire class that workers have the power and we are fighting back -- and we are fighting together!
Need help? Don’t hesitate to reach out at MahmoodStaff@sfgov.org. We’re here to serve!
Let’s work together to make District 5 a better place for all.
