Chinatown community pays attention to the newly released draft maps by SF Redistricting Task Force

(SAN FRANCISCO) The San Francisco Redistricting Task Force has recently released more draft maps of future supervisorial districts for public view to prepare for the April 15 deadline. However, different communities have voiced their opposition to some of the draft maps, including the Chinatown community against moving the Tenderloin neighborhood into the definition of Chinatown District 3 (D3).

The 9-member SF Redistricting Task Force released 3A and 3B draft maps on March 25, and 4A map on March 28.

In the March 26 Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) monthly meeting, its Board Members voted to pass a resolution to oppose any redistricting map in which Tenderloin is included in the D3 boundary.

The issue was brought to the CCBA's attention by Eva Lee, President of the Chinatown Merchants Association. Lee attended the CCBA's meeting and made a presentation on the latest redistricting draft maps.

Lee asked CCBA to join in her action to oppose the 3B map which suggests moving Tenderloin from District 6 to District 3 where it currently covers Chinatown. In fact, either 3A or 3B map has moved Tenderloin to D3, according to the draft maps released by the SF Redistricting Task Force on its website.

"Chinatown has lacked city resources for a long time. With Tenderloin moving in District 3, it will hurt Chinatown," said Lee.

Lily Lo and Laura Lee, co-founders of the BeChinatown, joined Eva Lee in opposition to the 3B draft map. Then CCBA Board Members passed a resolution to send a strong message to the City to oppose any map to consolidate Tenderloin into D3.

District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney was also present at the CCBA meeting seeking support for his Assembly candidacy in the April 19 runoff election.

"I agree with the Chinatown community on redistricting. I support having the Tenderloin stay in District 6. Tenderloin is the heart of District 6," said Haney.

In addition to the 3A and 3B maps, the Redistricting Task Force released 4A maps on March 28.

In the SF Redistricting timeline, the Task Force will vote on the draft maps on April 13 to approve a new district map which will be presented to the Board of Supervisors by April 15.

Tenderloin is a neighborhood known for its highest level of homelessness, drug and crime in the city. It encompasses about 50 square blocks and is historically bounded by Geary Street, Mason Street, Market Street and Van Ness Avenue.

According to the latest 3A, 3B and 4A draft maps, they have not drawn Tenderloin into District 3. Tenderloin stays in District 6 in the 3A map. In the 3B map which is opposed by Eva Lee and CCBA, Tenderloin is drawn into District 5. Tenderloin is also put into District 5 in the 4A map.

Among the latest three draft maps, the main shifts are in the financial district and the South of Market area. 3A suggests extending the D3 boundary down to South of Market to reach Bryant Street. 3B moves the financial district to D6. 4A is similar to 3B with the move of the financial district to D6.