Mayor Appoints Alan Wong as New Supervisor for District 4

Mayor Daniel Lurie has appointed Alan Wong, a seasoned policy veteran and local resident, to fill the vacant District 4 seat on the Board of Supervisors. This decision comes on the heels of a recent appointment gone awry, where Lurie’s previous choice, Beya Alcaraz, resigned after just one week following scrutiny regarding her past business practices and potential regulatory violations.

Wong, who previously served as a policy director at a children’s services organization and is an elected trustee at City College of San Francisco, will represent the Sunset and other west-side neighborhoods. His appointment was announced on Sunday, just in time for a crucial Board of Supervisors vote scheduled for Tuesday concerning the mayor’s contentious zoning plan aimed at increasing housing densities to meet state mandates.

“From the very beginning, I’ve been clear about the kind of Supervisor District 4 needs: someone who lives and breathes the district,” Lurie stated. He emphasized the importance of having a representative who can effectively engage with the community and advocate for local issues. Wong is expected to bring that steady voice to the position, a role he feels deeply connected to.

Unlike Alcaraz, who had limited experience in local governance, Wong boasts a rich background in policy and community engagement. As a lifelong resident of the Sunset, he expressed his commitment to restoring trust in local government. “I believe the Sunset, and San Francisco, can thrive again,” Wong said. He outlined his vision for the district, which includes enhancing public safety, supporting working families, expanding housing opportunities, and improving access to city services.

The selection process for Wong was marked by a thorough vetting process, which the Mayor’s Office described as involving extensive community engagement. This comes after the tumultuous appointment of Alcaraz, which led to criticism of the Mayor’s initial decision-making process. Reports indicated that Alcaraz’s former pet store had been poorly maintained, and there were questions about her compliance with wage and tax laws.

Wong’s professional background is extensive. He has held various roles, including senior director of public policy communications at the Children’s Council of San Francisco, and has been a twice-elected member of the Board of Trustees at City College. He also co-chairs the Free City College Oversight Committee, which manages the funding for no-cost college education for local residents.

In addition to his education and policy experience, Wong has served over 16 years as a first lieutenant in the Army National Guard. His grassroots credentials are further solidified by his work with the Service Employees International Union, where he was an organizer for more than five years.

Wong is a graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School and attended City College before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and public policy from the University of California, San Diego. He completed his education with a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of San Francisco. His commitment to education is evident in his advocacy for maintaining free tuition and preserving Cantonese language classes at City College.

The political landscape in District 4 is shifting. Following the recent recall of Supervisor Joel Engardio, who had supported a controversial ballot measure that would restrict vehicle access to a section of Great Highway, Wong’s appointment comes at a pivotal time. The remainder of Engardio’s term will be up for election in June 2024, with several candidates already expressing their intentions to run, including Natalie Gee, chief of staff to District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton.

Frank Noto, co-founder of Stop Crime SF, expressed confidence in Wong’s capabilities, stating,

“No one is more qualified than Alan. He has the requisite policy, political and community experience to serve as an exemplary member of the Board serving the Sunset.”

Noto also highlighted Wong’s electability, noting that he garnered more votes in District 4 during his City College campaign than were cast for the recent recall election.

As Wong prepares to be sworn into office, the community awaits his leadership and the fresh perspective he promises to bring to District 4. His focus on restoring trust and engaging with residents may prove crucial as San Francisco navigates its ongoing challenges related to housing, public safety, and local governance.