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Politics & Policy

Supervisors preview: It takes a Potemkin Village

A Laguna Honda Hospital employee walks into the administration building from the hospital and treatment center’s courtyard in San Francisco, Calif. on Monday, May 16, 2022. | Camille Cohen

At this week’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors is poised to pass housing legislation that likely won’t amount to a great deal of new housing. That includes an upzoning plan that was introduced by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, but picked apart in committee. Supervisors will also examine how, or if, Laguna Honda Hospital can get back on its feet. (As always, wonks looking for the full kit and caboodle can check out the complete agenda.)

So Much for Housing

When Mandelman introduced legislation last year to legalize denser housing in districts zoned for single-family homes, there was some optimism among housing advocates. Since that time, the legislation has endured the political equivalent of development hell, with multiple amendments in committee and at the Planning Commission. The result premieres tomorrow, for better or worse. 

              Saving Laguna Honda, Again

              Tuesday’s Board meeting will also feature a special hearing at 3:00 p.m. on the fate of Laguna Honda Hospital, which faces closure and the eviction of its patients after months of escalating federal warnings over conditions at the facility. 

                      Budget Process Goes Smoothly—For Now

                      Supervisors will also likely approve interim budget and salary ordinances so that the city can keep operating while they review the main budget. The interim ordinances were passed out of a special Budget and Appropriations Committee meeting last Friday with recommendation.