Beya Alcaraz sworn in as the Sunset's new supervisor
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Meet your new District 4 supervisor. Photo: Courtesy of the mayor's office
Mayor Daniel Lurie on Thursday swore in Isabella "Beya" Alcaraz — a 29-year-old former pet shop owner and art teacher with no prior political experience — as San Francisco's new District 4 supervisor.
Why it matters: Alcaraz's outsider status could help the mayor reset ties with a district deeply divided over housing, transportation and neighborhood identity, though some locals are criticizing her lack of experience.
State of play: The political newcomer fills the vacancy left after the bitter recall of Joel Engardio, who was ousted by westside voters over his push to turn the Upper Great Highway into a park.
Between the lines: The unexpected pick first met Lurie at a Sunset night market in September, where she told him "she wanted to serve and represent the community she grew up in," Lurie said.
- "District 4 deserves thoughtful and compassionate leadership, not necessarily the loudest voice in the room," he added.
Zoom in: The Sunset native becomes one of the youngest supervisors in city history, its first Filipina American supervisor, and a fresh face in an arena dominated by veteran politicos.
- Before her appointment, she taught art and music to children in the Sunset and volunteered at her alma mater, Holy Name School, where both of her parents also worked.
The big picture: Lurie, elected this year on promises to rebuild trust in City Hall, needs allies to support his family zoning plan — a pro-housing agenda that some districts have been at odds with.
- District 4, a primarily residential, single-family-home neighborhood, has been ground zero for that clash.
The other side: Many residents were feeling disappointed over Lurie's choice, Jamie Hughes, a leading organizer for the Engardio recall, told Axios.
- "This is someone who has no political ties or relevant experience," he said. "District 4 is looking for a real representative, and I don't think this appointment inspires confidence."
The bottom line: Convincing those constituents will be no easy task as Alcaraz faces a tough challenge in uniting residents divided over the Engardio recall, Sunset Dunes park and new upzoning plans.
- Representing a community fractured by such issues will mean making hard decisions — the kind that test even experienced lawmakers.
- "I don't want people to just feel included. I want to actually include them," Alcaraz said during Thursday's swearing-in ceremony. "If that means working towards a compromise on the Great Highway, then that's what we'll do. If that means making an amendment to the family zoning plan to strengthen it and help us maintain local control, I'm prepared to take that action."
What's next: Alcaraz will serve until June, when voters will decide whether she remains in office.