Historic Preservation Commission unanimously adds four long‑running Mission and Sunset businesses to Legacy Business Registry

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously April 2 to add four longtime local enterprises to the city’s Legacy Business Registry.

The commission approved nominations for Chile Lindo (2944 Sixteenth Street), La Victoria (Mission District bakery), Southern Exposure (artist services nonprofit, “SoEx”) and Win Long Hardware and Supply (Outer Sunset) by a 7–0 vote after staff presentations and public comment.

The registry recognizes small businesses and cultural organizations that have been in operation for decades and that residents and staff said contribute to neighborhood identity. Planning staff presented each nomination and recommended adoption at the meeting.

Chile Lindo: Planning staff said Chile Lindo, at 2944 Sixteenth Street, is a Chilean bakery cited for traditional empanadas and other baked goods, with deep links to the Mission District. Staff reported the business has operated since the early 1970s and that the current owner, Paola Tejera, has operated the bakery for decades. Owner Paola Tejeda addressed the commission and described the bakery’s community role and ties to other neighborhood businesses.

La Victoria: Staff described La Victoria, a Mission bakery founded by Gabriel Maldonado, as “one of the last traditional Mexican bakeries” in the neighborhood and a cultural anchor for Latino residents. Public speakers including Danny Cabriner and advocate Woody Labonte urged support, citing the bakery’s role amid neighborhood change.

Southern Exposure (SoEx): Planning staff recommended listing the artist-centered nonprofit Southern Exposure, noting its nonprofit programming, artist grants and long history as an arts resource. Woody Labonte and other commentators emphasized SoEx’s fundraising needs and its role supporting artists.

Win Long Hardware and Supply: Staff described Win Long as a Chinese‑owned hardware and household supply shop serving the Sunset’s Chinese community since 1990. Family members and a speaker representing the business urged the commission to approve the nomination.

Commission reaction and vote: Commissioners spoke in support of the nominations, highlighting the businesses’ longevity and community roles. One commissioner asked staff to ensure future nomination packets include photographs; another asked staff to confirm supervisor nominations had been uploaded to the public record. With no further deliberation, a motion to approve all four nominations was made and seconded and carried unanimously, 7–0.

Why it matters: Commissioners and public commenters framed the registry as a tool to recognize cultural institutions amid commercial pressures and rising rents, particularly in the Mission and Sunset neighborhoods. The Registry does not itself impose regulations on property owners, but listing is intended to raise visibility for preservation and access to city programs aimed at helping longstanding businesses.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the registry additions and update the public record. Planning staff said they will follow up with commissioners on logistics, including sharing application materials and photos that were not included in the initial packet.

Speakers quoted or on the record at the meeting included: Kalani Okalo and Heather Samuels (planning staff), Woody Labonte (San Francisco Heritage), Paula Tejeda (owner, Chile Lindo), Staley Chin (representing Win Long Hardware), Danny Cabriner (on behalf of La Victoria) and several commissioners who voiced support.