Supervisor Peskin proposes $100,000 relief appropriation for Italy and calls for hearing on seismic building standards

Supervisor Aaron Peskin asked the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 6 to appropriate $100,000 for earthquake relief to communities in central Italy and to hold a hearing on San Francisco building standards.

Peskin said the appropriation would be a supplemental appropriation to be distributed by the Department of Emergency Management and that the city has a history of appropriating emergency relief funds following foreign disasters. “So today, I'm introducing a supplemental appropriations ordinance in the amount of $100,000 for earthquake relief, to be metted out by our experts in the department of emergency management,” he said, and acknowledged a representative from the Italian consulate in the audience.

Peskin also cited recent revelations about the Millennium Tower and asked for a hearing to review building standards in the city's various seismic zones — including landfill and waterfront neighborhoods — and how local and state requirements intersect for rezoned areas that have seen increased height and density.

Peskin requested the board's support for the appropriation and said he would adjourn the meeting in memory of several individuals. The appropriation was introduced during the new‑business portion of the meeting; the transcript does not show a recorded vote on the supplemental appropriation during the Sept. 6 session.