Historic Preservation Commission adds four businesses to San Francisco legacy business registry

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on March 19 voted unanimously to add four businesses to the city's Legacy Business Registry: Breast Cancer Prevention Partners at 1388 Sutter Street; Castro Nail Salon in the Castro neighborhood; Columbus Cafe (historic North Beach bar); and Particia Custom Design Jewelry in the Marina.

The registry designation recognizes long-standing local businesses that contribute to neighborhood identity and face a risk of displacement. Commission President Matsuda announced the outcome after a motion to adopt staff recommendations passed, saying, "So moved, commissioners. That motion passes unanimously 6 to 0." The vote recorded Commissioners Barone, Vergara, Wright, Foley, Nagas Warren and President Matsuda in the affirmative.

Staff from the Planning Department and the Office of Small Business presented the four nominations and described each business's history and community ties. Heather Samuels, planning staff, introduced Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, a nonprofit founded in 1992 that staff said has worked on science, policy and market campaigns and has been located at 1388 Sutter Street for 21 years. Dr. Lisa Bailey, identified as a retired breast cancer surgeon and chair of BCPP's board, and Julie Popsky, director of development, spoke during public comment about BCPP's research and policy work nationwide and in San Francisco.

Planning staff described Castro Nail Salon as a 21-year-old immigrant- and minority-owned storefront serving the Castro neighborhood and LGBTQ community; staff said the salon faces a risk of displacement tied to uncertainty about the Castro Theatre property. John Dacey presented that nomination. Wesley Wong presented Columbus Cafe as a historic North Beach bar with roots in the 1930s and community fundraising activity. Will McCallum introduced Particia Custom Design Jewelry, described as a 25-year-old Marina business that provides on-site design and repair services and draws customers from across the Bay Area.

During public comment, a representative of Particia (name not specified in the record) described decades of on-site craftsmanship and customer service. Riyadh Kory, owner of Castle and Air Salon (located in the Castro Theater building), spoke about neighborhood ties and the uncertainty of theater rehabilitation. Richard Corolla, Legacy Business Program Manager with the Office of Small Business, explained eligibility rules and an exemption under the legacy business code allowing businesses 20 years or older onto the registry if they face immediate risk of displacement.

Commissioners thanked applicants and staff. Commissioner Nagas Warren and others praised Breast Cancer Prevention Partners for its policy work; commissioners discussed displacement risk and noted the Office of Small Business offers leasing assistance to legacy businesses. Commissioner Foley emphasized the financial and logistical hardship of moving for small businesses and urged support.

The commission's action was recorded as adoption of staff recommendations to approve the four legacy business registry nominations. The motion carried 6-0.

Votes at a glance: - Motion: Adopt staff recommendations to add Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (1388 Sutter St), Castro Nail Salon (Castro neighborhood), Columbus Cafe (North Beach), and Particia Custom Design Jewelry (Marina) to the Legacy Business Registry. Outcome: approved, unanimous 6-0.

The commission moved next to other agenda items after the registry approvals; staff said the Office of Small Business and Planning Department will continue outreach and assistance for legacy businesses that may face relocation pressures.