Historic Preservation Commission backs creation of Sunset Chinese Cultural District

The Historic Preservation Commission on July 7 unanimously recommended approval of an ordinance to establish a Sunset Chinese Cultural District in District 4, a step that would formalize city support for preserving and promoting the area’s Chinese cultural heritage.

City planning staff described the district boundaries — Lincoln Way to the north, Sloat Boulevard to the south, 19th Avenue to the east and the Great Highway to the west — and the ordinance’s requirement that the mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development identify a community partner to lead a CHESS report: “That report will be known as a CHESS report. CHESS standing for cultural history, housing and economic sustainability strategies,” staff said.

The staff presentation said the CHESS report would collect cultural-history information, consider landmarking potential, and propose strategies to stabilize businesses and residents. Community partners and nonprofit leaders who joined the hearing urged formal recognition and city-backed support. “The initiative to designate Sunset as a Chinese cultural district is most appealing and long awaited,” said a representative of Self Help for the Elderly, describing services to thousands of seniors in the area.

Neighborhood and heritage groups also testified in favor. Woody LaBounty of San Francisco Heritage said the organization supported cultural districts generally and offered assistance with the CHESS process. Ben Wong, who identified himself with WAMI School, said the designation could help address local needs such as affordable housing and childcare and reinforce the neighborhood’s cultural identity.

Commissioners asked how the city chooses a single community organization to lead the CHESS process and whether other cultural groups within the proposed boundaries would be able to participate. Shelly from MOHCD explained the partner-selection process requires demonstrated, community-based experience and that outreach and engagement plans will be open to all residents and groups.

Commissioner Soh moved and the commission seconded a motion recommending approval. The motion passed 7–0, with the commission’s recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to consider the ordinance and the CHESS timeline.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors, which will consider the ordinance in subsequent legislative hearings. The CHESS report timeline cited by staff sets an internal deadline of Sept. 22 for the initial deliverable.