OCII urges state backing for replacement‑housing bill after commission testimony; public asks for cultural programs in community benefits

The Executive Director updated the commission that staff and community advocates traveled to Sacramento to testify in support of state legislation (SB 593) to reinstate a replacement‑housing program. Koslovsky said the Senate Governance & Finance Committee approved the bill 7–0 in an initial hearing and the measure is expected to next appear before the housing committee; the bill was described in staff remarks as potentially funding about 5,800 replacement units statewide.

"I'm thrilled SB 5 93 passed the governance and finance committee," Koslovsky read from the senator’s press language, adding senators expressed interest in the policy as a model for other jurisdictions. OCII staff identified community advocates and local witnesses who contributed testimony, including representatives from Freedom West Homes and the Hunters Point Shipyard CAC.

During public comment, long‑time resident Oscar James urged that community‑benefit packages include historical and cultural programming for children in Bayview schools to preserve neighborhood history and foster unity. Commissioners and staff acknowledged the request; staff said they are already coordinating with SF Heritage and community groups on historic signage and suggested a community‑dialogue option for legacy programming.

Koslovsky also noted OCII staff would be asked to appear before the city’s Reparations Task Force and related subcommittees to discuss policy recommendations; commissioners were invited to participate in upcoming hearings and outreach.

The report was an informational update; no formal commission action was taken on SB 593 at Tuesday’s meeting.