Committee forwards Leather & LGBTQ CHEST report to full Board; four liquor-license requests also advance

The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on June 13 heard a presentation on the Cultural History, Housing and Economic Sustainability (CHEST) report for the Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District and voted to forward the document to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation.

The report, presented by Bob Goldfarb of the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District and Grace Lee from the Office of Community Development, maps community priorities and strategies for historic and cultural preservation, land-use and tenant supports, arts and workforce development, and cultural competency. Goldfarb said the district completed extensive community engagement—interviews, eight focus groups and two surveys—and compiled 34 recommended strategies the district hopes will guide stabilization and sustainability.

"This is a really forward-looking view at what the vision of the community can be," Goldfarb told the committee, noting the district’s history in SoMa, the role of the Folsom Street Fair and ongoing efforts such as banners, commemorative street signs and a proposed sidewalk plaque project. He asked committee members to support the resolution and invited Chair Stephanie to cosponsor the item.

Several public commenters backed the report. Bob Brown, president of…