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Committee recommends renaming a block of Willow Street for Earl Gage Jr.; firefighters voice strong support
Summary
The committee voted 3-0 to recommend renaming Willow Street (between Buchanan and Laguna) to Earl Gage Jr. Street. Supervisor Dean Preston summarized Gage's role as the city's first Black firefighter and multiple fire-union leaders and community members called in to endorse the resolution.
The Land Use & Transportation Committee unanimously recommended a resolution to rename Willow Street (between Buchanan and Laguna) as Earl Gage Jr. Street to honor Earl Gage Jr., recognized in the hearing as San Francisco’s first Black firefighter and a leader in integrating department recruitment.
Supervisor Dean Preston introduced the resolution, said his office conducted early community outreach and reported broad enthusiasm from nearby institutions (including Rosa Parks Elementary School and Plaza East), and read a brief biography of Earl Gage Jr.: he moved to San Francisco in 1945, graduated from UC Berkeley, served in the U.S. Army, joined the San Francisco Fire Department in 1955 as the city’s first Black firefighter, served nearly 30 years and retired in 1983, and died July 30, 2017 at age 90. Preston said Gage worked to develop inclusive hiring practices that helped diversify the department.
Public comment included multiple callers who identified as San Francisco firefighters and community members. Caller Teague Faraca described Gage as an "extraordinary citizen" who endured racism and urged support; Lawrence Thomas and others recounted Gage’s inspiration; Sherman Tillman, identified as president of the San Francisco Black Firefighters, said Gage "was the San Francisco Fire Department's Jackie Robinson" and the association "wholeheartedly endorse[d]" the renaming. Sean Buford, identified in the record as president of Local 7 98, called in to express strong support. Several callers noted the naming has special resonance given the city’s history and the role of Black firefighters.
Supervisor Preston said his office would use the renaming process to educate the public — including students at nearby Rosa Parks Elementary — about Gage’s legacy. Chair Peskin said he looks forward to a socially distanced sign unveiling and that Department of Public Works staff (Jeremy Spitz) will fabricate the sign.
The committee moved the resolution to the full Board with a positive recommendation and recorded aye votes from Supervisors Preston, Safaii and Peskin.
Next steps: the resolution will be forwarded to the full Board for final action; the committee signaled plans for a socially distanced unveiling once logistics are arranged.
