Committee backs Tina Modotti plaque at 1952 Taylor Street, sends ordinance to full Board

The Land Use and Transportation Committee voted to send an ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation to approve a Tina Modotti commemorative plaque to be installed on the sidewalk in the vicinity of 1952 Taylor Street. Chair Aaron Peskin introduced the item and invited Emma Scully of the Tina Modotti Heritage Committee to present the project.

Scully told the committee the plaque would honor Modotti, who emigrated from Italy and lived in San Francisco’s North Beach between about 1913 and 1918, and later became a noted photographer and political activist in Mexico. She said the committee has previously secured a Board proclamation and worked with Museo Italo Americano and City Lights Bookstore on events to commemorate Modotti’s work.

Peskin said the committee’s staff (including Calvin Yan) and Public Works staff (Jeremy Spitz) have been involved and confirmed procedural details. The clerk read that the ordinance would waive a Public Works hearing, accept the plaque as a gift to the city and direct official acts. There were no public speakers on the item, and Supervisor Asha Safaie moved to send the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the motion carried "without objection."

Next steps: the item will be agendized at the full Board (items acted on today are scheduled to appear on the May 14 Board agenda unless otherwise stated). If the Board approves, Public Works will handle placement and signage consistent with city procedures.