Rules Committee forwards Sonia Amelara's nomination to the Police Commission

The Rules Committee voted to forward Mayor—s nomination of Sonia Amelara to the San Francisco Police Commission with a full recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

Sonia Amelara introduced herself and outlined a career spanning community organizations, supervised visitation services at St. Francis Hospital, work on the first domestic-violence shelter (La Casa de las Madres) and service on multiple city commissions. "I have been involved in the area of domestic violence since the early seventies," she said, describing her experience working with police to establish early protocols and later collaborating with police chiefs and department personnel on improvements.

Supervisors questioned Amelara about priorities if confirmed. On patrols and public safety she said she would push for practical operational changes and community engagement; on pedestrian safety she emphasized enforcement and education; on domestic violence she emphasized prevention and careful handling of families so they are not further traumatized. Asked about tasers, Amelara said she had no firm position without reviewing the data and would rely on the police commission's studies.

Multiple community leaders and organizations spoke in Amelara's favor during public comment. Endorsers included a retired SFPD captain, representatives from La Casa de las Madres, the San Francisco Police Officers Association, the Health Commission, and other longtime community colleagues who highlighted her work on domestic violence, immigrant services and public-health partnerships. A committee member moved to send the nomination to the full board with a positive recommendation; the motion passed with no recorded objection.

Next step: the Board of Supervisors will consider the nomination; if approved, Amelara would fill an unexpired term on the Police Commission.