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Board reaffirms sanctuary resolution; board and public raise pharmacy closures and commercial-vacancy concerns
Summary
The board adopted a series of first-reading items including a sanctuary-resolution reaffirmation amid broad public comment in support of sanctuary protections. Supervisors introduced measures to address downtown commercial vacancies and a Van Ness formula-retail ordinance; the board also adopted a resolution urging Walgreens to reconsider store closures in vulnerable neighborhoods.
The Board of Supervisors adopted a set of resolutions and first-reading items on Jan. 28 that included an affirmation of the city's sanctuary protections and actions addressing local commercial and health-service concerns.
In a unanimous roll call the board approved multiple items introduced without committee reference, including a sanctuary-resolution (Item 37) and other measures; supervisors severed and later adopted two items for separate consideration, including a resolution urging Walgreens to reconsider planned store closures in affected neighborhoods.
Supervisor Sheryl introduced two items and requested a hearing to tackle large commercial vacancies downtown and on major transit corridors, and proposed an ordinance to principally permit formula retail on a stretch of Van Ness to make it easier for large storefronts to be occupied. —We must make it easier to open a business and thrive,— she said, describing 200,000 square feet of vacant retail on a specified Van Ness segment.
Supervisor Walton introduced a resolution calling on pharmacies and medical providers to expand services in underserved neighborhoods after Walgreens announced multiple closures citywide. Walton said the loss of neighborhood pharmacies risks leaving seniors and residents with limited mobility without access to medications and urged Walgreens leadership to reconsider closures or extend timelines so the city and community can pursue alternatives.
General public comment earlier in the meeting featured dozens of speakers and organized representatives strongly supporting the sanctuary resolution and expressing concern about federal executive actions. Community groups, immigrant-rights organizations and service providers urged the board to protect immigrants and to resist federal measures perceived as threats to local sanctuary policies. Several speakers also urged oversight of local criminal-justice practices that may expose immigrants to federal enforcement.
The board took the resolutions and introduced ordinances as part of its broader agenda; committee hearings and follow-ups were proposed for items that require additional consideration or implementation planning.
