Saturday, December 27, 2025

Tenderloin's Nextdoor Community Hits 5,000 Members Milestone as Platform

 



Marks 14 YearsSan Francisco, CA – December 27, 2025
The vibrant and resilient Tenderloin neighborhood in San Francisco is celebrating a digital milestone: its dedicated Nextdoor group has surpassed 5,000 subscribers by the end of 2025, up from around 4,948 active neighbors earlier in the year.
This growth comes as Nextdoor, the hyperlocal social networking platform headquartered in San Francisco, reflects on its own journey. The Nextdoor app itself was launched nationwide in the United States in October 2011, while the Tenderloin's Nextdoor community was formed shortly after in November 2011—making it one of the earliest neighborhoods to join the platform in San Francisco during its initial rollout.
Nextdoor has long been a vital tool for neighborhoods like the Tenderloin, where residents use it to share local tips, report issues, organize community events, recommend trusted services, and foster connections in one of the city's most diverse and densely populated districts. Home to immigrant families, artists, activists, and a rich mix of cultures—including Little Saigon and historic LGBTQ+ landmarks—the Tenderloin thrives on grassroots communication.
"Reaching 5,000 neighbors on Nextdoor is a testament to our community's strength and engagement," said a local resident active on the platform. "In a neighborhood that's often misunderstood, this space helps us support each other—from alerting about safety concerns to celebrating hidden gems like our world-class pho spots and street art."
The Tenderloin Nextdoor group has proven especially valuable amid ongoing efforts to improve quality of life, including cleanups, public safety initiatives, and cultural preservation through organizations like the Tenderloin Museum.
As Nextdoor continues to connect over 100 million users worldwide, the Tenderloin's growing digital community highlights how technology can empower real-world neighborhoods—even in the heart of a bustling urban center.
Here's to many more years of neighborly connections!

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Alliance for a Better District 6 partial overview




Outline of Achievements of the Alliance for a Better District 6

The Alliance for a Better District 6 (AB6), founded in 1999 as a non-partisan, volunteer-driven civic organization in San Francisco's District 6 (encompassing downtown areas like the Tenderloin, SoMa, and Civic Center), has focused on empowering low- and very low-income residents through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Over 25 years, it has amplified marginalized voices in policy decisions, hosted stakeholder events, and fostered coalitions for equitable development. Below is a structured outline of its key achievements, grouped thematically.I. Founding and Organizational Milestones
  • Establishment and Longevity (1999–Present): Formed by District 6 residents to address overlooked low-income needs; evolved into a sustained voice for downtown San Francisco, reaching 20+ years of operation with a 2019 "A Night with the Stars" gala celebrating community leadership, honorees, and fundraising.
  • Non-Profit Status and Recognition: Achieved not-for-profit designation; earned 5-star community ratings (e.g., Yelp reviews highlighting 10+ years of educational and charitable impact); positioned as a key civic engagement partner with elected officials and organizations.
II. Civic Engagement and Voter Empowerment
  • Voter Education Initiatives (Early 2000s–Ongoing): Organized forums and workshops to build political confidence among low-income residents, increasing participation in elections and government processes.
  • Representation on Policy Boards: Successfully advocated for District 6 residents' appointments to city government boards, ensuring direct input on social, public, and land-use policies.
  • Membership and Activation Programs: Built a network of engaged members through opportunities like civil grand jury recruitment and community announcements, fostering ongoing involvement in local governance.
III. Community Organizing and Events
  • Stakeholder Meetings and Forums (2000s–Present): Hosted regular events, such as the July 2014 District 6 Stakeholder Meeting (co-sponsored with North of Market Business Association and Tenant Associations Coalition), covering topics like historic district housing, waterfront parks/jobs initiatives, public safety updates, and development projects (e.g., 101 Hyde Street housing).
  • Advocacy Campaigns: Led efforts on issues like Recology rate increases, conditional use permits (e.g., Camerich Furniture), and business relocations/alcohol licenses (e.g., Ono Sushi); promoted options like market/food halls and community kitchens to enhance local amenities.
  • Social Justice Stands: Publicly opposed discrimination (e.g., 2017 statements against executive orders targeting LGBT, women, Muslims, and immigrants), reinforcing AB6's role as a defender of vulnerable communities.
IV. Policy and Development Advocacy
  • Community Benefit Districts (CBDs) Creation (2010s–2020s): Key advocate for new CBDs in District 6, including the successful establishment of the SoMa West CBD (signed into law by Mayor London Breed in 2020), which unites stakeholders for neighborhood needs like maintenance and services; celebrated with events in Victoria Manalo Draves Park.
  • Environmental and Infrastructure Efforts: Joined coalitions to protect and expand San Francisco's street trees, focusing on saving, replacing, and maintaining urban greenery for better quality of life.
  • Land-Use and Development Wins: Influenced projects like Union Iron Works Historic District preservation, Cadillac Bar and Grill ABC license, and updates on sites like 854 Geary Street (The Tender) and Larkin Street Youth services, balancing growth with resident priorities.
V. Broader Impact and Legacy
  • Partnerships and Coalitions: Co-sponsored events with groups like Central City Democrats, Daldas Grocer, Tip Top Market, and the Swig Bar; awarded honors like the North of Market Business Association's 2015 Businesses of the Year to recognize collaborative successes.
  • Overall Neighborhood Transformation: Contributed to safer, more inclusive downtown spaces through advocacy for public safety, housing, and economic opportunities; described as having "profoundly shaped the neighborhood's landscape and the lives of its residents" over two decades.
AB6's work continues through its website (abd6.cfsites.org), blog, and social channels, emphasizing volunteer-driven change. For more details, visit their official site or contact via sf_district6@yahoo.com (mailto:_district6@yahoo.com).