Five candidates attended the forum, moderated by Mission Local's managing editor Joe Eskenazi. From left to right: Roger Marenco, Adlah Chisti, Michael Lai, Jose Morales, Ernest"E.J." Jones, and Joe Eskenazi. Photo by Xueer Lu. June 9, 2024.
Ernest “E.J.” Jones, who was an aide to the current supervisor, Ahsha Safaí, leaned on his extensive experience in the district and often ended his responses with a softspoken, but direct, “let’s do it.” It wasn’t an entirely convivial affair. When Lai mentioned a few solutions to housing in a neighborhood that Eskenazi described as house-rich, but cash-poor, Lai said the city needs to support homeowners to split their lots for extra income or to make space for their children.“If the people are cash-poor, how can they afford a lot-split and the development?” Jones asked, and suggested homeowners instead needed help in estate planning to make sure families can hold onto their property.
The five contenders also gave the crowd a preview of what they would focus on during their first days in office. Chisti said her first move would be to support oversight, accountability and transparency for large nonprofits. Jones said parking permits are an inevitability, so he would push for the first parking permits to be free. He’d also work to bring out a comprehensive public safety plan within his first 100 days. “So I’m ready,” he said. “Let’s go.”
The next Ocean View Library should be built faster at 100 Orizaba Ave. and Brotherhood Way, an intersection close to the highway. The district has too many cannabis dispensaries but not enough affordable housing. More housing density is needed at corridors on Ocean Avenue.