District 11 candidate for Supervisor John Avalos discusses his campaign platform Saturday
with residents and supporters during a campaign kick-off event held at Excelsior Playground.
Photos and Video by Luke Thomas
By Luke Thomas
June 21, 2008
Progressive candidate for District 11 Supervisor John Avalos held his campaign kick-off event today at Excelsior Playground.
Addressing attendees comprising district residents and their families, elected officials, labor leaders and community activists, Avalos said his experience fighting for social justice issues and working as a supervisoral aide qualifies him to represent District 11.
“Often we talk about politics being a dirty word,” Avalos said. “For me, politics is really actually about social justice. It’s about improving peoples’ lives. That’s how I spent my last twenty years of my life, fighting for social justice, trying to make sure people have equity in their lives.”
Avalos, married for ten years with two children, said as Supervisor he would make District 11 more family friendly by focusing on public safety, education, clean streets, public parks projects, and supporting the City’s demand for increased affordable housing.
He said he is proud of the City’s sanctuary status and paid tribute to San Francisco’s ethnically diverse immigrant community which, he said, is the backbone of the City’s economic engine.
Considered a frontrunner, Avalos has the political backing of several influential labor groups including endorsements from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the California Nurses Association (CNA), the San Francisco Labor Council (SFLC), and United Educators of San Francisco (UESF).
He has also earned the endorsements of Sheriff Michael Hennessey, Public Defender Jeff Adachi, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Supervisors Chris Daly and Tom Ammiano, School Board Commissioners Eric Mar, Kim-Shree Maufus, Jane Kim, and Norman Yee.
Without making a direct reference to fellow candidate Ahsha Safai, who was the beneficiary of a June 4 fundraiser hosted by lobbying group Platinum Advisors and Mayor Gavin Newsom, Avalos said he will not take political campaign money from “downtown” corporate interests, real estate developers, or registered lobbyists.
Instead, Avalos, who earned a Masters degree in social work at San Francisco State University, said he would rely on public campaign financing and grassroots campaign efforts to earn the trust and approval of District 11 residents.
“Public financing makes it possible for me to run for office,” Avalos said, “and not have to kowtow to the big downtown political players.”
The race for District 11 Supervisor includes Board of Appeals Commissioner Randy Knox, Community College Board Trustee Julio Ramos, former Planning Commissioner Myrna Lim, Mayoral Aide Ahsha Safai, Adrian Bermudez, and Emily Drennen.
Luke Thomas
Luke Thomas is a former software developer and computer consultant who proudly hails from London, England. In 2001, Thomas took a yearlong sabbatical to travel and develop a photographic portfolio. Upon his return to the US, Thomas studied photojournalism to pursue a career in journalism. In 2004, Thomas worked for several neighborhood newspapers in San Francisco before accepting a partnership agreement with the SanFranciscoSentinel.com, a news website formerly covering local, state and national politics. In September 2006, Thomas launched FogCityJournal.com. The BBC, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, New York Times, Der Spiegel, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Magazine, 7x7, San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco Bay Guardian and the San Francisco Weekly, among other publications and news outlets, have published his work. Thomas is a member of the Freelance Unit of the Pacific Media Workers Guild, TNG-CWA Local 39521 and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
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The Hunger Site
July 3, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Last I heard Safai was also taking only public financing – at least try to get the facts right. As a D11 resident, I’d actually be happy with anyone who brings more attention to the district than Sandoval did.
June 22, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Isn’t what’s his name’s and quest que cest’s (pardon my talking heads french) little girl in that last pic just gorgeous, considering she’s a miniature cheese eating surrender monkey in training!
Fromage mangeant le singe de reddition!
-marc
June 22, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Love the shots of Excelsior Playground. I grew up right across the street. Learned to play Baseball right on that field, which use to be called Joe Cronin Field. Joe Cronin grew up around the corner and is a former Red Sox Hall of famer.
June 22, 2008 at 12:30 am
If that Safari character out in District 11 wins, then I will be embarrassed for District 11, San Francisco, the U.S. and the universe.