Mayor Daniel Lurie recently appointed Beya Alcaraz as the District 4 Supervisor in San Francisco. Her appointment holds historical significance, as she is the first supervisor in 30 years to join the position without any prior experience in politics or government. However, her brief tenure ended abruptly just seven days later when she resigned amidst controversy regarding her business practices.
Controversial Resignation
Alcaraz’s resignation came after damaging reports surfaced about her management of a local pet store. Prior to her appointment, these revelations were highlighted by Mission Local and the San Francisco Standard, who noted severe negligence at her former business. Among the issues reported were unsanitary conditions, including an infestation of dead mice and filth.
In a troubling series of text messages, Alcaraz admitted to various unethical practices, such as paying employees “under the table” to evade taxes and falsely categorizing personal expenses as business costs. This led to significant scrutiny over her ability to serve as a city supervisor.
Mayor Lurie’s Vetting Process
The appointment raised questions about the vetting process conducted by Mayor Lurie. He publicly stated that Alcaraz had been thoroughly vetted, yet the damaging information could have easily been obtained by reaching out to the previous owner of the pet store. Following the news of her resignation, Lurie expressed regret for not ensuring Alcaraz’s readiness for the role.
A Lack of Political Experience
Historically, San Francisco has seen a pattern where all 16 appointees to the supervisor positions since 2000 had some form of political experience. This included roles such as legislative aides or members of city commissions. Alcaraz, however, lacked any political involvement prior to her appointment.
- Age: 29
- No voting record in recent elections
- Previous work: Art and music teacher, pet store owner
Future Implications
Following Alcaraz’s swift departure, the search for a new District 4 Supervisor has begun. This appointment is critical, as it typically serves as a pathway for individuals to transition into elected positions. In the past 30 years, ten out of sixteen appointees have successfully retained their roles after their initial appointments.
Several candidates have already expressed interest in the upcoming special election, including Natalie Gee, district supervisor chief of staff, and Albert Chow, a notable political organizer.
Conclusion
Mayor Daniel Lurie’s appointment of Beya Alcaraz as the District 4 Supervisor proved to be a miscalculation, marked by her lack of experience and ethical controversies. As the city prepares for a new appointment, the critical need for qualified leadership becomes evident.
