by Peter Stevens
I am deeply honored to have your support as the incoming president of the Telegraph Hill Dwellers. I also want to express my gratitude to the long line of presidents who have guided this organization, with special thanks to our outgoing president, Nick Ferris.
I also want to recognize Mary Lipian, Teresa Flandrich, Mike Rothmann, and Nanci Gaglio. While I know their commitment to the neighborhood is far from over, their service to THD has already left a lasting mark. During their time in leadership, they strengthened our internal record-keeping, protected tenants from displacement, planted trees, and hosted many community film events. Our organization is only as strong as its membership, and these members exemplify what it means to be stewards of this neighborhood. Their work reflects both the strength of our community and the wide range of ways THD serves Telegraph Hill and North Beach.
For those just getting to know me, my background is in land use. I am trained in the tradition of community development that emerged from the central city redevelopment struggles of the mid-20th century. At that time, lower-income urban neighborhoods were being bulldozed by redevelopment agencies in the name of revitalization and economic growth. Those communities organized and fought back. Their theory was straightforward but powerful. Communities should be empowered to shape their own future, and government should provide the technical assistance and resources needed to support community voices. It is then incumbent on the community to use that power responsibly to create neighborhoods that are culturally and economically vibrant, affordable, and safe, the goal being to provide a dignified life for all residents.
I would argue that this is the model Telegraph Hill Dwellers has embodied for our more than 70+ years of existence.
Today, we are seeing a similar redevelopment dynamic play out across San Francisco. Large well-capitalized interests are targeting thriving neighborhoods like ours. They are attempting to roll back the policies we fought for and won that protect small businesses, affordable rents, and cultural cohesion, all in the name of economic progress. The truth is that these very policies, the ones in which our community has invested, defended, and strengthened over the years are what made this neighborhood successful in the first place. Together, we have helped tip the neighborhood policy balance in favor of mom-and-pop businesses, arts and culture, affordability, and protections against displacement. North Beach is internationally renowned not in spite of these values but because of them.
The exploitation of neighborhoods is nothing new. Redevelopment is just one example. Telegraph Hill Dwellers has met these challenges before, and I believe we are prepared to meet them again. As an organization, we have endured for more than 70 years because of the strength, care, and dedication of our members, and I am confident we will be here for at least 70 more years. It is our love of the neighborhood and our neighbors that binds us.
As President, I see my role as helping to coordinate and support the work our members are already doing, while also creating new opportunities for current and future members to contribute. I believe the best way to help this organization is to back-up its members. THD is strongest when members feel informed, connected, and empowered to act. In my role as President, I will work to make sure members have the tools, communication, and encouragement they need to participate fully in our work, build connections across our shared efforts, and support both longtime members and those just becoming involved. Neighborhoods require constant investment. Nothing you see in North Beach happened by accident. By investing in our members, their ideas, their energy, and their leadership, we invest in the future of this organization and in the future of our neighborhood.
