Press Releases

A collaboration between Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and Chinese Hospital to ease the sub-acute bed crisis locally has reached key milestones, bringing a new sub-acute wing to the Chinatown facility a big step closer to reality. 

Phase One of Chinese Hospital’s new wing, dubbed the Mechanical Backbone Project, is now complete with the help of $5 million from the 2022-23 California state budget that Ting secured. Much of the section’s infrastructure required updating and remodeling. With that portion done, Ting announced today another $5 million allocated from the 2023-24 state budget, allowing Phase Two of the construction to begin. This entails building out the 23-bed sub-acute unit itself.

On the eve of San Francisco Bike and Roll To School Week, Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) hosted an event today to get students ready. His annual bike fair offered safety tips, bicycle tune-ups, a free helmet giveaway and more. 

“It’s good for the environment and their health when we show our kids there are other ways to get to school than a car,” said Ting. “I’ve been a champion of active transportation, working to improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. Slowly, but surely, we are making our streets safer and more accessible for everyone.”

As autonomous vehicles (AVs) become increasingly part of our lives, steps must be taken to ensure safety protocols and traffic laws are followed. After months of engaging industry representatives and local transportation leaders, Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) has proposed AB 1777, which prioritizes public safety. The Assembly Transportation Committee will be considering the proposal on Monday, April 22, beginning around 12:30 p.m. when floor session adjourns. (Watch here.)

Harmful chemicals and clean transportation top the list of environmental priorities that Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) is championing this year. Known for his efforts to accelerate California’s transition to clean cars and improving recycling access, Ting continues his pursuit of solutions that help ensure a sustainable future.

“I’m alarmed over reports that climate change is accelerating. Earth Day gives people a chance to reflect on their relationship with our planet, and frankly, we must do better,” said Ting. “I hope California persists in leading the way. Like all parents, I’ve got kids to think about and the world they will inherit.”

Each of the following bills have already cleared at least one Assembly committee:

San Francisco’s downtown could once again thrive under AB 2488 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). The legislation uses a tax incentive to attract developers who can turn vacant office buildings into much needed residential units. The conversions aim to generate economic activity with the increased foot traffic, while providing relief to the City’s longstanding housing shortage.

“We can address two problems with one bill. AB 2488 empowers San Francisco to create vibrant, walkable, mixed-use communities that open the door to new economic, social and cultural opportunities. The prospect is exciting,” said Ting. 

Assemblymember Phil Ting announced the four outstanding women chosen as his district’s Women of the Year. They have made a meaningful difference in our communities, forging paths to a better future for the under-served.

Rose Chung from San Francisco’s Russian Hill

Rose Chung is Board Chair of APA Family Support Services, Vice-President of Portsmouth Square Garage and past President of Jung Family Association. As a former legislative aide at City Hall, Rose champions causes close to her heart. She is the visionary behind the Miss Asian Global Pageant, which celebrates nearly four decades of empowering women. Rose embodies the ethos of "women lifting women," leveraging their collective compassion to deliver meaningful change in society.

Juslyn Manalo from Daly City 

Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) today announced $4.5 million from the California budget to transform Kinmon Gakuen’s auditorium into a premiere community space. This state funding for the 114-year-old Japanese language school kicks off a multi-phase rehabilitation that ensures the preservation of Japantown history.

“Japantown residents and their families have endured so much pain since immigrating to San Francisco. We must make it right by investing in their community. Revitalizing a neighborhood asset gives visitors a chance to connect and learn about the area’s history,” said Ting.

Sacramento – In response to last summer’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that bans race considerations in the college admissions process and more than 27 years of California’s affirmative action ban, Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) will spearhead AB 1780, prohibiting California’s private colleges and universities from receiving state funding through the Cal Grant program, if they give preferential treatment to certain applicants. The practice is commonly known as “legacy admissions” and heavily tips the scales towards someone related to a donor or alumni of the university or college. The legislation aims to level the playing field by giving all students a fairer shot when applying to schools.

The small percentage of California drivers who put a lot of miles on their aging, high-polluting, gas-powered cars could be pivotal in helping the state cut its greenhouse gas emissions. Assemblymember Phil Ting (D- San Francisco) introduced AB 2401, which targets this group of “superusers” - especially from communities of color - and incentivizes their transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The bill modernizes California’s Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) program by expanding it statewide, making higher rebates available specifically to lower income, high-mileage drivers with older, high-polluting vehicles. 

“Clean car rebates have previously gone to drivers who typically don’t need the financial help. It’s time to focus on working families who cannot afford to make the switch. This will bring fairness and equity to the program, while also accelerating the environmental benefits for the state,” said Ting.

Against the backdrop of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) today unveiled AB 2669, which would ensure that people walking or bicycling across a toll bridge in California will never pay a fee. Ting and advocates for pedestrians and bicyclists believe that ensuring cost-free access to our state’s bridges will result in continued environmental benefits, while also encouraging exercise and healthy living. 

“We have spent decades promoting active lifestyles to improve our health and carbon-free transportation alternatives to combat our climate crisis. We must continue the progress we’ve made. A toll charge on non-drivers will only set us back,” said Ting. “My bill ensures everyone has free access to bike and walk across California’s bridges, encouraging more people to get out of their cars and enjoy the outdoors.”