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.”

Press Contact: San Francisco Recreation and Park Department RPDcommunications@sfgov.org 

Assemblymember Phil Ting, District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar, and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today the completion of several new upgrades at Lake Merced South, including ADA improvements, the addition of a fitness court and new benches and tables.

The renovations at the park surrounding the freshwater lake in the city’s southwest corner are part of the larger Lake Merced Trail Improvement Project. The project was guided by a community process that allowed residents to voice what improvements they wanted to see at the park.