Press Releases

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.”

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.

Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) introduced a bill today to set parameters on the use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in California. AB 1814 prohibits law enforcement from proceeding with a search, arrest or affidavit for a warrant, based solely on an FRT match. There must be other supporting factors. AB 1814 also requires the peace officer to examine the facial recognition match with care and consider the possibility it could be inaccurate. The goal is to prevent mistaken arrests or inappropriate tracking when this public safety tool is used.

“While facial recognition technology can be helpful in solving cases, one person arrested from an incorrect match is one too many. By requiring additional evidence, we can help protect people’s privacy and due process rights,” said Ting. 

To effectively address California’s housing crisis, the state must simply build more places to live. In fact, the Department of Housing and Community Development says about 180,000 units need to be added every year to keep up with housing demand. Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) has four bills taking effect next month that aims to increase the housing supply.

The most impactful may be the strengthening the state’s Housing Accountability Act (HAA) under AB 1633, which clarifies that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) cannot be used to endlessly delay or block housing projects, once all legal requirements have been met. The legislation does not alter CEQA in any way and will promote climate-friendly infill housing.