Committees

You can make a difference in your neighborhood. Become a member. Participate in PHRA events.  For those who want more involvement, join a committee.  Most of the beneficial work of PHRA is done by our committees: they are the primary means by which we gather information, inform our members and neighbors, solicit feedback, and develop solutions with elected officials, city agencies, and leaders of other organizations.  Current membership is required to join either a committee or the board of PHRA. Here’s a complete list of our standing committees:

LAND USE & PLANNING

Chair: Greg Scott

We meet frequently with property owners, architects and developers to preview proposed construction projects, including substantial home remodeling and expansion projects.  We also evaluate major commercial developments and the reuse of large properties such as the California Pacific Medical Center campus on California Street and the U.C.San Francisco facility at  3333 California Streety. We have engaged continuously with city and state officials over several years concerning attempts to reduce or remove local control over zoning decisions.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Chair: Vacant (we welcome volunteers!)

We work with a wide range of public officials to voice neighborhood concerns and desires related to crime, homelessness, public health issues, disaster preparedness, home safety, and more. We partner with other neighborhood organizations as well as city-wide task forces to pursue new policies and actions where they are needed to improve public safety and security. Recently, we partnered with the American Red Cross on their project to provide free smoke detectors and installation for senior and low-income households.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

Chair: Steve Pickrell

We have an ongoing relationship with staff at the SFMTA and other agencies to influence decisions about projects and programs with local impacts on mobility and accessibility for all residents. We strive to balance evolving transportation needs with protection of the historical and architectural integrity of our neighborhood. Current members are engaged in issues of parking, public transit, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and alternative transportation services such as ride-hailing, bike sharing, and self-Driving vehicles.

COMMUNICATIONS

Chair: Carla Hashagen

Sharing information is an important part of our role in the neighborhood. We also collect feedback on important issues to share with elected and appointed decision-makers. We maintain a large list of members and friends of PHRA with which we regularly communicate about current issues and events of local importance. Our website is another source of information for members and all residents of Pacific Heights, which requires regular updating, as does our social media presence.

MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS

Chair: Vacant

We organize or co-sponsor informational events to keep neighbors up-to-date and aware of important issues affecting neighborhood quality of life. Past meetings have focused on personal safety, transportation developments, and other topics. We also sponsor or co-sponsor candidate and issue events; and host occasional social gatherings at local restaurants and businesses where members can meet their neighbors and share concerns and ideas.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

In addition to our five active committees, current board members are active in the areas of local merchant liaisons, government relations, parks, and PHRA’s own budget and finance.  Existing or prospective members with specific interests or skills are encouraged to reach out to discuss opportunities for involvement in PHRA operations.  Additionally, we periodically form task forces to address specific issues that need focused attention for a limited period, such as when neighborhood schools have proposed significant enrollment increases. Members can contribute to the efforts of these task forces as well as suggest formation of new ones to tackle specific issues of importance to members and neighbors.