COMMITTEES
These committees are the engine of PHRA. We plan events, share vital information, and work with city officials, city employees, and other organizations to find solutions for our community. Whether you have a lot of time or just a little, we’d love your help. Email us at info@phra-sf.org to join. Current membership is required for committee participation.
COMMUNICATIONS & ADMINISTRATION
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.
Chair, Carla Hashagen
COMMUNITY & EVENTS
We offer many social and civic gatherings to benefit our members and the neighborhood. We organize or co-host candidate, civic-briefing, and issue forums. Social events may include neighborhood walks, game nights, wine tastings, and summer picnics, as well as occasional activities with local merchants. Our Annual Meeting offers the chance to socialize with neighbors, meet the board, vote, and enjoy an informative program—often with our primary elected officials.
Chairs, Helen Huckleberry & Cynthia Traina
LAND USE AND PLANNING
We keep an eye on the neighborhood’s physical future. Our team reviews building permits and planning applications within our boundaries, and when necessary, we meet with owners, neighbors, architects and developers to address neighborhood concerns. We monitor major reuses, such as the vacant CPMC California St. campus, and the UCSF site at 3333 California. St. We engage in advocacy in response to zoning- and state-mandated changes, and support expanding housing in ways that respect the unique and historic character of our neighborhood.
Chair, Greg Scott
SAFETY & QUALITY-OF-LIFE ISSUES
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.
Chair, Christina Orth
TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY
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.
Chair, Lisa Platt
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.