On November 5th, the United States is preparing for an election that will mark a milestone in the country’s history. In San Francisco, the political environment is full of expectations, especially with a number of candidates vying for the mayor’s post. However, it is the election for District 9 supervisor that is generating great interest, particularly in the Hispanic community.
This district is home to a significant Hispanic population, with numerous families, businesses and schools. Among the candidates in the race, one figure stands out who is deeply involved in the social, political and economic life of the area: Roberto Hernandez. Of Nicaraguan origin, Hernandez has been a key player in the cultural landscape of San Francisco, although his story has raised confusion about his birthplace, since he came to the United States as a child.
One of Hernandez’s most notable achievements has been his contribution to the creation of the San Francisco Carnival, an event that celebrates Hispanic culture and unites diverse ethnicities, enriching the cultural life of the city. In addition, his commitment to access to affordable housing has been a constant struggle that deserves recognition. In a context where living costs are high, his voice has been raised in defense of solutions that benefit the community.
Recently, the city proposed increasing the hours and days in which citizens had to pay for parking in front of their homes, extending these rates even to Sundays. This measure generated considerable discontent. However, after a strong protest led by Hernandez and community organizations, the city decided to retract this proposal, recognizing the abuse it represented.
Despite this achievement, Hernandez’s effort on parking in District 9 has not been enough. The city has shown a disturbing trend of taking more money from the people by removing parking meters and replacing them with red zones, commercial yellow zones, and white zones in exorbitant amounts. This restructuring has led to the elimination of hundreds of parking spaces, harming merchants and consumers who face difficulties in parking when shopping.
I find these measures unfair and insensitive on the part of city bureaucrats, who seem to prioritize fundraising over community well-being. It is crucial that Roberto Hernandez advocate for reversing the removal of all parking meters and work to become the “parking guru” for the district. In addition, he should commit to advocating for the construction of new parking garages, permanently banning the enforcement of parking meters on Sundays and holidays, and preventing the expansion of parking meters into new zones without the approval of the residents and businesses in those neighborhoods. His leadership can be instrumental in defending the interests of affected residents and merchants.
Among the candidates running for District 9 supervisor, Hernández stands out not only for his personal story, but also for his work in the community. While many others are unknown, his name resonates in the hearts of residents. His career has made him a reference in the fight for the rights and needs of Hispanics in San Francisco.
It is important to recognize that, although no candidate is perfect, Hernández’s experience and commitment make him a viable option. His ability to act as a liaison between the community and the government is essential at a time when representation is crucial. In an environment where many feel disconnected from their leaders, his inclusive approach could be the key to fostering a more open and effective dialogue.
The November 5 election is an opportunity for the Hispanic community to express its voice and elect a representative who understands their needs and challenges. Roberto Hernández has demonstrated his dedication to improving the quality of life in District 9. Despite the criticism he may receive, his commitment to the common good is undeniable.
In short, the November elections represent a decisive moment for San Francisco. With a wide range of candidates, the Hispanic community has the opportunity to elect a leader who has been at the forefront of issues affecting their neighbors. Roberto Hernandez is a candidate who has proven his worth and, despite not being perfect, is a figure who could bring about significant and positive changes for District 9.
We call on District 9 residents: now is the time to get informed and actively participate in these elections. The voice of the community is powerful, and every vote counts. With your support, Roberto Hernandez can become the next District 9 supervisor, working tirelessly to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
https://www.roberto4sf.com/
