Mayor Appoints Alan Wong as New District 4 Supervisor

Mayor Daniel Lurie has appointed Alan Wong as the new supervisor for District 4, which includes the Sunset and other west-side neighborhoods. This decision comes shortly after the resignation of Beya Alcaraz, Lurie’s previous pick, who stepped down just a week into her term due to controversy surrounding her past business practices and potential violations of wage and tax regulations. Lurie accepted responsibility for the oversight and pledged that future appointments would undergo more thorough vetting.

The Mayor’s Office announced Wong’s selection, stating it followed “careful vetting and extensive community engagement.” Lurie plans to officially swear Wong into office on Monday, just in time for a crucial vote on Tuesday regarding a controversial zoning plan aimed at increasing housing densities in the area.

Lurie emphasized the need for a representative who truly understands the district. “From the very beginning, I’ve been clear about the kind of Supervisor District 4 needs: someone who lives and breathes the district and can build bridges within it,” he stated. “With Alan Wong as the supervisor, District 4 will have that voice.”

Wong brings with him a wealth of experience in local policy and community engagement. As the policy director at Children’s Council of San Francisco and an elected trustee of the City College Board, he has a strong background in governance and advocacy. “I have served as an elected City College trustee, a military commander, and the policy director at Children’s Council of San Francisco,” Wong remarked. “But most importantly, I’m someone who has called the Sunset home my entire life.”

He also expressed his vision for the district, stating, “I believe the Sunset, and San Francisco, can thrive again. But we need leadership that restores trust in city government, keeps our neighborhoods safe, and expands housing opportunities.”

Wong’s appointment comes after a recent vetting process that saw the Mayor’s Office publicly consider five candidates. One candidate was removed following a report regarding her voting history, while another faced scrutiny over tax documentation. Wong, aged 38, has been actively involved in the community and has deep roots in the Sunset area. He moved into District 4 recently after living just outside its boundaries.

His professional background includes serving as the senior director of public policy communications at Children’s Council of San Francisco, where he focuses on issues affecting families and children. Wong has a history of public service, having worked as a legislative aide to former District 4 Supervisor Gordon Mar, and he has been involved with various community organizations, including the Service Employees International Union.

Wong’s educational qualifications further bolster his candidacy. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School, attended City College of San Francisco, and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and public policy from UC San Diego, followed by a master’s in public affairs from the University of San Francisco. He was elected to the City College Board of Trustees in both 2020 and 2024, serving as president in the last two years.

Community leaders have voiced their support for Wong. Frank Noto, co-founder of Stop Crime SF, remarked, “No one is more qualified than Alan. He has the requisite policy, political, and community experience to serve as an exemplary member of the Board serving the Sunset.”

Looking ahead, Wong’s electability may become a focal point as the remainder of the term for the recently recalled Supervisor Joel Engardio will be contested in June 2024. Several candidates have already declared their intention to run, including Natalie Gee, chief of staff to District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton.

As Wong prepares to take office, he is committed to addressing the pressing issues facing the community and restoring trust in the local government. His appointment marks a new chapter for District 4, with the hope that his leadership will foster positive change in the neighborhoods he represents.