Sunset progressives organize to 'stop billionaire takeover' of S.F.

"“We need workers rights. We need our fair share. We don't need no billionaire,” sang some 50 people gathered at the Ortega branch library in the Outer Sunset, enthusiastically repeating the chorus of “No Billionaires” by Minneapolis musician and activist Sarina Partridge."

"It was one of the first events of the new group, which Mar said wants to bring together residents in the Sunset and Richmond who “care about affordability, democracy, labor rights and climate change.” The goal, the group's vision statement reads, is to make the Westside “a power hub for progressive change.”"

"Mar told the audience at Wednesday evening's forum that he wants to “challenge the stereotype that Westside neighborhoods are politically conservative.” There is some truth to that stereotype though. In District 4, 24 percent of voters cast their ballot to re-elect Donald Trump in 2024, the second highest percentage in the city after District 11, the district covering the Excelsior, Oceanview and Outer Mission."

"There may be an “undercurrent” of progressive forces in the Sunset, said Jenne Ristau, a Sunset resident who attended the forum. “But I don't think they have political power,” Ristau said. That could soon change. Natalie Gee, a progressive candidate backed by labor, is running to challenge the incumbent Supervisor Alan Wong in District 4. If she wins, it would boost the city's progressives' efforts to gain power in City Hall."

A new progressive group called Westside Forward held an event at the Ortega branch library in the Outer Sunset to oppose a “billionaire takeover.” About 50 attendees sang “No Billionaires” and emphasized workers’ rights and fair share. Former District 4 Supervisor Gordon Mar said the group seeks to connect residents in the Sunset and Richmond who care about affordability, democracy, labor rights, and climate change, aiming to make the Westside a power hub for progressive change. Mar also said he wants to challenge the stereotype that Westside neighborhoods are politically conservative. Voting patterns show some support for Donald Trump in District 4, but the Sunset has also elected progressive leadership. A resident said progressive forces may lack political power, and a potential shift could come from Natalie Gee’s challenge to Supervisor Alan Wong in District 4.

Read at Mission Local