Mayor Appoints Alan Wong as New Supervisor for District 4

Mayor Daniel Lurie has appointed Alan Wong to fill the vacant District 4 seat on the Board of Supervisors. This decision comes after a controversial selection process that saw the previous appointee, Beya Alcaraz, resign just days into her term due to allegations regarding her former pet store’s management and possible violations of wage and tax regulations. Lurie accepted responsibility for the selection error and assured that future appointees will undergo more thorough vetting.

The Mayor’s Office announced Wong’s appointment on Sunday, stating that he was chosen following “careful vetting and extensive community engagement.” Wong, who has a rich background in city politics and policy, will be sworn in on Monday, potentially allowing him to participate in a critical Board of Supervisors vote on a contentious zoning plan aimed at increasing housing density in northern and western neighborhoods to comply with state housing planning requirements.

Lurie emphasized the need for a supervisor who genuinely understands the community, saying, “From the very beginning, I’ve been clear about the kind of Supervisor District 4 needs: someone who lives and breathes the district.” He noted that Wong’s deep roots in the area and commitment to residents’ concerns made him the ideal candidate.

Unlike Alcaraz, who Lurie met shortly before her appointment, Wong brings significant experience in local policy, community engagement, and governance. “I have served as an elected City College trustee, a military commander, and the policy director at Children’s Council of San Francisco,” Wong stated. “But most importantly, I’m someone who has called the Sunset home my entire life.”

Wong, 38, recently moved back into District 4 and has held various leadership roles, including serving as the senior director of public policy communications at the Children’s Council of San Francisco. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego, in political science and public policy, and a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of San Francisco.

In addition to his public service, Wong has been a military officer in the Army National Guard for over 16 years and has experience as an organizer with the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West. His commitment to education is evident through his advocacy for free tuition and the preservation of Cantonese classes during his tenure on the City College Board of Trustees, where he was elected in both 2020 and 2024.

The vetting process for Wong’s position included the consideration of other candidates, with some being removed from the list due to concerns raised in local media. Wong’s selection came after the Mayor’s Office publicly circulated names of candidates considered for the position, which included individuals with questionable backgrounds.

The upcoming election for the remainder of the term will take place in June 2024, with voters expected to choose a candidate for a new four-year term in November 2026. Wong’s appointment is critical as he enters a political landscape marked by significant challenges, including the need to rebuild trust in local government and address pressing community needs.

Frank Noto, co-founder of the group Stop Crime SF, praised Wong’s qualifications, stating, “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.”

As Wong prepares to take office, he expressed his dedication to enhancing the quality of life in District 4. “I believe the Sunset, and San Francisco, can thrive again,” he remarked. “We need leadership that restores trust in city government, keeps our neighborhoods safe, supports working families, expands housing opportunities, and helps residents access the services their tax dollars fund.” Wong’s commitment to his community and his extensive experience position him as a key player in the future of District 4.