Who is new Supervisor Beya Alcaraz? And what does District 4 think?

Isabella “Beya” Alcaraz, a 29-year-old arts and music teacher, was sworn in as San Francisco's city supervisor for District 4, representing the Sunset and Parkside neighborhoods. Appointed by Mayor Daniel Lurie, her lack of political experience has sparked debate about her suitability for the role. Residents are particularly wary due to the controversial actions of her predecessor, Joel Engardio, who faced backlash over the Great Highway closure. Alcaraz's previous experience as a pet shop owner and educator contrasts sharply with the political background typically seen in this position. Former supervisor Gordon Mar emphasized the importance of community ties while cautioning that navigating city governance can be complex for newcomers.

Alcaraz's voting record raises questions, as she has not participated in several key elections, which some see as a lack of political engagement. Despite this, she expresses a commitment to representing the working-class families of her district. Her immediate challenge will be to address contentious issues like the Great Highway and the mayor's upzoning plan effectively.