San Francisco’s Japantown is the oldest Japantown in the nation and a source of great pride for District 5 and our city. Dean has worked tirelessly to celebrate, support, and invest in Japantown. Especially given the horrible racist history inflicted on San Francisco’s Japanese-American community during WWII and later redevelopment, Dean knows that trust in government is earned through honesty, transparency, listening to the community, and partnering with the community to deliver positive results. Dean is proud of his work in Japantown and it will continue to be a priority

• Passed legislation to protect Japantown businesses from displacement during the pandemic

• Championed funding for the Peace Plaza Renovation

• Brought back the 2 Clement after it was suspended indefinitely

• Adopted the Japantown Cultural Heritage and Economic Sustainability Strategy for economic development and preserving and enhancing the historic and cultural buildings 

• Won a Reconnecting Communities grant to fund the Geary-Fillmore Underpass Community Planning Study

• Partnered with JCCCNC and DPW to replace vandalized historic Cherry Blossom trees

• Celebrated historic LGBTQ flag raising on Peace Plaza

• Implemented Pedestrian Safety improvements, including the new crosswalk at Buchanan and Geary

• Secured legacy business status for Nihonmachi Street Fair and On the Bridge Restaurant