COMMENTARY | Naming the 10 most powerful people in San Francisco is a difficult task. With so many locals with feathers in their caps, how can anyone choose? For the purpose of this article, the definition of power is centered on the big names behind the scenes in San Francisco. Together, they make the wheels of the city turn like a state-of-the-art machine.
It's time to take out the trash
It's uncommon for people to be awe-struck over trash management, but San Francisco's Recology turns heads. Leading the nation in top-notch waste management services is Mike Sangiacomo, president and CEO.
Put this to a vote
In San Francisco, the profound political leadership comes from endorsements by local Democratic Clubs. Topping the local candidate selection process is Democratic County Central Committee Chair, Aaron Peskin.
Jack of all trades, master of all
Where do all the smart engineers and urban planners at SFMTA come from? In San Francisco's sophisticated urban planning scene, SPUR.org is a state-of-the-art urban planning community with an impressive membership. Topping that list are co-chairs Linda Jo Fitz and Lee Blitch.
Creating the world we dream of
The Wigg Party burst onto the San Francisco political scene in 2010. Combining the local common interests of sustainable living, the originators of this successful grassroots political organization are co-founders Clint Womack and Morgan Fitzgibbons.
Eating right starts on your fire escape
Hayes Valley Farm has been instrumental in shaping the extremely popular urban gardening movement. Behind the scenes is co-director and community outreach coordinator Jay Rosenberg.
Dear Board of Supervisors
When you insist that you must speak to your district supervisor immediately, to whom do you turn? Handling all of the wishes of the entire city and directing an $11 million budget is Clerk of the Board Angela Calvillo. A CEO of the people, this position of power with local government makes Calvillo one of the most indispensible people in San Francisco.
Getting the party started
Behind the scenes of the 2013 America's Cup yacht race, fireworks, and every festival in San Francisco is one person putting the final stamp on the permit process. The person approving every major event is Deputy Director Jocelyn Kane of San Francisco's Entertainment Commission.
Who lets the dogs out?
When it comes to power in San Francisco, dogs have their own paw in the running for most powerful. After the media fiasco of 2010-2011 concerning banning dogs in parks, dog owners established they were a professional and powerful group. Behind the dog owner organizing gusto were Dolores Park Dogs co-chairs Jill Inderdohnen and Lindsay Kefaufeer.
The shining face of hope in moments of darkness
When there is a true crisis or matter of life and death, many of us rush to the emergency room. In the middle of the night, who is the person that helps you in your hour of need? Heading the staff at the SF General Hospital and Trauma Center is Human Resources Director Elaine Lee.
Catching you when you fall
With one telephone call or click at the computer, there is a place that helps you get your foot in the door in San Francisco when you have lost your footing. Behind this rescue desk is the powerful Walk-In Center Manager Kim Armbruster at the Glide Center.
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Maryam Louise is a former English instructor and materials developer for the Department of Defense Refugee Resettlement and Education Program in Louisville, Kentucky. Since 1997, she has contributed to academic works on the topic of gender. She has been living in the Bay Area since 2009, continuing her 15-year career in media.
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