Just a week after taking office as San Francisco’s District 4 supervisor, Mayor Daniel Lurie announced on Thursday that Beya Alcaraz plans to resign. Alcaraz was appointed to her position following the recall of former Supervisor Joel Engardio in September, which stemmed from community dissatisfaction regarding the closure of the Great Highway to traffic to create a park.
In his statement, Lurie emphasized that he chose Alcaraz based on community feedback regarding the qualities they were seeking in a supervisor. However, he revealed that he had learned of her actions while running a small business, indicating that these issues would distract from her ability to effectively serve the community.
Alcaraz, a lifelong resident of the Sunset District, previously owned The Animal Connection, a pet supply store, which she sold earlier this year after its expansion in 2024. Alongside her business efforts, she has a background as a music and art teacher in the area.
Complications arose when local news outlet Mission Local reported texts allegedly from Alcaraz in which she admitted to paying workers under the table and submitting false tax returns. Additionally, the new owner of her former business claimed that she found the store left in disarray, even noting the presence of dead animals.
Following their discussions, Alcaraz and Lurie agreed that the Sunset community deserves a supervisor fully dedicated to their needs. Lurie expressed regret for not doing more to support Alcaraz in her role.
Upon her appointment, concerns arose regarding Alcaraz’s lack of political experience, as residents feared she was not adequately prepared for the position. Lurie acknowledged the political divisions within the district and reaffirmed his commitment to finding a suitable replacement.
After Lurie’s appointment of a successor, a special election will be held in June to allow voters to choose their representative, with another election set for November. Although Alcaraz initially indicated her intent to run in these upcoming elections, her resignation suggests that this plan has changed.
In her own statement, Alcaraz expressed her belief that the community deserves a dedicated advocate and recognized that the recent media scrutiny could distract her from her duties. She thanked the mayor for the opportunity to serve.
Colleague Matt Dorsey commented positively on Alcaraz’s motivations for entering politics and expressed confidence that she would find other avenues to contribute to the city in the future. Notably, Alcaraz made history as the first Filipina American to serve on the city’s Board of Supervisors, highlighting the importance of diversity in local governance despite these challenges.
This situation reflects the complexities and pressures faced by newly appointed officials and underscores the ongoing search for leadership that can effectively represent community interests.