New San Francisco mayor vows to leave no resident behind

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The new mayor grew up in public housing in the city and frequently talks about the tough love and support she received, especially from a grandmother who raised her but also teachers and civic leaders who spotted her potential.

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She promised to pay that forward, with opportunities for every child to get paid internships and job training so they also can be part of the city’s promising future.

“I stand at this podium today because a community believed in me. Because our city services looked out for me,” Breed said. “Here in the city of St. Francis, we support one another.”

After California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom administered the oath of office on the steps of City Hall, a line of well-wishers snaked outside the mayor’s office for a quick meet-and-greet with Breed.

An 8-year-old girl named after the new mayor said she had no idea what she would say when she met her namesake. London Pierce also disputed she was named for Breed, but her aunt quickly corrected her.

“I’m going to say we’re very proud that she represents all the communities of San Francisco,” said Shari Taylor, Pierce’s aunt and a teacher. “It is an awesome day.”

The reception line is a tradition that started in 1916 with Mayor James “Sunny Jim” Rolph Jr. inside a newly completed City Hall, said Bill Barnes, spokesman for the city administrator’s office. The old building had been destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire.

Breed is only the second woman to serve as mayor. The first was U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who welcomed Breed in a video message.

“I know you have the passion, determination and grit to address our city’s problems and take us to new heights,” Feinstein said.

Breed is a Democrat, as is just about everybody in public office in San Francisco, which has a population of 870,000 and is about 6 per cent black, one of the smallest percentages among major U.S. cities.

She succeeds Mayor Ed Lee, whose unexpected death in December prompted a special June election to serve the remainder of his term. She must run again in November 2019 if she wants a full four-year term.

Breed was most recently president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. As mayor, she will earn an annual salary of $335,996.

Janie Har, The Associated Press