An estimated 250 people braved the stormy weather Sunday afternoon to attend the swearing-in ceremony for District 1’s new supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer.

The ceremony and reception took place at the Golden Gate Park Senior Center at Fulton and 37th. In an interview with Hoodline last month, Fewer told us she had the option to get sworn in at City Hall, but chose a venue that would be more accessible for District 1 residents.

The oath of office was conducted by Assemblymember Phil Ting. Also in attendance were senator Mark Leno and supervisors Eric Mar, David Campos, John Avalos, Malia Cohen, London Breed and Aaron Peskin.

Fewer, who is replacing Eric Mar on the Board of Supervisors, is District 1’s first female supervisor. She’s also joining the board as one of six women—a majority not seen in 20 years.

From the podium, the supervisor-elect thanked her predecessors Jake McGoldrick and Eric Mar, as well as her former colleagues from Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth and the Board of Education. She dedicated a special thank-you to those who participated in her campaign and helped spread her message throughout the neighborhood. 

In an emotional speech, Fewer recalled growing up in the Richmond, mentioning friends and family in the audience who she’d known since childhood, which she will now be representing at City Hall. "The responsibility is immense," she stated, urging community members in the audience to reach out and help her better understand the neighborhood's concerns.

Fewer spoke about the issues she will tackle as D1 supervisor, ranging from larger topics like affordable housing and the Richmond’s increasing senior population, to more specific matters such as the renovation of the Alexandria Theater and an anti-littering campaign (to much applause from the crowd).

She also mentioned the city’s responsibility on a national scale, emphasizing San Francisco’s role as an example to the rest of the country when it comes to human rights initiatives, immigration policy and police reform.

The ceremony was followed by a lively reception, during which attendees met and took photos with Fewer.

After the event, Fewer posted on her Facebook page: “Words cannot express how grateful I am at the outpouring of support this rainy afternoon, for my swearing-in ceremony. I see you Richmond District, and I am ready to serve.”