PRESENT
We need to install climate resilient infrastructure along Sunset Boulevard to withstand the next California drought. In recent years, there have been positive developments, such as the weekly farmers' market, community tree plantings and native plant habitats along the Boulevard. Since 2022, the City has committed ~$5.7 million in funding for recycled water, irrigation system repairs, and the hiring of additional gardeners.
CALL TO ACTION: Contact Friends of Sunset Boulevard below, and volunteer in any way you can. To fully convert Sunset Boulevard to recycled water and maintain these efforts, additional funding will be necessary in the coming years. With the next City Budget on the horizon, FOSB will continue to count on the support of caring neighbors and friends!
PAST
Historically, Sunset Boulevard was best known for hosting summer soap box derby races in the 1950s. However, during the 2008 Great Recession and California drought, many of the city's greenways faced budget cuts and reduced irrigation schedules. In contrast, Sunset Boulevard’s irrigation budget was completely eliminated, leaving it without watering for over a decade. This led to a widespread die-off of trees, causing wildlife and local birds to abandon their nests and find new homes after calling the greenway home for more than fifty years.
By 2018, the community was reaching a breaking point due to years of neglect and deferred maintenance. In response, a grassroots effort led to the formation of Friends of Sunset Boulevard (FOSB).
CORE TEAM MEMBERS & ADVISOR
Lorraine Patterson: FOSB Co-Founder
Lorraine is a San Francisco native who grew up on the West Side of the city and permanently resides in the Sunset District with her young family. She co-founded Friends of Sunset Blvd in 2018. In her spare time, she enjoys planting natives in her garden, visiting playgrounds around the city and binge-watching Netflix shows.
Najeen Sorrentino: FOSB Co-Founder
Najeen is a resident along Sunset Boulevard for +30 years with her husband. She is a core team member of Friends of Sunset Boulevard since 2018 and has been advocating with neighbors for maintenance along the Boulevard in the Parkside area. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and is an avid speed walker.
Natalie Gee: FOSB Advisor
Natalie is a proud San Francisco native, born and raised in the city. A graduate of Lowell High School and SF State, she has over 25 years of experience in community service and organizing. Currently, she lives in the Sunset with her husband and cat and is deeply involve in neighborhood life from working on city policy to hosting community Pokémon GO events that bring neighbors together.
Join Us Now
Your information is never shared with third parties (it's unneighborly....) and we will only contact you on topics related to Sunset Boulevard.