Just as political movements ebb and flow, so too has the Potrero Hill Democratic Club. First founded in 1987, community members were galvanized by Hill resident, and Assembly member, Art Agnos’ successful campaign for mayor, a race he won in part due to strong support from neighborhood activists in collaboration with progressive groups.
When the Club first formed it hosted speakers, held candidate forums, and sponsored debates about ballot propositions. In 1990, the Club had the highest endorsement success rate of any organization in the City. Then things changed; by 2000 the Club had become moribund.
In 2007, residents gathered at Farley’s to rejuvenate the organization, appointing Pennsylvania Street resident Joni Eisen to lead the effort.
“I went out with a clipboard and got a bunch of names of people interested,” she said. “I knew San Francisco was a Democratic town. I thought that as a Democratic club president, I’d have more access to City leaders; at the time, specifically to push for clean elections or publicly financed campaigns.”
Unlike many political organizations that accept campaign contributions or charge “slate card” fees, the Potrero Hill Democratic Club operates under a self-imposed policy prohibiting payments from endorsed candidates or ballot measures. The Club sustains its operations through membership dues—$25 annually for Potrero Hill or Dogpatch residents—and a yearly “Shop Local” fundraiser, which features live jazz, food from local chefs, and a silent auction of items donated by neighborhood merchants and artists. All proceeds are used to support production and volunteer distribution of the club’s election slate cards.
“We educate people and encourage participation in democracy,” said Eisen, who presently serves as second vice president of political action, organizing candidate forums and endorsement meetings. “We show people the possibilities of what they can do and how they can get involved.”
“I feel like right now, with the political time we’re in, I’m extremely frustrated, and there’s very little impact I can make on a national level,” said Jacky Morales Ferrand, who joined the club about a year ago. “But on a local level, there’s a lot of impact I can have. I wanted to be engaged in a group educating and organizing around local issues, so it seemed natural to join the Potrero Hill Democratic Club.”
The club is active year-round, holding panel discussions on such topics as Black Lives Matter, redistricting, and neighborhood development.
“There are always things going on that people need to know about,” Eisen said. “Policymakers are making policy all the time. We want to consult with them and have them come in, give ongoing reports, and answer questions. We’re not just a club for endorsements.”
In its heyday the Club swelled to upwards of 100 active members, which has more recently dropped to half that number.
“We’re getting a new membership chair, and one of the things on the table is how do we get more younger people involved? Through the Club, people become educated and know who’s running and where they stand on the issues, which is important,” said Morales Ferrand.
In September more than 120 people attended a Club-sponsored District 10 Supervisor candidate debate.
“Democracy is under attack,” Eisen said. “We should all care about it, and this is one way to be engaged, involved, and to know your neighbors more. You can really learn and understand what’s happening in the local community and how it impacts our national community as well.”
Lori Higa 
Danny Pham 
Mark Steensland 