Assemblyman Leland Yee: Support Local Business

By now, most of you know that I oppose the influx of large corporations, such as Starbucks and Rite Aid, into local neighborhoods. These chain stores detract from local business and disrupt the character of our distinct communities. I support Proposition D, which would make the Small Business Commission a chartered entity in San Francisco and give a greater voice to local merchants. Additionally, you may have seen me on "merchant walks" throughout the 12th Assembly District to meet with local business owners and hear their ideas for improving the state of small business in California.

Given the current status of California's economy, there could not be a better time to help small business flourish in the Bay Area.

One way to improve our state's economy is through our local efforts to revitalize and recruit small businesses. San Francisco is one of the few California cities that has been largely successful in keeping chain establishments out of the neighborhoods. There is still a great deal we can do.

I am currently joining my neighbors in the Sunset District to fight a proposed Starbucks at 44th Avenue and Judah Street. Chain stores not only take away clients from locally-owned businesses but they also drive up rental costs, often forcing smaller stores out of business.

Even in neighborhoods that argue that chain stores, such as Starbucks or Rite Aid, might increase foot traffic and bring business to some local stores, the simple fact remains: dollars spent locally remain within the community. For every $1 spent at a national chain store, 80 percent leaves town immediately.

With our state's massive budget shortfall, can we really afford to allow 80 percent of our locally spent dollars to wind up at a corporation in Seattle or elsewhere?

When I say that now is the time for small business, I am looking at local and statewide forecasts that show the economy continuing to falter if small business can't fill the gaps left behind by large corporations.

Many individuals who were left without jobs after the burst of the dot-com bubble have been absorbed into the small business community. It is important that we aid small businesses in providing the type of stable, secure jobs that San Franciscans deserve and that will help our economy thrive in the long run.

Proposition D is one way to support small businesses and economic revitalization in our community. Another way to help is to continue working locally to support your neighborhood businesses. Patronize local establishments and make sure that chain stores know they are not welcome in your community.

I have sent a letter of support to the neighbors who are opposing the Starbucks at 44th and Judah. On Nov. 13, the SF Planning Commission will be holding a Discretionary Review hearing to discuss the proposed Starbucks. I encourage those who truly oppose big business to attend this hearing and have their voices heard. Keep up the good work to support your local businesses - you do your entire community and state a favor.

Leland Y. Yee, Ph.D., is the assistant speaker pro tempore in the California Assembly.