Jaynry Mak: Update on Outer Sunset Merchants

The Outer Sunset Merchant and Professional Association (OSMPA) has come a long way since our start 60 years ago. Back then, OSMPA was just a few merchants getting together on a monthly basis to discuss neighborhood issues and to meet socially.

Today, we are a strong association with more than 100 dues-paying members, who pride themselves in our influential work of representing local merchants and professionals and serving as a direct link to City Hall. OSMPA is also a neighborhood watchdog, by keeping up with local issues that could impact the neighborhood and our merchants.

We are currently working with local merchants to help them through the various problems associated with owning a small business in San Francisco. Over the past year, we have been a part of many community events.

Listed are just a few highlights from recent months:

On Feb. 15, OSMPA hosted Mayor Gavin Newsom at our general membership meeting at Happy Donuts. Mayor Newsom personally addressed the issues and concerns of our merchants and professionals.

On Feb. 17, OSMPA hosted a dinner reception honoring our local law enforcement officers: including Taraval Station Capt. Keith Sanford, Sgt. Randall Young, Sgt. Robert Bohanan, OfficerÊJohn Scully, and Officer Barbara Dullea. We honored each individual for their attentive patrol work in the Sunset's merchant corridors.

In May, OSMPA was a community participant in the second annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration, held May 20 on Irving Street in the Outer Sunset. For weeks leading up to the street celebration, OSMPA worked with the Asian Week Foundation to help publicize the festival to ensure that the neighborhood was aware of the event. In addition to celebrating Asian American Heritage Month, OSMPA promoted diversity in the Outer Sunset and showcased the richness of the neighborhood.

In June, OSMPA hosted a very special dinner reception to celebrate three merchants who have been long-time supporters of our neighborhood and the association. We honored Angela's Hallmark and the Peko Sushi Bar June 2 and wished them the best on their well-deserved retirements. We also honored Ahn's Jewelers and wished them success as they relocate their store.

To get involved in OSMPA, please stop by our booth at the annual Sunset Community Festival, which will be held at the Sunset Recreation Center on Sept. 30. In the meantime, for more information on OSMPA's activities, please contact me at (415) 307-9783.

Jaynry Mak is the president of the Outer Sunset Merchant and Professional Association and a candidate in the November election to replace Supervisor Fiona Ma as supervisor in District 4.