San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed today announced the appointment of Judge Katherine Feinstein and Tony Rodriguez to the San Francisco Fire Commission. Mayor Breed also reappointed Stephen Nakajo to the Commission. Mr. Nakajo was the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Kimochi, Inc. Senior Center, which serves the needs of the Japanese American senior community, and was first appointed to the Fire Commission in 1996 by Mayor Willie Brown.

The Fire Commission creates and enforces policies to ensure the San Francisco Fire Department operates efficiently and accomplishes its mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of San Francisco from fires and natural disasters; saving lives by providing emergency medical services; and preventing fires through prevention and education programs. Judge Feinstein is replacing Joe Alioto Veronese, for a four-year term ending January 15, 2024. Mr. Rodriguez is replacing Michael Hardeman for a four-year term ending January 15, 2024.

“Our Fire Commission plays an essential role in supporting the Fire Department and creating policies that help keep our City safe and prepared to respond in case of emergency,” said Mayor Breed. “I’m confident that Mr. Rodriguez and Judge Feinstein’s diverse experiences will be an asset to the Commission and that they will remain focused on keeping San Franciscans safe and making sure we’re prepared to respond to the next major fire or natural disaster.”

Feinstein has significant legal and judicial experience as a judge on the San Francisco Superior Court, Vice Chair and member of the California Commission on Judicial Performance, and member of the California Supreme Court’s Domestic Violence Task Force. She has engaged extensively with the San Francisco community, as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Edgewood Center for Children and Families, the Medical Board of California, on the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Club of California, and as a member of the San Francisco Police Commission. Feinstein has a J.D. from UC Hastings and an A.B. in Political Science from UC Berkeley.

“Many thanks to Mayor Breed for the honor and privilege of serving on this very important commission,” said Judge Feinstein. “I look forward to working towards ensuring that the San Francisco Fire Department remains the finest in the world, especially given the expanded and increased demand for their critical services.”

Rodriguez has experience working in fire prevention, with over 35 years in the sprinkler fitting industry. He is on the Executive Board of Sprinkler Fitters Local 483 and is a trustee on the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council. Rodriguez is involved in several community service organizations, including the St. Vincent De Paul Society St. Kevin’s Catholic Church. He is a San Francisco resident and grew up in the Excelsior District.

“I look forward to working with my fellow Fire Commissioners, the Fire Department and the City to make sure we continue serving all San Franciscans and keep improving our fire prevention and response efforts,” said Rodriguez. “I want to thank Mayor Breed for the opportunity to serve my city and my community in this new role.”

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