San Francisco's political scene was abuzz when Mayor Daniel Lurie appointed Beya Alcaraz as the District 4 Supervisor. In a formal ceremony at the Ortega Branch Library, Alcaraz was introduced to the public on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Previously a small business owner, she expressed her dedication to her former employees during the challenging times of the pandemic. Mayor Lurie highlighted Alcaraz's resilience and care as qualities that could benefit City Hall. However, the spotlight soon turned harsh as reports emerged about the conditions of her previous business, The Animal Connection.
Inspectors from various city agencies visited Alcaraz's pet store multiple times in 2023 and 2024 due to cleanliness complaints. The reports detailed issues like rodent droppings, unsanitary conditions, and neglect. Despite these concerns, Alcaraz's appointment was seen as an opportunity for fresh leadership in District 4. The new supervisor's lack of political experience raised eyebrows, especially when juxtaposed with the controversy surrounding her former business.
The City's Department of Public Health conducted an inspection in 2023, confirming the presence of multiple sanitation violations at The Animal Connection. These findings, along with subsequent complaints and inspections, shed light on the challenges faced by the store and its owner. Alcaraz issued a statement defending her dedication to her business amid the pandemic, emphasizing her commitment to supporting small businesses and families in her community.
The narrative took a turn as reports surfaced about unsanitary conditions and mistreatment of animals at The Animal Connection, prompting further investigations by San Francisco Animal Care and Control. Testimonies from employees painted a grim picture of neglect and mismanagement within the store. Allegations included unsafe environments for animals, lack of proper resources, and potential regulatory violations.
Despite initial efforts to address the issues raised by inspections and complaints, concerns persisted about the practices at The Animal Connection. The ongoing investigations and subsequent warnings pointed to systemic challenges in maintaining proper standards of care at the establishment. Stakeholders, including city officials and animal welfare organizations, voiced their apprehensions regarding the situation and the welfare of the animals under Alcaraz's care.
As the controversy unfolded, Mayor Lurie announced Alcaraz's intention to resign just a week after her swearing-in as District 4 Supervisor. The revelations about her business practices and the conditions at her former store cast doubts on her ability to effectively serve the community. Discussions about her replacement and the process for selecting a new supervisor underscored the need for integrity and accountability in public office.
Alcaraz's brief tenure as supervisor highlighted the complexities and challenges of transitioning from a private business owner to a public servant. The expectations and scrutiny faced by individuals in leadership roles, especially in the political sphere, emphasize the importance of transparency, ethical conduct, and a commitment to upholding community values. As San Francisco navigates through this period of transition and reflection, the incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with public service and the need for trust and accountability in governance.
