“The unprecedented tragedy that took place in Las Vegas is shocking and heartbreaking. An evening intended to be filled with love and music transformed into a terrible nightmare due to an act of domestic terrorism.

We are sending our deepest condolences and sympathies to the hundreds of families affected by this senseless act of gun violence. We also offer our profound appreciation to all the public safety officials who risked their lives responding to this tragic incident.

“I applaud the Governor and state legislature for passing a landmark affordable housing package that will help tackle California’s mounting housing crisis. This critical housing deal was made possible due to the tremendous leadership of our state legislative leaders and our City’s representatives, Senator Scott Wiener, Assemblymember David Chiu and Assemblymember Phil Ting.

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued an Executive Directive that will reduce housing project timelines by nearly half while leading to the creation of 5,000 new units every year for the foreseeable future.

“Every day, the brave officers of the San Francisco Police Department put their lives on the line to protect the public. They put on their uniform and accept the dangers of their job all for the greater good of our City.

Yesterday, we received the terrible news that one of our own was injured during an altercation at the San Francisco International Airport.

The officer was stabbed by an armed attacker while protecting travelers yesterday afternoon at the airport. I want to thank all the officers and other public safety officials who responded to this incident today.

“I am heartbroken at the loss of our beloved Gus Vardakastanis, a dedicated small business owner, immigrant entrepreneur and community leader. He provided healthy and affordable produce to the neighborhoods he served and employed many residents at his three local markets. His welcoming and entrepreneurial spirit will be missed by the many people he touched.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Gus’ family and friends during this time of sorrow.  Gus will be missed, but his memory will live on through his lasting contributions to the City he loved.”

Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Supervisor Malia Cohen today reaffirmed San Francisco’s commitment to law enforcement reform, despite a decision by the Department of Justice to make significant changes to its Collaborative Reform Initiative.

Mayor Lee:

“We made a pledge to the people of this City that we would transform our police department into a model of 21^st century law enforcement and we intend to honor that commitment, regardless of the involvement of the Department of Justice.

“San Francisco is fortunate to have a beautiful Japantown community that is economically thriving and culturally rich, and we owe so much of that vibrancy to the tireless efforts of Bob Hamaguchi.

San Francisco, CA – Mayor Edwin M. Lee, Board President London Breed, Supervisor Jane Kim, San Francisco hospitality industry leaders and City officials today hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the Phase II completion of the $551 million Moscone Expansion Project.