San Francisco District 4 Supervisor Resigns After Seven Days Amid Business Misconduct Allegations

San Francisco, CA – Isabella "Beya" Alcaraz, Mayor Daniel Lurie's recent appointee for the District 4 Supervisor seat, resigned just seven days into her tenure following a flurry of allegations concerning her past business practices. The rapid departure has cast a spotlight on the mayoral vetting process and prompted Mayor Lurie to initiate a renewed search for a suitable candidate.

Alcaraz's resignation on November 13 came after reports surfaced detailing alleged animal abuse, illegal employee payments, and tax irregularities at "The Animal Connection," a pet store she previously owned. According to the New York Times, Alcaraz was accused of leaving the pet store "in shambles," with the new owner reporting a freezer "stuffed with pet corpses" and unsanitary conditions. Text messages, first reported by Mission Local, suggested Alcaraz paid employees "under the table" and improperly expensed personal items.

Mayor Lurie, who had appointed Alcaraz on November 6, expressed regret over the situation. "This is not the first time that I have gotten something wrong. It won’t be the last," he stated, vowing to conduct a more thorough vetting process for the next appointee. The mayor's office had reportedly paid a private firm to vet Alcaraz, but the firm's findings on potential issues with the pet store were not fully acted upon, and tax issues were not uncovered.

The District 4 seat became vacant after voters recalled former Supervisor Joel Engardio in September, primarily due to his support for closing a section of the Great Highway. Alcaraz, a political newcomer, was chosen by Lurie in a decision that surprised many, with the mayor initially praising her as a "bridge builder and problem solver." Her brief term marks one of the shortest in the city's supervisory history.

The ongoing search for a new District 4 Supervisor is now underway, with Mayor Lurie facing increased pressure to select a candidate who can restore public trust and effectively represent the Sunset District. The incident has led to criticism regarding the initial vetting and raised questions about the mayor's judgment in his first year in office.