Joshua Arce

The Mission District offers San Francisco’s deepest problems and most promising solutions. Jolting housing costs bring on gentrification battles along with steps for more subsidized housing. Hundreds of sidewalk homeless tents are answered by innovative counseling centers. But an air of crisis lingers.

Joshua Arce offers the right blend of judgment and optimism to make a difference. He’s worked on a major affordable — not market-rate — housing project, fought to close a nearby power plant and served on the city’s Commission on the Environment. It’s a record that draws on financial and people skills that a divided district needs.

His main opponent, Hillary Ronen, comes with the experience earned as top aide to termed-out Supervisor David Campos. She emphasizes her wide range of contacts and a wish to focus on the district’s internal issues — a gentle way of saying she isn’t the divisive force that Campos can be. A third candidate, Melissa San Miguel, emphasizes education.

The Mission is usually a progressive stronghold. But quality-of-life issues such as street crime, trash and homeless numbers may be turning voters toward everyday concerns. Arce has the background to take on these problems.