Community Advocacy
Forest Knolls has an active civic tradition. Here's what's currently at stake — and how to make your voice count.
Ongoing · High Priority
UCSF's Parnassus Heights campus sits directly on the neighborhood's northern boundary, and the Aldea student housing complex sits within it. Over recent years, UCSF has pursued significant expansions of both — with meaningful impacts on Forest Knolls.
In 2021, the City approved a raise in the UCSF space ceiling at Parnassus by over 40% — from approximately 3.55 million to 5.05 million gross square feet. This means substantially more building on the slopes directly above Forest Knolls.
The Aldea campus expansion separately proposed new student housing buildings that would require removal of significant tree cover — including mature eucalyptus that forms part of the visual and ecological backdrop of the neighborhood.
"The trees are the neighborhood. Once you lose the canopy, you don't get it back on any timeline that matters to the people living here now."
UCSF's long-range development plan for the Parnassus campus. EIR review and community input process ongoing. Check UCSF Planning Office for current comment periods.
UCSF Campus Planning →Expansion of Aldea San Miguel student housing within Forest Knolls. Involves tree removal and increased building density on the hillside adjacent to residential streets.
Attend UCSF community meetings. Submit comments during EIR public review periods. Contact District Supervisor Myrna Melgar's office. Engage through FKNO.
Urban Forest
The eucalyptus and native trees of Forest Knolls are the neighborhood's defining ecological and visual feature. Their protection is an ongoing concern — both from UCSF development pressure and from routine removal decisions.
In April 2020, a well-loved corner grove of trees was cut down — a loss that many residents felt deeply, and a reminder that the canopy requires active stewardship.
The Mount Sutro Stewards are the primary volunteer organization maintaining the forest immediately adjacent to the neighborhood. Joining as a volunteer is one of the most direct ways to protect it.
Getting Around
The 36 Teresita Muni bus connects Forest Knolls to the Castro, Mission, and downtown. After pandemic-era suspension, it returned in 2021.
SFMTA route info →Warren Drive and Clarendon Avenue are the main access roads. Parking is generally available on residential streets. The steep terrain makes some streets one-way or restricted.
Very walkable internally with staircases and paths. West Portal with the N-Judah line is about 20 minutes on foot, connecting to BART and Muni Metro.
Neighborhood Organization
The Forest Knolls Neighborhood Organization (FKNO) is the official neighborhood association. It represents residents in dealings with the city, UCSF, and other institutions — and organizes community meetings, events, and communications.
FKNO maintains an archive of neighborhood newsletters going back many years, which serve as a valuable record of community history and ongoing issues. Getting involved with FKNO is the most direct way to have a say in decisions that affect the neighborhood.
Contact FKNOEmail:
forestknolls@comcast.net
Mailing address:
Forest Knolls Neighborhood Organization
PO Box 31387
San Francisco, CA 94131-0387
District Supervisor:
Myrna Melgar, District 7
sfbos.org →
Community Safety
Fire, medical emergency, or crime in progress:
SFPD non-emergency line for reporting incidents:
Wildlife safety: Coyotes are present in the neighborhood. Do not feed them. Keep small pets on leash and cats indoors at night. Report aggressive wildlife to CDFW or SF Animal Care & Control.