we are really glad to welcome cynthia foster today. [applause] >> thank you. good evening and welcome. i am cynthia foster, vice president of the league of women voters of san francisco. believe it is a nonpartisan political organization dedicated to the active and informed participation of all citizens in government. we never support or oppose candidates, but we do take stands on issues. for further information about candidates and election issues, this is the web site. the league wishes to remind you that if you are not registered to vote, please do so right away and urged others you know to register. the actual deadline to register to vote for the november 8 election is october 24, and if you have moved, you need to register again. we want to thank our co-sponsor for tonight's forum, the bar association of san francisco, and our media partner. you will hear from the five candidates for san francisco district attorney. all will have a chance to present their views on issues affecting the city and to answer your questions and those of the committee of the bar

i would first like to introduce cynthia foster, the first vice- president of the league of women voterssan francisco. she is the executive director of the hillsborough will foundation and is former president of the junior league of san francisco. as a member of the junior league -- junior league of california's state public affairs committee, cynthia held promote the passage of bills to fund critical services for low- income breast cancer patients and domestic violence victims. her advocacy has led to her placement as statewide co-chair has led to her commitment to make a difference and influence public policy through advocacy and education. we are really glad to