Pelosi calls on supporters for unity during S.F. event

Talks of impeachment, the 49ers and the magic of San Francisco were all on the table Sunday as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed more than 700 supporters at the Golden Gate Club.

Pelosi held her annual new year event in the Presidio to thank local supporters, focusing her 20minute speech on the future of Democrats in the White House, the importance of moving forward as a united country and the impeachment of President Trump.

The House of Representatives last week forwarded two articles of impeachment against Trump to the Senate, kicking off a trial that will continue Tuesday.

“This is a sad occasion for our people,” Pelosi said Sunday of the impeachment. “I wish we didn’t have to do that. I wish the president’s behavior did not warrant it, but it did.

“As I have said, to the president, ‘You’re impeached forever,’ ” Pelosi said as the crowd erupted into cheers.

The president has been critical of San Francisco for years, often tweeting about the city’s homelessness and mental health crises and its status as a sanctuary city, which prohibits law enforcement from cooperating with immigration authorities.

Asked for her response to his criticisms, the speaker said, “This is a situation where, instead of saying, ‘How can we work together to meet the needs of the American people?’ he just wants to be critical,” she said.

“We do have to address our homeless challenge that we have here, but it’s not just San Francisco, it’s all over the country.”

Pelosi said her work in Washington would keep her from attending the 49ers’ big game at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, but her son went in her place. Pelosi and her husband, Paul, are season ticket holders.

“Faithful then, faithful now,” she said.