The pet shop that derailed a San Francisco supervisor’s political career is back in the spotlight — this time over unpaid rent.
The owner of the property at 3401 Irving St., which houses The Animal Connection, has filed a lawsuit against Isabella “Beya” Alcaraz, the short-lived supervisor who previously ran the business, seeking about $9,500 in unpaid rent. Alcaraz’s name remains on the lease, according to the complaint.
In a separate eviction notice sent to Alcaraz, the landlord alleges “an ongoing rodent infestation of the premises due to failure by you to maintain the premises.” It says notice of the infestation was given in July.
Alcaraz, pictured in early 2025, sold the business but remains a tenant on the lease. | Source: Autumn DeGrazia/The Standard
Court records show that Alcaraz signed the lease with property owner Janet A. Siniora in early 2021, with a monthly rent of about $3,700. The Standard reported in February that Alcaraz was attempting to give away The Animal Connection.
Alcaraz sold the business in May to Julia Baran, who described to The Standard the squalid conditions there. While Alcaraz is still listed as the tenant, Baran took over operations of the pet shop. The transfer of the business may complicate questions over legal responsibility for the past-due rent.
The shop became a flashpoint in November after Alcaraz was appointed by Mayor Daniel Lurie to represent the Sunset following the recall of Supervisor Joel Engardio. Baran at the time publicly accused Alcaraz of leaving the business in disarray. Alcaraz resigned as supervisor after roughly a week in office.
Julia Baran took over The Animal Connection in May. | Source: Amber Pietz/The Standard
On Monday around noon, The Animal Connection was open. Baran told The Standard she has been paying rent, and most of the past-due amount cited in the lawsuit can be attributed to late fees incurred by both her and Alcaraz.
Baran said she will pay the rent but not the late fee.
“I’m planning to leave at the end of January,” Baran said, adding that she is looking for a new space for a pet shop. “I told [the landlord’s lawyer] that I can’t pay that.”
In a text message, Alcaraz denied that she had any outstanding rent payments or late fees and said she was not aware of the lawsuit.
“So this comes as a shock to me,” Alcaraz said. “I’m not taking any other questions while I navigate this.”
An attorney representing the landlord declined to comment. According to the complaint, a notice demanding payment or eviction was issued Dec. 9.
This story was updated to include Alcaraz’s comment.