Meaghan Mitchell

When George Floyd was murdered <a href="https://hoodline.com/2020/06/100-volunteers-paint-black-lives-matter-in-center-of-san-francisco-street/">a year ago</a>, Bay Area community leaders, artists and activists came together at the African American Art &amp; Culture Complex (AAACC) to paint the words &#8220;Black Lives Matter&#8221; on Fulton Street across three blocks between Webster and Octavia. On the one-year anniversary of George Floyd&#8217;s death this week, the group reunited to restore the street mural, listen to live music and speakers, browse the outdoor gallery and connect with fellow community members.&nbsp;

core/paragraph

When George Floyd was murdered <a href="https://hoodline.com/2020/06/100-volunteers-paint-black-lives-matter-in-center-of-san-francisco-street/">a year ago</a>, Bay Area community leaders, artists and activists came together at the African American Art &amp; Culture Complex (AAACC) to paint the words "Black Lives Matter'' on Fulton Street across three blocks between Webster and Octavia. On the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's death this week, the group reunited to restore the street mural, listen to live music and speakers, browse the outdoor gallery and connect with fellow community members.&nbsp;

When George Floyd was murdered <a href="https://hoodline.com/2020/06/100-volunteers-paint-black-lives-matter-in-center-of-san-francisco-street/">a year ago</a>, Bay Area community leaders, artists and activists came together at the African American Art &amp; Culture Complex (AAACC) to paint the words &#8220;Black Lives Matter&#8221; on Fulton Street across three blocks between Webster and Octavia. On the one-year anniversary of George Floyd&#8217;s death this week, the group reunited to restore the street mural, listen to live music and speakers, browse the outdoor gallery and connect with fellow community members.&nbsp;

Here/Say asked attendees to reflect on whether the Black Lives Matter movement has created lasting change.

Here/Say asked attendees to reflect on whether the Black Lives Matter movement has created lasting change.

core/embed

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/MSuG2k8xYi0
</div></figure>

Phelicia Jones, Founder of Wealth And Disparities In The Black Community

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phelicia-jones-founder-of-wealth-and-disparities-in-the-black-community">Phelicia Jones, Founder of Wealth And Disparities In The Black Community</h3>

core/heading

<h3 id="h-phelicia-jones-founder-of-wealth-and-disparities-in-the-black-community">Phelicia Jones, Founder of Wealth And Disparities In The Black Community</h3>

“George Floyd’s murder sparked a national outcry which is important, but San Francisco’s citizens should also look at what is happening in their own backyards with this movement as it relates to Black and Brown people dying at the hands of police. Mario Woods, Luis Gongora Pat, Alex Nieto, Jessica Wiliams. You could just go on naming people. And as for the officers, they just go back to work. They get their pensions. They get their vacations. It’s the Black community that suffers. This pain exists for us, whereas life goes on for the officers.”

“George Floyd’s murder sparked a national outcry which is important, but San Francisco’s citizens should also look at what is happening in their own backyards with this movement as it relates to Black and Brown people dying at the hands of police. Mario Woods, Luis Gongora Pat, Alex Nieto, Jessica Wiliams. You could just go on naming people. And as for the officers, they just go back to work. They get their pensions. They get their vacations. It’s the Black community that suffers. This pain exists for us, whereas life goes on for the officers.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3997"/><figcaption>Phelicia Jones, founder of Wealth and Disparities in the Black Community and the Justice 4 Mario Woods Coalition, poses in front of the African American Art &amp; Culture Complex. | Photo by Camille Cohen </figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3997"/><figcaption>Phelicia Jones, founder of Wealth and Disparities in the Black Community and the Justice 4 Mario Woods Coalition, poses in front of the African American Art &amp; Culture Complex. | Photo by Camille Cohen </figcaption></figure>

Andre Jones, Mural Director

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Andre Jones, Mural Director</h3>

<h3>Andre Jones, Mural Director</h3>

&#8220;When I think of George Floyd, I think of Black families that have lost fathers, the incarceration system that continually locks up Black and Brown people. When we lose our fathers, we lose the backbones of our community. A year later, some things have changed, but not enough. That&#8217;s why we are restoring this mural as a reminder that more work needs to be done.”&nbsp;

"When I think of George Floyd, I think of Black families that have lost fathers, the incarceration system that continually locks up Black and Brown people. When we lose our fathers, we lose the backbones of our community. A year later, some things have changed, but not enough. That's why we are restoring this mural as a reminder that more work needs to be done.”&nbsp;

&#8220;When I think of George Floyd, I think of Black families that have lost fathers, the incarceration system that continually locks up Black and Brown people. When we lose our fathers, we lose the backbones of our community. A year later, some things have changed, but not enough. That&#8217;s why we are restoring this mural as a reminder that more work needs to be done.”&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4008"/><figcaption>Under the direction of Andre Jones, members of the Bay Area Mural Program and the Philonise and Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, along with staff from the African American Art &amp; Culture Complex (AAACC) and others, paint the Black Lives Matter Mural on Fulton Street.&nbsp;| Photo by Camille Cohen </figcaption></figure>

Stevante Clark, Activist&nbsp;

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stevante Clark, Activist&nbsp;</h3>

<h3>Stevante Clark, Activist&nbsp;</h3>

“There&#8217;s a difference between justice and accountability. [The verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial] was a little bit of accountability.&nbsp; We must be sure to keep that in our mind, otherwise, we&#8217;ll accept anything and call it justice. ”&nbsp;

“There's a difference between justice and accountability. [The verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial] was a little bit of accountability.&nbsp; We must be sure to keep that in our mind, otherwise, we'll accept anything and call it justice. ”&nbsp;

“There&#8217;s a difference between justice and accountability. [The verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial] was a little bit of accountability.&nbsp; We must be sure to keep that in our mind, otherwise, we&#8217;ll accept anything and call it justice. ”&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4017"/><figcaption>Stevante Clark, an activist whose unarmed brother Stephon Clark was gunned down by Sacramento police in 2018, speaks in front of a mural. Since his brother&#8217;s murder, Stevante has led numerous protests in his hometown and was even instrumental in working alongside Governor Gavin Newsom to establish the Stephon Clark law, which changed the standard for when law enforcement can use deadly force. | Photo by Camille Cohen </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4017"/><figcaption>Stevante Clark, an activist whose unarmed brother Stephon Clark was gunned down by Sacramento police in 2018, speaks in front of a mural. Since his brother's murder, Stevante has led numerous protests in his hometown and was even instrumental in working alongside Governor Gavin Newsom to establish the Stephon Clark law, which changed the standard for when law enforcement can use deadly force. | Photo by Camille Cohen </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4017"/><figcaption>Stevante Clark, an activist whose unarmed brother Stephon Clark was gunned down by Sacramento police in 2018, speaks in front of a mural. Since his brother&#8217;s murder, Stevante has led numerous protests in his hometown and was even instrumental in working alongside Governor Gavin Newsom to establish the Stephon Clark law, which changed the standard for when law enforcement can use deadly force. | Photo by Camille Cohen </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4054"/><figcaption>Community members gather to help repaint the mural.</figcaption></figure>

Reverend Arnold Townsend

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reverend Arnold Townsend</h3>

<h3>Reverend Arnold Townsend</h3>

“I am not necessarily happy with the level of progress. The first step is to come to grips with how bad it really is. In our city, because of the liberal, progressive, even radical reputation we have, we don’t want to admit how bad things really are. When you live in a city where the average Black person makes around 30k for a year, but the White person makes over 100k a year, that is an unbelievable disparity. I’m not willing to say, ‘Let’s wait, things will get better eventually.’ We have to stop the wheels while they are in motion. The police are bearing the brunt of this, which they should. But to be honest, some of the racial disparities that we find within the police department are the same that we can find in just about every department in the city, and what&#8217;s their contribution to changing the outcome for Black life?”&nbsp;

“I am not necessarily happy with the level of progress. The first step is to come to grips with how bad it really is. In our city, because of the liberal, progressive, even radical reputation we have, we don’t want to admit how bad things really are. When you live in a city where the average Black person makes around 30k for a year, but the White person makes over 100k a year, that is an unbelievable disparity. I’m not willing to say, ‘Let’s wait, things will get better eventually.’ We have to stop the wheels while they are in motion. The police are bearing the brunt of this, which they should. But to be honest, some of the racial disparities that we find within the police department are the same that we can find in just about every department in the city, and what's their contribution to changing the outcome for Black life?”&nbsp;

“I am not necessarily happy with the level of progress. The first step is to come to grips with how bad it really is. In our city, because of the liberal, progressive, even radical reputation we have, we don’t want to admit how bad things really are. When you live in a city where the average Black person makes around 30k for a year, but the White person makes over 100k a year, that is an unbelievable disparity. I’m not willing to say, ‘Let’s wait, things will get better eventually.’ We have to stop the wheels while they are in motion. The police are bearing the brunt of this, which they should. But to be honest, some of the racial disparities that we find within the police department are the same that we can find in just about every department in the city, and what&#8217;s their contribution to changing the outcome for Black life?”&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4026"/><figcaption>AAACC staff member Amina James takes a quick break from painting. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

Melonie Green, Co-Executive Director of the AAACC

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Melonie Green, Co-Executive Director of the AAACC</h3>

<h3>Melonie Green, Co-Executive Director of the AAACC</h3>

&#8220;I am thankful that we have the opportunity to display this type of activism while we are trying to figure out our way out of this pandemic, but when it comes to real change the keyword is consistency. We have to figure out how to share knowledge, build trust and have better relationships with our civic leaders.&#8220;

"I am thankful that we have the opportunity to display this type of activism while we are trying to figure out our way out of this pandemic, but when it comes to real change the keyword is consistency. We have to figure out how to share knowledge, build trust and have better relationships with our civic leaders."

&#8220;I am thankful that we have the opportunity to display this type of activism while we are trying to figure out our way out of this pandemic, but when it comes to real change the keyword is consistency. We have to figure out how to share knowledge, build trust and have better relationships with our civic leaders.&#8220;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4038"/><figcaption>An event attendee poses in front of the open-air gallery located in the AAACC&#8217;s parking lot.&nbsp;| Photo by Camille Cohen </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4038"/><figcaption>An event attendee poses in front of the open-air gallery located in the AAACC's parking lot.&nbsp;| Photo by Camille Cohen </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4038"/><figcaption>An event attendee poses in front of the open-air gallery located in the AAACC&#8217;s parking lot.&nbsp;| Photo by Camille Cohen </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FloydMemorial_WEB9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4045"/><figcaption>Fillmore community members relax in the open-air gallery after painting the BLM mural. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

Photo essay: The Fillmore’s BLM street mural rises again

Annie Gaus

Sophie Bearman

A signature-gathering effort at a local farmer’s market grew contentious after a bystander attempted to steal signed recall petitions from a volunteer on Sunday, according to eyewitness accounts.&nbsp;

A signature-gathering effort at a local farmer’s market grew contentious after a bystander attempted to steal signed recall petitions from a volunteer on Sunday, according to eyewitness accounts.&nbsp;

Man Kit Lam, a volunteer for the campaign to recall three members of the San Francisco Board of Education, said that the alleged thief, described by witnesses as a male appearing to be in his 20s and wearing red glasses, tried to steal roughly 20 signed petitions from his table at 3rd Avenue and Clement Street on Sunday. As Lam turned to assist another signator, the suspect grabbed and walked away with at least one clipboard full of signed recall petitions, he said.

Man Kit Lam, a volunteer for the campaign to recall three members of the San Francisco Board of Education, said that the alleged thief, described by witnesses as a male appearing to be in his 20s and wearing red glasses, tried to steal roughly 20 signed petitions from his table at 3rd Avenue and Clement Street on Sunday. As Lam turned to assist another signator, the suspect grabbed and walked away with at least one clipboard full of signed recall petitions, he said.

“All of a sudden, I noticed at least one clipboard was gone,” Lam told Here/Say. “I saw him—he was across the street—and he was tossing the clipboard underneath a vehicle.”&nbsp;

“All of a sudden, I noticed at least one clipboard was gone,” Lam told Here/Say. “I saw him—he was across the street—and he was tossing the clipboard underneath a vehicle.”&nbsp;

Lam, a SFUSD parent, immigrant from Hong Kong, and former anti-corruption investigator, walked across the street and confronted the suspect. Exclusive video shows the alleged thief initially arguing with Lam and denying wrongdoing. Moments later, however, the suspect produces what appears to be a batch of petitions from his jeans and hands it over, saying: “You caught me.”&nbsp;

Lam, a SFUSD parent, immigrant from Hong Kong, and former anti-corruption investigator, walked across the street and confronted the suspect. Exclusive video shows the alleged thief initially arguing with Lam and denying wrongdoing. Moments later, however, the suspect produces what appears to be a batch of petitions from his jeans and hands it over, saying: “You caught me.”&nbsp;

Lam filed a police report, and says he plans to press charges if the suspect is apprehended. In video recordings obtained by Here/Say, at least one other eyewitness is heard describing the would-be heist to police officers, saying that he spotted the suspect running off with petitions.&nbsp;

Lam filed a police report, and says he plans to press charges if the suspect is apprehended. In video recordings obtained by Here/Say, at least one other eyewitness is heard describing the would-be heist to police officers, saying that he spotted the suspect running off with petitions.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/V8pAiQrTwV1q75b8j9Q0Ba9lucqSrZrHXdYK1xi3DqH5NocgyPAGnGtGTNW4AvwD7s-neM7JWWwEbfDTATONH4I3SiTlmL_SR7j581kJjVYRoP9bZKZFXyLD33h3ohD-f7VRLVPn" alt=""/><figcaption>Man Kit Lam provides an eyewitness account to SFPD on Sunday, May 30 after signed BOE recall petitions were allegedly stolen from his table at the farmer’s market. | Photo by Jenny G. Shao</figcaption></figure>

On Wednesday, SFPD spokesperson Robert Rueca said the investigation is “active and ongoing” and asked anyone with information to contact the department’s <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/contact-and-directory/anonymous-tip-lines">tip line</a>.

On Wednesday, SFPD spokesperson Robert Rueca said the investigation is “active and ongoing” and asked anyone with information to contact the department’s <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/contact-and-directory/anonymous-tip-lines">tip line</a>.

Under <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;sectionNum=18631">California election code</a>, taking by force or stealth any initiative, referendum or recall petition with signatures affixed to it from a signature gatherer is a crime punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

Under <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;sectionNum=18631">California election code</a>, taking by force or stealth any initiative, referendum or recall petition with signatures affixed to it from a signature gatherer is a crime punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

“Even if the petitions stolen were not large numbers&#8230;it is interfering with the process. It is an attempt to intimidate us,” said Siva Raj, a SFUSD parent who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">co-launched the recall campaign</a> with his partner Autumn Looijen.

“Even if the petitions stolen were not large numbers...it is interfering with the process. It is an attempt to intimidate us,” said Siva Raj, a SFUSD parent who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">co-launched the recall campaign</a> with his partner Autumn Looijen.

“Even if the petitions stolen were not large numbers&#8230;it is interfering with the process. It is an attempt to intimidate us,” said Siva Raj, a SFUSD parent who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">co-launched the recall campaign</a> with his partner Autumn Looijen.

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-board-education-recall-efforts/">recall effort</a>—fueled largely by concerns over a slow reopening process—is targeting Board President Gabriela López, Vice President Faauuga Moliga and Commissioner Alison Collins, the three Board of Education members currently eligible for recall. The campaign must deliver 51,325 valid signatures per school board member, equivalent to 10 percent of registered voters in San Francisco, by September 1. If that effort succeeds, the recall will qualify for a special election.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-board-education-recall-efforts/">recall effort</a>—fueled largely by concerns over a slow reopening process—is targeting Board President Gabriela López, Vice President Faauuga Moliga and Commissioner Alison Collins, the three Board of Education members currently eligible for recall. The campaign must deliver 51,325 valid signatures per school board member, equivalent to 10 percent of registered voters in San Francisco, by September 1. If that effort succeeds, the recall will qualify for a special election.&nbsp;

The Board of Education is one of a few recall efforts taking place locally and at the state level this year.&nbsp;

The Board of Education is one of a few recall efforts taking place locally and at the state level this year.&nbsp;

A campaign to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom already gathered the necessary number of signatures and will appear on the ballot in a special election later this year. In San Francisco, in addition to the Board of Education recall campaign, there are two active efforts to recall District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/chesa-boudin-explainer-district-attorney-san-francisco/">Chesa Boudin</a>. The first effort, which launched in March,&nbsp; has until August 11 to gather at least 51,325 valid signatures; a second effort launched in late May and must gather that amount by October 25 in order to qualify for a special election.

A campaign to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom already gathered the necessary number of signatures and will appear on the ballot in a special election later this year. In San Francisco, in addition to the Board of Education recall campaign, there are two active efforts to recall District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/chesa-boudin-explainer-district-attorney-san-francisco/">Chesa Boudin</a>. The first effort, which launched in March,&nbsp; has until August 11 to gather at least 51,325 valid signatures; a second effort launched in late May and must gather that amount by October 25 in order to qualify for a special election.

Lam said he began volunteering with the Board of Education recall to speak up for his son, a SFUSD student who has struggled during distance learning, and because Collins “insulted the entire Chinese community” in publishing offensive tweets about Asian families and later suing the school district for $87 million.&nbsp;

Lam said he began volunteering with the Board of Education recall to speak up for his son, a SFUSD student who has struggled during distance learning, and because Collins “insulted the entire Chinese community” in publishing offensive tweets about Asian families and later suing the school district for $87 million.&nbsp;

Lam added that he’s been harassed multiple times while working the recall table, with strangers shouting insults and, on at least one occasion, accusing him of being a “right-winger” and funded by tech money.&nbsp;

Lam added that he’s been harassed multiple times while working the recall table, with strangers shouting insults and, on at least one occasion, accusing him of being a “right-winger” and funded by tech money.&nbsp;

“My wife said, ‘I&#8217;m a Democrat. I&#8217;ve been a Democrat since before you were born,’” Lam added.&nbsp;

“My wife said, ‘I'm a Democrat. I've been a Democrat since before you were born,’” Lam added.&nbsp;

“My wife said, ‘I&#8217;m a Democrat. I&#8217;ve been a Democrat since before you were born,’” Lam added.&nbsp;

The Board of Education recall effort has raised about $100,000 to date, according to organizers, about half of which is from small donors giving $100 or less. Lam said he’s been spending the majority of his free time volunteering for the recall, which he sees as a fundamental democratic right.&nbsp;

The Board of Education recall effort has raised about $100,000 to date, according to organizers, about half of which is from small donors giving $100 or less. Lam said he’s been spending the majority of his free time volunteering for the recall, which he sees as a fundamental democratic right.&nbsp;

“In San Francisco, we praise this city as so liberal and so democratic. But we have people—they are nuts. And they are doing things that are undemocratic,” Lam continued. “This is America. We have the right to petition the government. I’m not doing something illegal, but he is.”

“In San Francisco, we praise this city as so liberal and so democratic. But we have people—they are nuts. And they are doing things that are undemocratic,” Lam continued. “This is America. We have the right to petition the government. I’m not doing something illegal, but he is.”

SFPD investigating attempted theft of signed school board recall petitions

51,325 people—or about 10% of San Francisco’s registered voters. That’s the exact number of valid signatures needed to get a recall election on the ballot, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">group hoping to unseat</a> three San Francisco school board members says they just surpassed it.

51,325 people—or about 10% of San Francisco’s registered voters. That’s the exact number of valid signatures needed to get a recall election on the ballot, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">group hoping to unseat</a> three San Francisco school board members says they just surpassed it.

To the untrained eye, it might seem like time for co-founders Siva Raj and Autumn Looijen to close down the makeshift headquarters they’ve built in their rented Lower Haight apartment and take a break from campaigning. But that’s not exactly how recalls in San Francisco work.&nbsp;

To the untrained eye, it might seem like time for co-founders Siva Raj and Autumn Looijen to close down the makeshift headquarters they’ve built in their rented Lower Haight apartment and take a break from campaigning. But that’s not exactly how recalls in San Francisco work.&nbsp;

With a Sept. 7 deadline looming, Raj and Looijen are angling to hit 70,000 signatures per school board member as a safety buffer. The Department of Elections typically rejects 20% to 30% of signatures as invalid due to duplicates, non-resident signatures or other issues, according to experts—and the campaign isn’t taking any chances.&nbsp;

With a Sept. 7 deadline looming, Raj and Looijen are angling to hit 70,000 signatures per school board member as a safety buffer. The Department of Elections typically rejects 20% to 30% of signatures as invalid due to duplicates, non-resident signatures or other issues, according to experts—and the campaign isn’t taking any chances.&nbsp;

“So let me introduce you to the biggest marker you’ve ever seen,” laughs Looijen on a Wednesday afternoon in late July, holding up a giant sharpie she uses to cross out duplicates. “It’s a lot of manual work after the petitions come in,” adds Raj.

“So let me introduce you to the biggest marker you’ve ever seen,” laughs Looijen on a Wednesday afternoon in late July, holding up a giant sharpie she uses to cross out duplicates. “It’s a lot of manual work after the petitions come in,” adds Raj.

But interviews with political strategists suggest the campaign is well on its way to hitting 70,000 signatures and qualifying.

But interviews with political strategists suggest the campaign is well on its way to hitting 70,000 signatures and qualifying.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFygLmwNRCY&amp;ab_channel=HereSayMedia
</div></figure>

“It sure looks like they are very likely to qualify unless something strange happens or their validity rate is significantly off,” said Maggie Muir, a partner with KMM Strategies.

“It sure looks like they are very likely to qualify unless something strange happens or their validity rate is significantly off,” said Maggie Muir, a partner with KMM Strategies.

As of Aug. 11, the campaign has more than 51,400 signatures each for school board President Gabriela López and Commissioner Alison Collins, and more than 48,700 signatures for Vice President Faauuga Moliga, according to organizers.

As of Aug. 11, the campaign has more than 51,400 signatures each for school board President Gabriela López and Commissioner Alison Collins, and more than 48,700 signatures for Vice President Faauuga Moliga, according to organizers.

Between July 30 and Aug. 6, the campaign collected approximately 5,500 signatures per school board member.

Between July 30 and Aug. 6, the campaign collected approximately 5,500 signatures per school board member.

If they meet that same rate for the next four weeks, they’ll hit their target of 70,000 for all three commissioners. The campaign is also verifying signatures as they go and says they have a better-than-average validity rate of about 83%.

If they meet that same rate for the next four weeks, they’ll hit their target of 70,000 for all three commissioners. The campaign is also verifying signatures as they go and says they have a better-than-average validity rate of about 83%.

Political strategist Jim Ross told Here/Say that because of that high validity rate, 70,000 is probably more than the campaign needs to qualify.

Political strategist Jim Ross told Here/Say that because of that high validity rate, 70,000 is probably more than the campaign needs to qualify.

“They&#8217;re definitely on track,” said Ross.&nbsp;

“They're definitely on track,” said Ross.&nbsp;

“They&#8217;re definitely on track,” said Ross.&nbsp;

core/html

Raj and Looijen are optimistic about their odds, and say the second half of August should be especially active for the campaign as families return to San Francisco from trips or vacations.

Raj and Looijen are optimistic about their odds, and say the second half of August should be especially active for the campaign as families return to San Francisco from trips or vacations.

“School opens up on Aug. 16. Our volunteers will be back,” said Looijen. “We know we’ll make our numbers.”

“School opens up on Aug. 16. Our volunteers will be back,” said Looijen. “We know we’ll make our numbers.”

Here/Say reached out to each of the three school board members facing recall for comment. Lopez and Collins did not respond in time for publication.

Here/Say reached out to each of the three school board members facing recall for comment. Lopez and Collins did not respond in time for publication.

In an emailed statement, Moliga said he would refrain from weighing in on the recall process unless enough signatures are submitted to trigger an election.

In an emailed statement, Moliga said he would refrain from weighing in on the recall process unless enough signatures are submitted to trigger an election.

However, Moliga emphasized that his priorities for the coming school year are “to ensure we have a successful reopening of schools, that we keep our students and staff safe as we navigate through this pandemic and that we implement an inclusive Superintendent search that identifies the best person to lead San Francisco&#8217;s public schools into the future.”

However, Moliga emphasized that his priorities for the coming school year are “to ensure we have a successful reopening of schools, that we keep our students and staff safe as we navigate through this pandemic and that we implement an inclusive Superintendent search that identifies the best person to lead San Francisco's public schools into the future.”

However, Moliga emphasized that his priorities for the coming school year are “to ensure we have a successful reopening of schools, that we keep our students and staff safe as we navigate through this pandemic and that we implement an inclusive Superintendent search that identifies the best person to lead San Francisco&#8217;s public schools into the future.”

The recall effort was largely fueled by dissatisfaction with the slow pace of reopening San Francisco public schools last year.

The recall effort was largely fueled by dissatisfaction with the slow pace of reopening San Francisco public schools last year.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210728-DSC_4497-2500x1660.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8675"/><figcaption>Looijen organizes recall materials. As of July 31, the campaign had raised $394,000. | Photo by Sophie Bearman</figcaption></figure>

Raj and Looijen originally launched the effort as a grassroots campaign, capping donations at $99 and relying solely on volunteers. They <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1397628285786361858">switched up their strategy</a> in late May when it became clear they wouldn’t reach the number of signatures needed to qualify without hiring paid signature gatherers. They upped their donation cap to $49,500.

Raj and Looijen originally launched the effort as a grassroots campaign, capping donations at $99 and relying solely on volunteers. They <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1397628285786361858">switched up their strategy</a> in late May when it became clear they wouldn’t reach the number of signatures needed to qualify without hiring paid signature gatherers. They upped their donation cap to $49,500.

“A recall is a very high bar to collect signatures for. And the fact that this campaign got almost 23,000 just from the volunteer effort is really impressive,” said Muir.&nbsp;

“A recall is a very high bar to collect signatures for. And the fact that this campaign got almost 23,000 just from the volunteer effort is really impressive,” said Muir.&nbsp;

“I think the public is very clear in its unhappiness with the policies of the school board. And this is certainly an outlet that they can absolutely tap into to express their outrage and frustration,” she added.

“I think the public is very clear in its unhappiness with the policies of the school board. And this is certainly an outlet that they can absolutely tap into to express their outrage and frustration,” she added.

As of July 31, the campaign had raised $394,000. Of its donors, 82% are San Francisco residents and 69% contributed $100 or less, according to organizers.

As of July 31, the campaign had raised $394,000. Of its donors, 82% are San Francisco residents and 69% contributed $100 or less, according to organizers.

If the effort succeeds, it’ll mark the first time in nearly four decades that a recall campaign makes it to the ballot, following an attempt to recall then-Mayor Diane Feinstein in 1983. Though organizers collected about 24,000 valid signatures—more than the 19,357 needed at the time to qualify—Feinstein wound up <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/27/us/mayor-feinstein-by-wide-margin-defeats-san-francisco-recall-bid.html">beating the recall</a> in a landslide.

If the effort succeeds, it’ll mark the first time in nearly four decades that a recall campaign makes it to the ballot, following an attempt to recall then-Mayor Diane Feinstein in 1983. Though organizers collected about 24,000 valid signatures—more than the 19,357 needed at the time to qualify—Feinstein wound up <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/27/us/mayor-feinstein-by-wide-margin-defeats-san-francisco-recall-bid.html">beating the recall</a> in a landslide.

This time around, voter sentiment appears to be on the recall effort’s side. A Feb. 2021 poll conducted by EMC Research and commissioned by “private business leaders,” <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/bayarea/heatherknight/article/New-poll-numbers-indicate-S-F-board-members-in-16297174.php">according to The Chronicle</a>, found that 60% of registered San Francisco voters supported recalling the school board members. Two polls in May showed just a 10% positive rating for the school board.

This time around, voter sentiment appears to be on the recall effort’s side. A Feb. 2021 poll conducted by EMC Research and commissioned by “private business leaders,” <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/bayarea/heatherknight/article/New-poll-numbers-indicate-S-F-board-members-in-16297174.php">according to The Chronicle</a>, found that 60% of registered San Francisco voters supported recalling the school board members. Two polls in May showed just a 10% positive rating for the school board.

If it qualifies, the recall campaign expects that a special election will be held sometime between Nov. 2021 and Feb. 2022. The ballot will have a simple Yes/No question for each of the three board members eligible for recall. If any school board member is recalled, the mayor will appoint their replacement.

If it qualifies, the recall campaign expects that a special election will be held sometime between Nov. 2021 and Feb. 2022. The ballot will have a simple Yes/No question for each of the three board members eligible for recall. If any school board member is recalled, the mayor will appoint their replacement.

William Hack, who was a SFUSD teacher, principal and arts supervisor for 30 years, told Here/Say that he’s “never seen a board that behaves like this one.”&nbsp;

William Hack, who was a SFUSD teacher, principal and arts supervisor for 30 years, told Here/Say that he’s “never seen a board that behaves like this one.”&nbsp;

For Hack, Alison Collins’ <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/04/alison-collins-strange-and-terrible-87m-lawsuit/">$87 million lawsuit</a> against SFUSD was particularly egregious and reason enough to support a recall.

For Hack, Alison Collins’ <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/04/alison-collins-strange-and-terrible-87m-lawsuit/">$87 million lawsuit</a> against SFUSD was particularly egregious and reason enough to support a recall.

“That money would come directly out of the school district&#8217;s operating budget. It’s money that&#8217;s intended for students and teachers and school operations. I think that&#8217;s reason enough to support the recall,” he said.

“That money would come directly out of the school district's operating budget. It’s money that's intended for students and teachers and school operations. I think that's reason enough to support the recall,” he said.

“That money would come directly out of the school district&#8217;s operating budget. It’s money that&#8217;s intended for students and teachers and school operations. I think that&#8217;s reason enough to support the recall,” he said.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210728-DSC_4460-2500x1660.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8672"/><figcaption>The co-founders have five children between them, two of whom are SFUSD students. Campaign “headquarters” are located at their apartment in the Lower Haight. | Photo by Sophie Bearman</figcaption></figure>

Raj and Looijen are already thinking about who might replace the three board members should San Francisco voters unseat them. The duo hopes to run an open process to identify qualified candidates for the mayor to consider.

Raj and Looijen are already thinking about who might replace the three board members should San Francisco voters unseat them. The duo hopes to run an open process to identify qualified candidates for the mayor to consider.

“What we want to do is find all possible good candidates for the school board, ask them the hard questions that no one asks them, like, what are you going to do about the budget deficit?” said Looijen. The district is facing a structural deficit that could <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfusd-enrollment-drops-exacerbating-budget-woes/">balloon to $122 million by 2024</a>, and that may be worsened by a drop in enrollment during the pandemic.

“What we want to do is find all possible good candidates for the school board, ask them the hard questions that no one asks them, like, what are you going to do about the budget deficit?” said Looijen. The district is facing a structural deficit that could <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfusd-enrollment-drops-exacerbating-budget-woes/">balloon to $122 million by 2024</a>, and that may be worsened by a drop in enrollment during the pandemic.

“We’ll post all the answers and let people all over the city vote up and down on them,” added Looijen.

“We’ll post all the answers and let people all over the city vote up and down on them,” added Looijen.

In addition to the recall targeting the school board, there is also an effort to unseat San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin over concerns about safety in the city. California voters will also decide whether to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom in a special election scheduled for Sept. 14.

In addition to the recall targeting the school board, there is also an effort to unseat San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin over concerns about safety in the city. California voters will also decide whether to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom in a special election scheduled for Sept. 14.

SF school board recall campaign says it’s reached 51,325 signatures, with one month remaining

With funding for homelessness poised to grow, San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) is still laboring to get money out the door and has not established a system for tracking how effectively funds are spent.&nbsp;

With funding for homelessness poised to grow, San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) is still laboring to get money out the door and has not established a system for tracking how effectively funds are spent.&nbsp;

Top brass at HSH, which administers most of its services through outside service providers, said at a hearing on Thursday that while the department has made strides in hiring since an audit last year, a large chunk of budgeted funds goes unspent. 

Top brass at HSH, which administers most of its services through outside service providers, said at a hearing on Thursday that while the department has made strides in hiring since an audit last year, a large chunk of budgeted funds goes unspent.

“Underspending has been a challenge since the creation of the department,” said HSH Director Shireen McSpadden, who assumed the post just weeks ago. 

“Underspending has been a challenge since the creation of the department,” said HSH Director Shireen McSpadden, who assumed the post just weeks ago.

In August 2020, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9537386&amp;GUID=EBDD466E-BFCC-4B7B-A961-DCB8B73101E6">an audit </a>by the Budget &amp; Legislative Analyst found that about 17 percent of the department’s budget for contracts went unspent each year between 2016 and 2019. That amounted to tens of millions in unused funds, which have simply carried over into future years.

In August 2020, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9537386&amp;GUID=EBDD466E-BFCC-4B7B-A961-DCB8B73101E6">an audit </a>by the Budget &amp; Legislative Analyst found that about 17 percent of the department’s budget for contracts went unspent each year between 2016 and 2019. That amounted to tens of millions in unused funds, which have simply carried over into future years.

The department’s budget has grown significantly since it was first created in 2016. In its first year of operation, its budget was $116 million. During COVID, it swelled to more than $850 million owing to an infusion of federal and state COVID funds. The department’s budget amounts to more than a billion dollars over the next <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HSH-FY21-23-Budget-Briefing-Deck_FINAL.pdf">two fiscal years</a>, with $671 million budgeted next year and $596 million the following year.&nbsp;

The department’s budget has grown significantly since it was first created in 2016. In its first year of operation, its budget was $116 million. During COVID, it swelled to more than $850 million owing to an infusion of federal and state COVID funds. The department’s budget amounts to more than a billion dollars over the next <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HSH-FY21-23-Budget-Briefing-Deck_FINAL.pdf">two fiscal years</a>, with $671 million budgeted next year and $596 million the following year.&nbsp;

Last year’s audit revealed chronic understaffing, with 26 percent of budgeted positions sitting vacant. It also found that HSH had no internal policy for evaluating service providers who receive funds, noting “widespread inconsistencies” in program monitoring. The department could only produce monitoring reports for nine of 20 contracts that the budget analysts requested. 

Last year’s audit revealed chronic understaffing, with 26 percent of budgeted positions sitting vacant. It also found that HSH had no internal policy for evaluating service providers who receive funds, noting “widespread inconsistencies” in program monitoring. The department could only produce monitoring reports for nine of 20 contracts that the budget analysts requested.

Over the next two years, HSH’s budget includes about $465 million in contracts with community-based organizations. According to a city database, HSH’s largest awards in fiscal 2020 went to Tenderloin Housing Clinic, Episcopal Community Services, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Tides Center, a self-described nonprofit accelerator.&nbsp;

Over the next two years, HSH’s budget includes about $465 million in contracts with community-based organizations. According to a city database, HSH’s largest awards in fiscal 2020 went to Tenderloin Housing Clinic, Episcopal Community Services, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Tides Center, a self-described nonprofit accelerator.&nbsp;

An update presented on Thursday showed that the department has made strides in filling vacant positions, with vacancies falling to 9 percent as of June 30. But unspent funds remain stubbornly high, with about $28 million going unspent in fiscal 2021, or about 14 percent of HSH’s contract budget. San Francisco’s fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30.   

An update presented on Thursday showed that the department has made strides in filling vacant positions, with vacancies falling to 9 percent as of June 30. But unspent funds remain stubbornly high, with about $28 million going unspent in fiscal 2021, or about 14 percent of HSH’s contract budget. San Francisco’s fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30.

“We certainly want the underspending to be at a minimum&#8230;in my experience there’s always a little bit of underspending as you’re standing up new programs,” said McSpadden, who previously led San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services.&nbsp;

“We certainly want the underspending to be at a minimum...in my experience there’s always a little bit of underspending as you’re standing up new programs,” said McSpadden, who previously led San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services.&nbsp;

“We certainly want the underspending to be at a minimum&#8230;in my experience there’s always a little bit of underspending as you’re standing up new programs,” said McSpadden, who previously led San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s homeless population has grown in recent years, with biennial point-in-time counts showing an increase of 17 percent to 8,035 <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019HIRDReport_SanFrancisco_FinalDraft-1.pdf">between 2017 and 2019</a>. The city canceled its 2021 point-in-time count due to COVID, but state data suggest a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/more-than-10-000-people-sought-homeless-services-in-sf-last-year-a-40-jump-over-2019">continued surge</a> in homelessness last year.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s homeless population has grown in recent years, with biennial point-in-time counts showing an increase of 17 percent to 8,035 <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019HIRDReport_SanFrancisco_FinalDraft-1.pdf">between 2017 and 2019</a>. The city canceled its 2021 point-in-time count due to COVID, but state data suggest a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/more-than-10-000-people-sought-homeless-services-in-sf-last-year-a-40-jump-over-2019">continued surge</a> in homelessness last year.&nbsp;

Federal, state and local resources are pouring into initiatives to address the growing crisis.&nbsp;

Federal, state and local resources are pouring into initiatives to address the growing crisis.&nbsp;

Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/06/california-newsom-budget-deal/">agreed on a $12 billion spending plan</a> on homelessness and affordable housing, $1 billion of which will be allocated to cities and counties over the next two years. In addition to federal COVID funds, which have been directed to the city’s shelter-in-place hotel program and other emergency uses, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will grant more than <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-receive-18-7m-in-federal-funds-to-combat-homelessness">$18 million in direct aid to San Francisco</a> for rent vouchers and other homelessness prevention efforts.

Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/06/california-newsom-budget-deal/">agreed on a $12 billion spending plan</a> on homelessness and affordable housing, $1 billion of which will be allocated to cities and counties over the next two years. In addition to federal COVID funds, which have been directed to the city’s shelter-in-place hotel program and other emergency uses, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will grant more than <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-receive-18-7m-in-federal-funds-to-combat-homelessness">$18 million in direct aid to San Francisco</a> for rent vouchers and other homelessness prevention efforts.

Locally, $234 million in funds from <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Proposition_C,_Gross_Receipts_Tax_for_Homelessness_Services_(November_2018)">Proposition C</a>, a tax passed in 2018 that was<a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11837613/proposition-c-court-win-delivers-nearly-500-million-for-san-franciscos-homeless-but-how-will-it-be-spent"> tied up in litigation</a> until last year, will be carried forward into next year’s budget. HSH has not yet presented a spending plan for those funds, which have been held in reserve throughout the litigation process, but plans to do so in collaboration with the Our City Our Home committee, which advises on spending of Prop C funds.

Locally, $234 million in funds from <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Proposition_C,_Gross_Receipts_Tax_for_Homelessness_Services_(November_2018)">Proposition C</a>, a tax passed in 2018 that was<a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11837613/proposition-c-court-win-delivers-nearly-500-million-for-san-franciscos-homeless-but-how-will-it-be-spent"> tied up in litigation</a> until last year, will be carried forward into next year’s budget. HSH has not yet presented a spending plan for those funds, which have been held in reserve throughout the litigation process, but plans to do so in collaboration with the Our City Our Home committee, which advises on spending of Prop C funds.

Alongside an expected rise in homelessness spending, some state officials have pushed for greater accountability in how funds are spent.&nbsp;

Alongside an expected rise in homelessness spending, some state officials have pushed for greater accountability in how funds are spent.&nbsp;

A state audit published in February 2021 <a href="http://auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2020-112.pdf">lambasted </a>California’s &#8220;disjointed&#8221; response to homelessness. The state currently has no centralized system for tracking and evaluating service providers, and some Continuums of Care—regional planning entities that coordinate homelessness services—do not employ best practices in evaluating services, according to the audit.&nbsp;

A state audit published in February 2021 <a href="http://auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2020-112.pdf">lambasted </a>California’s "disjointed" response to homelessness. The state currently has no centralized system for tracking and evaluating service providers, and some Continuums of Care—regional planning entities that coordinate homelessness services—do not employ best practices in evaluating services, according to the audit.&nbsp;

A state audit published in February 2021 <a href="http://auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2020-112.pdf">lambasted </a>California’s &#8220;disjointed&#8221; response to homelessness. The state currently has no centralized system for tracking and evaluating service providers, and some Continuums of Care—regional planning entities that coordinate homelessness services—do not employ best practices in evaluating services, according to the audit.&nbsp;

Photo essay: The Fillmore’s BLM street mural rises again

SFPD investigating attempted theft of signed school board recall petitions

SF school board recall campaign says it’s reached 51,325 signatures, with one month remaining

Flush with funding, homelessness department shows persistent underspending

London Breed saved herself. Can she save San Francisco?

Search Results for: gavin newsom

Photo essay: The Fillmore’s BLM street mural rises again

SFPD investigating attempted theft of signed school board recall petitions

SF school board recall campaign says it’s reached 51,325 signatures, with one month remaining

Flush with funding, homelessness department shows persistent underspending

London Breed saved herself. Can she save San Francisco?