Sophie Bearman

Beleaguered District Attorney Chesa Boudin faces a tough recall election come June. Siva Raj and Autumn Looijen, the co-founders of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/national-debate-rages-over-what-the-sf-school-board-recall-vote-was-really-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">February’s successful school board recall effort</a>, have some advice for him.

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Beleaguered District Attorney Chesa Boudin faces a tough recall election come June. Siva Raj and Autumn Looijen, the co-founders of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/national-debate-rages-over-what-the-sf-school-board-recall-vote-was-really-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">February’s successful school board recall effort</a>, have some advice for him.

“My suggestion to any political leader, whether it’s Chesa or anyone else, is to acknowledge the pain and suffering that people are having,” said Raj.

“My suggestion to any political leader, whether it’s Chesa or anyone else, is to acknowledge the pain and suffering that people are having,” said Raj.

Looking back at the school board recall, the co-founders say it could have gone very differently had the embattled commissioners admitted to any number of their perceived mistakes.

Looking back at the school board recall, the co-founders say it could have gone very differently had the embattled commissioners admitted to any number of their perceived mistakes.

“The Board of Education members could have stopped it at any time by simply standing up and saying, ‘I&#8217;m sorry, you know, we should make these decisions differently,’” said Looijen. “If they had done that, they would have survived.”

“The Board of Education members could have stopped it at any time by simply standing up and saying, ‘I'm sorry, you know, we should make these decisions differently,’” said Looijen. “If they had done that, they would have survived.”

“The Board of Education members could have stopped it at any time by simply standing up and saying, ‘I&#8217;m sorry, you know, we should make these decisions differently,’” said Looijen. “If they had done that, they would have survived.”

Ultimately, the duo says the clearest path to blocking a recall effort is acknowledging the experiences of one’s constituents.

Ultimately, the duo says the clearest path to blocking a recall effort is acknowledging the experiences of one’s constituents.

“You’ve got to empathize with the suffering and you’ve got to acknowledge it. You can&#8217;t just gaslight the people. That is a path to disaster,” said Raj.

“You’ve got to empathize with the suffering and you’ve got to acknowledge it. You can't just gaslight the people. That is a path to disaster,” said Raj.

“You’ve got to empathize with the suffering and you’ve got to acknowledge it. You can&#8217;t just gaslight the people. That is a path to disaster,” said Raj.

With the school board recall behind them, Raj and Looijen are eyeing the June election—but not because of the D.A. recall.

With the school board recall behind them, Raj and Looijen are eyeing the June election—but not because of the D.A. recall.

They’re focused on opposing Supervisor Aaron Peskin’s proposed recall reform measure and, further down the line, helping to re-elect Mayor London Breed’s appointed school board members come November.

They’re focused on opposing Supervisor Aaron Peskin’s proposed recall reform measure and, further down the line, helping to re-elect Mayor London Breed’s appointed school board members come November.

How to fight a recall: School board recall founders offer advice to embattled DA Chesa Boudin

Sarah Wright

When Robson Silva separated from his wife last year, it was time for him to get out of Foster City. He moved to San Francisco’s westside and bought an RV on Winston Drive. The Lyft driver, originally from Brazil, is among the newest residents living in roadside RVs between Stonestown mall and Lake Merced.&nbsp;

When Robson Silva separated from his wife last year, it was time for him to get out of Foster City. He moved to San Francisco’s westside and bought an RV on Winston Drive. The Lyft driver, originally from Brazil, is among the newest residents living in roadside RVs between Stonestown mall and Lake Merced.&nbsp;

The city has been exploring a more permanent or long-term temporary location for the Winston Drive RV community, mostly made up of people who can’t afford rent in the city or Bay Area, but it has made little progress so far.&nbsp;

The city has been exploring a more permanent or long-term temporary location for the Winston Drive RV community, mostly made up of people who can’t afford rent in the city or Bay Area, but it has made little progress so far.&nbsp;

However, an early stage plan from Supervisor Myrna Melgar could change that—but only if it gets city support and authorization from the California State University Board of Trustees. Melgar&#8217;s proposal would turn Lot 25, a nearby parking lot owned by San Francisco State University, into a permanent or long-term temporary site for the RV community that includes water, sewer and power hookups.&nbsp;

However, an early stage plan from Supervisor Myrna Melgar could change that—but only if it gets city support and authorization from the California State University Board of Trustees. Melgar's proposal would turn Lot 25, a nearby parking lot owned by San Francisco State University, into a permanent or long-term temporary site for the RV community that includes water, sewer and power hookups.&nbsp;

However, an early stage plan from Supervisor Myrna Melgar could change that—but only if it gets city support and authorization from the California State University Board of Trustees. Melgar&#8217;s proposal would turn Lot 25, a nearby parking lot owned by San Francisco State University, into a permanent or long-term temporary site for the RV community that includes water, sewer and power hookups.&nbsp;

SF State’s spokesperson Kent Bravo wrote in an email to The Standard that the university is discussing the idea and its concerns with the city, but that “it is premature to determine whether Lot 25 might be used in this manner.”

SF State’s spokesperson Kent Bravo wrote in an email to The Standard that the university is discussing the idea and its concerns with the city, but that “it is premature to determine whether Lot 25 might be used in this manner.”

Lot 25 is right off Winston Drive near a football field and is partly leased by a construction company.

Lot 25 is right off Winston Drive near a football field and is partly leased by a construction company.

Robson Silva sits in his camper van on Winston Drive in San Francisco Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. Dozens of camper vans and R.V.’s line the road and are used as homes for their residents. Silva, originally from Brazil works as a Lyft driver and lives in his camper to save money. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/WinstonRVFamilies_INLINED03-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69291"/><figcaption>Silva would like to stay in San Francisco, close to family and the Brazilian community he is a part of, but has applied for housing elsewhere. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/WinstonRVFamilies_INLINED03-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69291"/><figcaption>Silva would like to stay in San Francisco, close to family and the Brazilian community he is a part of, but has applied for housing elsewhere. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Melgar says there is already $3 million allocated from the city’s budget from business taxes to pay for water, sewage and electricity hookups for an eventual site for the RV community. She and her staff have been working to find the best space nearby for them.&nbsp;

Melgar says there is already $3 million allocated from the city’s budget from business taxes to pay for water, sewage and electricity hookups for an eventual site for the RV community. She and her staff have been working to find the best space nearby for them.&nbsp;

According to Melgar, Lot 25 could provide the hookups needed, but its use would require approval from the California State University Board of Trustees and action from the city, which says it has yet to find a suitable site. Emily Cohen, a spokesperson for the city’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, did not say whether the city has looked into Lot 25 or if it has plans to.

According to Melgar, Lot 25 could provide the hookups needed, but its use would require approval from the California State University Board of Trustees and action from the city, which says it has yet to find a suitable site. Emily Cohen, a spokesperson for the city’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, did not say whether the city has looked into Lot 25 or if it has plans to.

She did outline what a “suitable” site would look like, however. The ideal size would be 50,000 to 150,000 square feet, big enough for 50 to 150 RVs and in the western part of the city, paved, flat, relatively empty and ideally close to public transportation. The city is looking for a site that is available as soon as possible, accessible 24/7 and can be used for two to three years or longer, Cohen wrote. It would ideally be equipped with power, water and sewer onsite or nearby.

She did outline what a “suitable” site would look like, however. The ideal size would be 50,000 to 150,000 square feet, big enough for 50 to 150 RVs and in the western part of the city, paved, flat, relatively empty and ideally close to public transportation. The city is looking for a site that is available as soon as possible, accessible 24/7 and can be used for two to three years or longer, Cohen wrote. It would ideally be equipped with power, water and sewer onsite or nearby.

Previously, complaints surfaced on social media about possible plans for an RV site near the zoo, but Melgar says that that site doesn’t have the necessary RV hookups anyway and is now off the table.

Previously, complaints surfaced on social media about possible plans for an RV site near the zoo, but Melgar says that that site doesn’t have the necessary RV hookups anyway and is now off the table.

“I’m frustrated by the situation,” Melgar said. “It’s not my job to identify a spot. There are people who get paid to do this, and yet my staff and I are the ones who have been doing this.”

“I’m frustrated by the situation,” Melgar said. “It’s not my job to identify a spot. There are people who get paid to do this, and yet my staff and I are the ones who have been doing this.”

Dozens of camper vans and R.V.’s used as homes for residents line Winston Drive in San Francisco Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. Many of the individuals choose to live in their camper vans or R.V.’s to avoid high Bay Area rent prices. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/WinstonRVFamilies_INLINED011-2500x1306.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69323"/><figcaption>Dozens of camper vans and R.V.’s used as homes for residents line Winston Drive. Many of the individuals choose to live in their camper vans or R.V.’s to avoid high Bay Area rent prices. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Like most of Winston Drive’s RV residents, Silva uses a generator for electricity and a nearby gas station to fill up on water and dispose of his trash. He said there’s one neighbor who comes by each week to clean out everyone’s sewage tanks.

Like most of Winston Drive’s RV residents, Silva uses a generator for electricity and a nearby gas station to fill up on water and dispose of his trash. He said there’s one neighbor who comes by each week to clean out everyone’s sewage tanks.

Most residents want to get into permanent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/category/housing-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">housing</a> eventually—if given the opportunity, Silva said he would welcome moving his RV to a more contained lot with guaranteed amenities. His neighbors said they have participated in meetings with SF State and city officials about finding a more enclosed site.

Most residents want to get into permanent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/category/housing-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">housing</a> eventually—if given the opportunity, Silva said he would welcome moving his RV to a more contained lot with guaranteed amenities. His neighbors said they have participated in meetings with SF State and city officials about finding a more enclosed site.

Carolina Merchan has lived on Winston with her son and two dogs for four years, and said her RV home feels safe. Originally from Colombia, she and her son both work at a local restaurant and love the beauty and the quiet of their neighborhood.&nbsp;

Carolina Merchan has lived on Winston with her son and two dogs for four years, and said her RV home feels safe. Originally from Colombia, she and her son both work at a local restaurant and love the beauty and the quiet of their neighborhood.&nbsp;

But some residents have dealt with break-ins, and say there’s one pesky black Cadillac that always lays on the horn when driving through the area. And, every Tuesday morning, residents have to pull their RVs off the street for street cleaning.

But some residents have dealt with break-ins, and say there’s one pesky black Cadillac that always lays on the horn when driving through the area. And, every Tuesday morning, residents have to pull their RVs off the street for street cleaning.

“That’s why we’re trying to do this, because we have to deal with security,” said Fabian Sua, who moved to the city from San Bruno to get more work with Doordash.

“That’s why we’re trying to do this, because we have to deal with security,” said Fabian Sua, who moved to the city from San Bruno to get more work with Doordash.

Silva applied for housing in San Diego but said he’s not excited about the idea of being away from family in the Bay Area and the community of Brazilians and other South American immigrants he’s found near Lake Merced.

Silva applied for housing in San Diego but said he’s not excited about the idea of being away from family in the Bay Area and the community of Brazilians and other South American immigrants he’s found near Lake Merced.

“I want to stay here,” Silva said.

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Supervisor Melgar&#8217;s plan envisions a &#8220;temporary safe parking site&#8221; with a later goal of more permanent housing for the community.

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Supervisor Melgar's plan envisions a "temporary safe parking site" with a later goal of more permanent housing for the community.

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Supervisor Melgar&#8217;s plan envisions a &#8220;temporary safe parking site&#8221; with a later goal of more permanent housing for the community.

San Francisco RV community eyes more permanent home but faces tough road ahead

Kevin V. Nguyen

San Francisco City College is losing students, government funding, teaching staff and axing classes—all while being completely free for San Franciscans to attend.

San Francisco City College is losing students, government funding, teaching staff and axing classes—all while being completely free for San Franciscans to attend.

City College’s checkered history saw it <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SF-City-College-wins-accreditation-will-stay-open-10856333.php">almost</a> lose accreditation five years ago—which would have closed the institution down—and the school found itself in the same trouble <a href="https://sfist.com/2020/10/01/san-francisco-city-college-once-again-in-trouble-as/">again</a> in 2020.

City College’s checkered history saw it <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SF-City-College-wins-accreditation-will-stay-open-10856333.php">almost</a> lose accreditation five years ago—which would have closed the institution down—and the school found itself in the same trouble <a href="https://sfist.com/2020/10/01/san-francisco-city-college-once-again-in-trouble-as/">again</a> in 2020.

An <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/file/564/4/5644-Complete%20Audit%20Report_FY2018-2019.pdf">audit</a> found that the college has been operating at a deficit of tens of millions of dollars for the past decade, while losing nearly <a href="https://www.ccsf.edu/sites/default/files/2022/document/Factsheet-Annual-Headcount.pdf">30,000 students,</a> putting it in a state of perpetual crisis. From 2017 to 2020, its average deficit was around $13 million.

An <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/file/564/4/5644-Complete%20Audit%20Report_FY2018-2019.pdf">audit</a> found that the college has been operating at a deficit of tens of millions of dollars for the past decade, while losing nearly <a href="https://www.ccsf.edu/sites/default/files/2022/document/Factsheet-Annual-Headcount.pdf">30,000 students,</a> putting it in a state of perpetual crisis. From 2017 to 2020, its average deficit was around $13 million.

City College is not alone. San Francisco’s undergraduate population as a whole dropped by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/college-student-population-in-sf-drops-by-10000/">10,000</a> from 2019 to 2021. California community colleges lost over <a href="https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/college-beat-higher-education/2022/04/california-community-college-enrollment-2/">300,000</a> in the same timeframe. As for the rest of the country, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center revealed in May that all postsecondary institutions have lost a combined <a href="https://nscresearchcenter.org/current-term-enrollment-estimates/">1.3 million</a> students.&nbsp;

City College is not alone. San Francisco’s undergraduate population as a whole dropped by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/college-student-population-in-sf-drops-by-10000/">10,000</a> from 2019 to 2021. California community colleges lost over <a href="https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/college-beat-higher-education/2022/04/california-community-college-enrollment-2/">300,000</a> in the same timeframe. As for the rest of the country, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center revealed in May that all postsecondary institutions have lost a combined <a href="https://nscresearchcenter.org/current-term-enrollment-estimates/">1.3 million</a> students.&nbsp;

Less students means less federal and state funding, jobs and classes. For the faculty and students at City College, who feel those consequences most directly, they have characterized this cycle as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/we-are-cannibalizing-ourselves-city-college-finalizes-38-layoffs-despite-outcry-from-students-and-staff/">cannibalization</a>. Last May, 38 full-time teaching staff were laid off, and programs such as English as a second language, music and creative arts slashed by 26%.&nbsp;But since 2018, that figure is down around 50%.

Less students means less federal and state funding, jobs and classes. For the faculty and students at City College, who feel those consequences most directly, they have characterized this cycle as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/we-are-cannibalizing-ourselves-city-college-finalizes-38-layoffs-despite-outcry-from-students-and-staff/">cannibalization</a>. Last May, 38 full-time teaching staff were laid off, and programs such as English as a second language, music and creative arts slashed by 26%.&nbsp;But since 2018, that figure is down around 50%.

Since the onset of the pandemic, City College has been relegated to mostly an online institution. This fall, as it tries to lure more students back <a href="http://theguardsman.com/1_news_missionreopening_rodriguez/">in person</a>, some are wondering what is left to come back to.&nbsp;

Since the onset of the pandemic, City College has been relegated to mostly an online institution. This fall, as it tries to lure more students back <a href="http://theguardsman.com/1_news_missionreopening_rodriguez/">in person</a>, some are wondering what is left to come back to.&nbsp;

“It feels like we’re losing the community spirit that makes this place special,” said 21-year-old computer science major Connie Le. The Richmond native is in her fifth year at City College and said that the main Ocean Campus only felt “30% back” from how she remembered it. At a recent sit down with other students at the Student Union after her class, she lamented how the latest round of cuts had left her with fewer options to register for.&nbsp;

“It feels like we’re losing the community spirit that makes this place special,” said 21-year-old computer science major Connie Le. The Richmond native is in her fifth year at City College and said that the main Ocean Campus only felt “30% back” from how she remembered it. At a recent sit down with other students at the Student Union after her class, she lamented how the latest round of cuts had left her with fewer options to register for.&nbsp;

“We used to be able to choose between different professors and have a variety of class times,” Le said. “Now, if you want to come back [in person], there’s one choice, if at all. What message is the college trying to put out there?”

“We used to be able to choose between different professors and have a variety of class times,” Le said. “Now, if you want to come back [in person], there’s one choice, if at all. What message is the college trying to put out there?”

‘Everyone Should Be Taking Advantage of This’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyone-should-be-taking-advantage-of-this">‘Everyone Should Be Taking Advantage of This’</h2>

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<h2 id="h-everyone-should-be-taking-advantage-of-this">‘Everyone Should Be Taking Advantage of This’</h2>

Onyx Hunter, 19, English major, recounts his experience with the Free City College program in between classes at San Francisco City College on Oct. 5, 2022. | Kevin V. Nguyen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Onyx-Hunter2-CCSF-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81259"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Onyx Hunter, 19, English major, recounts his experience with the Free City College program in between classes at San Francisco City College on Oct. 5, 2022. | Kevin V. Nguyen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

As the national Democratic Party waffled <a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2015/01/08/president-proposes-make-community-college-free-responsible-students-2-years">back</a> and <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/20/1047609415/white-house-drops-free-community-college-from-its-spending-bill">forth</a> on the concept of “free community college,” San Francisco took the lead on the issue. In 2017, it announced it would use money raised from a <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Real_Estate_Transfer_Tax_Increase,_Proposition_W_(November_2016)">transfer tax</a> to pay for the entire cost of tuition for San Franciscans going to City College.&nbsp;

As the national Democratic Party waffled <a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2015/01/08/president-proposes-make-community-college-free-responsible-students-2-years">back</a> and <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/20/1047609415/white-house-drops-free-community-college-from-its-spending-bill">forth</a> on the concept of “free community college,” San Francisco took the lead on the issue. In 2017, it announced it would use money raised from a <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Real_Estate_Transfer_Tax_Increase,_Proposition_W_(November_2016)">transfer tax</a> to pay for the entire cost of tuition for San Franciscans going to City College.&nbsp;

The Free City College (FCC) program was hailed as a strong response to the issue of declining enrollment. It was the first program of its kind, aiding students irrespective of their financial status.

The Free City College (FCC) program was hailed as a strong response to the issue of declining enrollment. It was the first program of its kind, aiding students irrespective of their financial status.

Additionally, for students who already have their tuition covered by separate state and federal aid, the program also provides grants to help pay for school-related expenses.

Additionally, for students who already have their tuition covered by separate state and federal aid, the program also provides grants to help pay for school-related expenses.

Onyx Hunter moved to San Francisco from Tracy his senior year of high school in hopes of participating in the program. The 19-year-old English major said that promotional ads for the program were routinely emailed to him before and after his graduation. Today, he is eligible for both the tuition waiver and $250 stipend for full-time students.&nbsp;

Onyx Hunter moved to San Francisco from Tracy his senior year of high school in hopes of participating in the program. The 19-year-old English major said that promotional ads for the program were routinely emailed to him before and after his graduation. Today, he is eligible for both the tuition waiver and $250 stipend for full-time students.&nbsp;

“Everyone should be taking advantage of this,” Hunter said. “You get into a class here, and it feels like you’re amongst like-minded people who’ve been through what you’re going through.”&nbsp;

“Everyone should be taking advantage of this,” Hunter said. “You get into a class here, and it feels like you’re amongst like-minded people who’ve been through what you’re going through.”&nbsp;

After a two-year trial run where enrollment did improve, the city and county announced in 2019 that it would renew the program for at least <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c01d13ab98a788a7a0cfd93/t/5d9e28bf150ccc10efc67da4/1570646308197/Final+MOU_wetsignatures_Appendix+D-compressed.pdf">another decade</a>.&nbsp;

After a two-year trial run where enrollment did improve, the city and county announced in 2019 that it would renew the program for at least <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c01d13ab98a788a7a0cfd93/t/5d9e28bf150ccc10efc67da4/1570646308197/Final+MOU_wetsignatures_Appendix+D-compressed.pdf">another decade</a>.&nbsp;

But John Rizzo, who has served on the board of trustees of City College since 2006, said that there have been some misconceptions about how the program actually benefited the school.&nbsp;

But John Rizzo, who has served on the board of trustees of City College since 2006, said that there have been some misconceptions about how the program actually benefited the school.&nbsp;

“It is undoubtedly a good thing for the residents of San Francisco and our students,” Rizzo told The Standard. “But FCC hasn’t helped the college itself. It’s not the same as the traditional funding we get from the government.”

“It is undoubtedly a good thing for the residents of San Francisco and our students,” Rizzo told The Standard. “But FCC hasn’t helped the college itself. It’s not the same as the traditional funding we get from the government.”

The program is administered by the college in partnership with the SF Department of Children, Youth and Their Families. Under the deal, City College adds up all of the free tuition it has given out and submits a quarterly invoice to the department, which then makes the payment within 30 days.&nbsp;

The program is administered by the college in partnership with the SF Department of Children, Youth and Their Families. Under the deal, City College adds up all of the free tuition it has given out and submits a quarterly invoice to the department, which then makes the payment within 30 days.&nbsp;

Can ‘Prop O’ and New Leadership Stem the Tide?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can ‘Prop O’ and New Leadership Stem the Tide?</h2>

<h2>Can ‘Prop O’ and New Leadership Stem the Tide?</h2>

The Free City College Program advertised near a bus stop in front of San Francisco City College on Oct. 5, 2022.  Despite waiving tuition fees for San Francisco residents who applied, the college is still struggling to reverse a decade-long enrollment decline. | Kevin V. Nguyen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/INLINE_FreeCollegeFail09292022.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81256"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Free City College Program advertised near a bus stop in front of San Francisco City College on Oct. 5, 2022.&nbsp;| Kevin V. Nguyen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

With four seats up for grabs, the makeup of City College’s Board of Trustees could drastically <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/former-teachers-union-leaders-pull-papers-to-challenge-city-college-incumbents/">change</a> this November.

With four seats up for grabs, the makeup of City College’s Board of Trustees could drastically <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/former-teachers-union-leaders-pull-papers-to-challenge-city-college-incumbents/">change</a> this November.

Alongside her allies Anita Martinez, Vick Chung and Aldolfo Velasquez, former educator and retired president of United Educators of San Francisco Susan Solomon said that she was moved to run for office because she was unable to reconcile the hopeful message of Free City College with the layoffs and cuts of <a href="http://theguardsman.com/death-by-a-thousand-cuts-slashing-of-programs-undermines-city-colleges-mission-and-future/">last May</a>.&nbsp;

Alongside her allies Anita Martinez, Vick Chung and Aldolfo Velasquez, former educator and retired president of United Educators of San Francisco Susan Solomon said that she was moved to run for office because she was unable to reconcile the hopeful message of Free City College with the layoffs and cuts of <a href="http://theguardsman.com/death-by-a-thousand-cuts-slashing-of-programs-undermines-city-colleges-mission-and-future/">last May</a>.&nbsp;

“I just thought it was all very shortsighted,” Solomon said. “What’s the point of having [cash] reserves if we don’t invest it in the students who will ultimately lose out?”&nbsp;

“I just thought it was all very shortsighted,” Solomon said. “What’s the point of having [cash] reserves if we don’t invest it in the students who will ultimately lose out?”&nbsp;

Rizzo defended the board’s decision, saying that the layoffs were “no doubt the right decision.”&nbsp;

Rizzo defended the board’s decision, saying that the layoffs were “no doubt the right decision.”&nbsp;

“We could not afford another accreditation dispute,” he said. “If we had lost it, the state would have come in and likely done even more layoffs than we did. You just cannot spend the money that you do not have.”

“We could not afford another accreditation dispute,” he said. “If we had lost it, the state would have come in and likely done even more layoffs than we did. You just cannot spend the money that you do not have.”

He added that he believed City College was now in its “best financial position in over 10 years” and that with a <a href="https://www.ccsf.edu/news/ccsf-stabilizes-finances-sustainable-2022-23-budget">balanced budget</a>, the board could finally move forward with much-needed renovation and construction projects as opposed to planning what else to cut.&nbsp;

He added that he believed City College was now in its “best financial position in over 10 years” and that with a <a href="https://www.ccsf.edu/news/ccsf-stabilizes-finances-sustainable-2022-23-budget">balanced budget</a>, the board could finally move forward with much-needed renovation and construction projects as opposed to planning what else to cut.&nbsp;

Trustee Alan Wong was elected to the board in 2020 and also worked as an education advisor to Gordon Mar, back when the District 4 supervisor led the effort to extend Free City College in 2019. In May, Wong was the one dissenting vote against the layoffs.&nbsp;

Trustee Alan Wong was elected to the board in 2020 and also worked as an education advisor to Gordon Mar, back when the District 4 supervisor led the effort to extend Free City College in 2019. In May, Wong was the one dissenting vote against the layoffs.&nbsp;

“I just wish all sides bargained until the very last moment,” Wong told The Standard. But with the decision now behind them, Wong said that the college needs to focus on turning around its current situation before enrollment gets even worse. That includes getting as many students and teachers back in person as possible, forgiving select student debt and advocating for Proposition O, which is on the ballot <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sfs-november-ballot-takes-shape-with-15-local-propositions/">next month</a>.&nbsp;

“I just wish all sides bargained until the very last moment,” Wong told The Standard. But with the decision now behind them, Wong said that the college needs to focus on turning around its current situation before enrollment gets even worse. That includes getting as many students and teachers back in person as possible, forgiving select student debt and advocating for Proposition O, which is on the ballot <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sfs-november-ballot-takes-shape-with-15-local-propositions/">next month</a>.&nbsp;

Needing only a simple majority to pass, the measure would impose an additional parcel tax on San Francisco property owners with revenue going directly to City College.&nbsp;

Needing only a simple majority to pass, the measure would impose an additional parcel tax on San Francisco property owners with revenue going directly to City College.&nbsp;

“We need to focus on getting Prop. O passed,” Wong said. “That is how we make City College the community college that we want it to be.”&nbsp;

“We need to focus on getting Prop. O passed,” Wong said. “That is how we make City College the community college that we want it to be.”&nbsp;

Rizzo struck a more measured tone than his colleague on Prop. O.

Rizzo struck a more measured tone than his colleague on Prop. O.

“I’m never going to say no to additional funding,” Rizzo said. “But I’ve been told that it could be challenged legally if passed, so it’s no guarantee.”

“I’m never going to say no to additional funding,” Rizzo said. “But I’ve been told that it could be challenged legally if passed, so it’s no guarantee.”

Correction: A previous version of this article stated that Anabel Ibáñez was running for a Board of Trustees position when she had withdrawn her candidacy.

Correction: A previous version of this article stated that Anabel Ibáñez was running for a Board of Trustees position when she had withdrawn her candidacy.

Editor&#8217;s Note: A previous version of this article failed to clarify that certain classes were cut by almost 50% since 2018. This has been amended.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this article failed to clarify that certain classes were cut by almost 50% since 2018. This has been amended.

Editor&#8217;s Note: A previous version of this article failed to clarify that certain classes were cut by almost 50% since 2018. This has been amended.

SF City College is free. But classes are being axed, teachers cut and enrollment is down

Tomoki Chien

Billy Lemon knew he had to protect his employees when, one day, a man threatened to hog-tie him, light him on fire and burn down his business.&nbsp;

Billy Lemon knew he had to protect his employees when, one day, a man threatened to hog-tie him, light him on fire and burn down his business.&nbsp;

What he did not realize was that it would cost him nearly $20,000 to get a restraining order.

What he did not realize was that it would cost him nearly $20,000 to get a restraining order.

Now, he and other San Francisco business owners who have been harassed by repeat offenders say they want the city to make it easier to get restraining orders to protect their operations.

Now, he and other San Francisco business owners who have been harassed by repeat offenders say they want the city to make it easier to get restraining orders to protect their operations.

Many offenders — who have allegedly shoved employees and threatened them with box cutters or hurled merchandise across stores — struggle with mental illness and addiction. They are a constant presence in the neighborhoods they frequent and tend to return soon after being arrested or released from jail.

Many offenders — who have allegedly shoved employees and threatened them with box cutters or hurled merchandise across stores — struggle with mental illness and addiction. They are a constant presence in the neighborhoods they frequent and tend to return soon after being arrested or released from jail.

Business owners acknowledge that the long-term solution is to reform mental health legislation and expand treatment facilities. But in the absence of progress on that front, restraining orders are the best tool at their disposal, they say.

Business owners acknowledge that the long-term solution is to reform mental health legislation and expand treatment facilities. But in the absence of progress on that front, restraining orders are the best tool at their disposal, they say.

The problem is that the byzantine process of getting such an order can take months and costs huge sums of money.

The problem is that the byzantine process of getting such an order can take months and costs huge sums of money.

“$20,000 is a literal shit-ton for me to fundraise,” said Lemon, who runs the nonprofit Castro Country Club, a sober community center. “To have to throw that at this dumbass was infuriating.”

“$20,000 is a literal shit-ton for me to fundraise,” said Lemon, who runs the nonprofit Castro Country Club, a sober community center. “To have to throw that at this dumbass was infuriating.”

Executive Director Billy Lemon sits in the backyard patio of the Castro Country Club, a sober house, in the Castro neighborhood on Friday August 2, 2024.  Business owners who've been assailed by repeat offenders — who are often mentally ill or addicted — say they want a city-provided victim's fund to help get expensive restraining orders. Reforming conservatorship law will take a long time; this is a short-term solution, they say.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240801-restrainingorderfund-tv0222.jpg?w=2488" alt="Portrait of person sitting" class="wp-image-297936"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lemon wants a city-provided victims fund to help those who seek expensive restraining orders.</figcaption></figure>

California law requires most employers seeking a workplace violence restraining order — which can cover multiple employees and their families — to hire a lawyer. A receipt viewed by The Standard shows that Lemon paid attorneys $19,030 at the end of the roughly three-month process in 2021.

California law requires most employers seeking a workplace violence restraining order — which can cover multiple employees and their families — to hire a lawyer. A receipt viewed by The Standard shows that Lemon paid attorneys $19,030 at the end of the roughly three-month process in 2021.

The order expired this year, and Lemon couldn’t afford to renew it. He said he wants the city to create a fund to help business owners pay for restraining orders against individuals who are chronic nuisances.

The order expired this year, and Lemon couldn’t afford to renew it. He said he wants the city to create a fund to help business owners pay for restraining orders against individuals who are chronic nuisances.

Lemon, whose work involves helping people who are struggling with mental illness and addiction, said the ultimate solution for somebody like Zero Triball — the man who allegedly harassed and threatened him —&nbsp;is a court-ordered conservatorship under which he’d be compelled to get treatment. But he knows that’s not likely to happen.

Lemon, whose work involves helping people who are struggling with mental illness and addiction, said the ultimate solution for somebody like Zero Triball — the man who allegedly harassed and threatened him —&nbsp;is a court-ordered conservatorship under which he’d be compelled to get treatment. But he knows that’s not likely to happen.

“In the meantime, since this’ll keep happening, a fund would be rad,” Lemon said. “It feels like an easy fix the city could pick up the tab for.”

“In the meantime, since this’ll keep happening, a fund would be rad,” Lemon said. “It feels like an easy fix the city could pick up the tab for.”

Readers<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/11/nudists-save-tourist-attack-castro/"> may remember Triball</a> from a viral video in which he was tackled by two nudists after confronting a tourist with a blowtorch in the Castro .&nbsp;

‘Nailed the guy’: Nudists tackle ‘pirate’ after random attack on tourist in the Castro 

Readers<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/11/nudists-save-tourist-attack-castro/"> may remember Triball</a> from a viral video in which he was tackled by two nudists after confronting a tourist with a blowtorch in the Castro .&nbsp;

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Terry Asten Bennett, president of the Castro Merchants Association, said she has also been harassed by Triball. She agrees that the city needs to do more to help businesses.

Terry Asten Bennett, president of the Castro Merchants Association, said she has also been harassed by Triball. She agrees that the city needs to do more to help businesses.

“There has to be an easier, less expensive way for employers to protect their employees,” she said. “And if it means the city puts together a fund or the laws change to make it a reasonable fee, then that is what needs to happen.”

“There has to be an easier, less expensive way for employers to protect their employees,” she said. “And if it means the city puts together a fund or the laws change to make it a reasonable fee, then that is what needs to happen.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-system-is-failing-us">‘The system is failing us’</h2>

Civil harassment restraining orders, which can protect one person and their family, are not as expensive to acquire as a workplace order. But they can still cost up to $450.

Civil harassment restraining orders, which can protect one person and their family, are not as expensive to acquire as a workplace order. But they can still cost up to $450.

Robert Cox, a longtime resident of the Castro, got a restraining order against a serial offender who broke into his home, tried to set a neighbor’s house on fire and habitually sleeps in planter boxes. He said the process took him around 20 hours.

Robert Cox, a longtime resident of the Castro, got a restraining order against a serial offender who broke into his home, tried to set a neighbor’s house on fire and habitually sleeps in planter boxes. He said the process took him around 20 hours.

“I get why it shouldn’t be easy to get a restraining order,” Cox said. “But man, to put this kind of time in — if you’ve got a job, you’re just never going to do it.”

“I get why it shouldn’t be easy to get a restraining order,” Cox said. “But man, to put this kind of time in — if you’ve got a job, you’re just never going to do it.”

Cox said the only reason he was able to get the order was that he’s a painter and works on his own time.

Cox said the only reason he was able to get the order was that he’s a painter and works on his own time.

“It’s a pain in the ass,” Supervisor Rafael Mandelman said of the process of obtaining restraining orders. “And it’s weird that we put the burden on the person that’s being harassed.”

“It’s a pain in the ass,” Supervisor Rafael Mandelman said of the process of obtaining restraining orders. “And it’s weird that we put the burden on the person that’s being harassed.”

Avi Ehrlich, owner of the Mission’s Silver Sprocket comic-book store and a board member of the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association, said he’d like to see the city create an office to help business owners navigate the complicated process.

Avi Ehrlich, owner of the Mission’s Silver Sprocket comic-book store and a board member of the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association, said he’d like to see the city create an office to help business owners navigate the complicated process.

He said business owners in the merchants association have met to discuss ways to tamp down on serial offenders who have screamed at customers and threatened employees with box cutters, but have found no reprieve.

He said business owners in the merchants association have met to discuss ways to tamp down on serial offenders who have screamed at customers and threatened employees with box cutters, but have found no reprieve.

“The system is failing us,” Ehrlich said.

“The system is failing us,” Ehrlich said.

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SF City College is free. But classes are being axed, teachers cut and enrollment is down

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