Sarah Wright

As the state of California considers a controversial revamp of how math is taught in public schools, a 2014 change in the math curriculum at the San Francisco Unified School District is drawing fresh scrutiny—and even though the district’s numbers show early signs the program has been a success, not everyone is convinced.

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As the state of California considers a controversial revamp of how math is taught in public schools, a 2014 change in the math curriculum at the San Francisco Unified School District is drawing fresh scrutiny—and even though the district’s numbers show early signs the program has been a success, not everyone is convinced.

The debate comes amid a national firestorm over public education, with many parents still furious over pandemic policies that shuttered schools and culture warriors fighting anti-racism efforts and pushing to ban books they don’t like. The allegation that public schools have put social justice issues ahead of basics like math education has echoed loudly in San Francisco, where <a href="https://sfstandard.com/school-board-recall-scheduled-for-february-2022-along-with-assessor-recorder-election/">three school board members are now facing a recall election</a>.

The debate comes amid a national firestorm over public education, with many parents still furious over pandemic policies that shuttered schools and culture warriors fighting anti-racism efforts and pushing to ban books they don’t like. The allegation that public schools have put social justice issues ahead of basics like math education has echoed loudly in San Francisco, where <a href="https://sfstandard.com/school-board-recall-scheduled-for-february-2022-along-with-assessor-recorder-election/">three school board members are now facing a recall election</a>.

The biggest change in the SFUSD’s 2014 curriculum revamp was the creation of a new course, called Math 8, for 8th-graders, with the typical Algebra 1 course being pushed back to 9th grade. The goal was to “detrack” students and create “heterogeneous classrooms” throughout middle school, giving all elementary and middle school students the same basic understanding of math concepts, regardless of math achievement.

The biggest change in the SFUSD’s 2014 curriculum revamp was the creation of a new course, called Math 8, for 8th-graders, with the typical Algebra 1 course being pushed back to 9th grade. The goal was to “detrack” students and create “heterogeneous classrooms” throughout middle school, giving all elementary and middle school students the same basic understanding of math concepts, regardless of math achievement.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/controversy-rages-as-california-follows-sfs-lead-with-new-approach-to-teaching-math/">The state of California is proposing recommending a similar change in the math sequence for all public school students in the state</a>, prompting San Franciscans to take a second look at how the local program has fared over the past seven years.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/controversy-rages-as-california-follows-sfs-lead-with-new-approach-to-teaching-math/">The state of California is proposing recommending a similar change in the math sequence for all public school students in the state</a>, prompting San Franciscans to take a second look at how the local program has fared over the past seven years.&nbsp;

Lizzy Hull Barnes, the math and computer science supervisor in the district’s curriculum office, said the district’s 2014 policy was pulled directly from state recommendations and was bolstered by studies showing that a strong, consistent base in math improves overall understanding and achievement of the subject. The district says its data shows that the program has been a success on three key measures: reducing the number of students who need to retake math classes, increasing enrollment in advanced math courses, and boosting participation of Black and Latino students in such classes.

Lizzy Hull Barnes, the math and computer science supervisor in the district’s curriculum office, said the district’s 2014 policy was pulled directly from state recommendations and was bolstered by studies showing that a strong, consistent base in math improves overall understanding and achievement of the subject. The district says its data shows that the program has been a success on three key measures: reducing the number of students who need to retake math classes, increasing enrollment in advanced math courses, and boosting participation of Black and Latino students in such classes.

But some parents and teachers worry that the policy makes higher-level math less accessible to most students by giving them just two years to complete the three-course prerequisite to enroll in AP Calculus their senior year, forcing students into “workarounds” like taking Algebra 1 and geometry in the same year, taking summer courses or settling for a class that condenses Algebra 2 and pre-calculus into one year.&nbsp;

But some parents and teachers worry that the policy makes higher-level math less accessible to most students by giving them just two years to complete the three-course prerequisite to enroll in AP Calculus their senior year, forcing students into “workarounds” like taking Algebra 1 and geometry in the same year, taking summer courses or settling for a class that condenses Algebra 2 and pre-calculus into one year.&nbsp;

A group called Families for San Francisco, in a report released in October, also took issue with the district’s claims of success. Many in the tech industry, in particular, see the whole program as a dumbing-down of math education at a time when so-called STEM proficiency (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is more important than ever.

A group called Families for San Francisco, in a report released in October, also took issue with the district’s claims of success. Many in the tech industry, in particular, see the whole program as a dumbing-down of math education at a time when so-called STEM proficiency (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is more important than ever.

&#8220;The emperor is wearing no clothes,&#8221; said Elizabeth Statmore, a math teacher at Lowell High School who helped write the report. “People in California don’t want us to base our math program for the entire state on fantasies. Wishful thinking is not a strategy.”

"The emperor is wearing no clothes," said Elizabeth Statmore, a math teacher at Lowell High School who helped write the report. “People in California don’t want us to base our math program for the entire state on fantasies. Wishful thinking is not a strategy.”

&#8220;The emperor is wearing no clothes,&#8221; said Elizabeth Statmore, a math teacher at Lowell High School who helped write the report. “People in California don’t want us to base our math program for the entire state on fantasies. Wishful thinking is not a strategy.”

Statmore told the SF Standard that she opposed the changes from the start. After the new “math pathway” was implemented, she saw students working overtime in high school to make it to AP Calculus, or taking condensed summer or online courses to pass course entrance tests or fulfill prerequisites. Students who couldn’t afford classes outside of school were doubling up on math classes during the year, making their course load less manageable and cutting off opportunities to take electives.&nbsp;

Statmore told the SF Standard that she opposed the changes from the start. After the new “math pathway” was implemented, she saw students working overtime in high school to make it to AP Calculus, or taking condensed summer or online courses to pass course entrance tests or fulfill prerequisites. Students who couldn’t afford classes outside of school were doubling up on math classes during the year, making their course load less manageable and cutting off opportunities to take electives.&nbsp;

&#8220;It seemed inequitable to be asking my poor students to do something that affluent students were able to test out of and that no other district was doing,&#8221; Statmore said.&nbsp;

"It seemed inequitable to be asking my poor students to do something that affluent students were able to test out of and that no other district was doing," Statmore said.&nbsp;

&#8220;It seemed inequitable to be asking my poor students to do something that affluent students were able to test out of and that no other district was doing,&#8221; Statmore said.&nbsp;

The district’s first stated goal for the program was to reduce the number of students needing to retake Algebra 1, geometry or Algebra 2 by half as compared to June 2013 numbers—both for the entire SFUSD population and for each major ethnic group in the district. District data shows repeat rates for Algebra 1 dropped dramatically from 40% to 8% after the new program was implemented.

The district’s first stated goal for the program was to reduce the number of students needing to retake Algebra 1, geometry or Algebra 2 by half as compared to June 2013 numbers—both for the entire SFUSD population and for each major ethnic group in the district. District data shows repeat rates for Algebra 1 dropped dramatically from 40% to 8% after the new program was implemented.

But that same year, the district also removed a policy that required students pass a state math exam to pass Algebra 1. The Families for San Francisco report argues that this fact makes the claim misleading. Hull Barnes said it is impossible to isolate the various factors that might have contributed to the improved pass rates.&nbsp;

But that same year, the district also removed a policy that required students pass a state math exam to pass Algebra 1. The Families for San Francisco report argues that this fact makes the claim misleading. Hull Barnes said it is impossible to isolate the various factors that might have contributed to the improved pass rates.&nbsp;

The second district goal outlined in 2014 was to increase the number of students taking and passing post-Algebra 2 courses by 10% by June of 2018. While enrollment in courses that come sequentially after Algebra 2 has gone up by about 2 percentage points across ethnicities, according to district data, the report argues that the condensed Algebra 2 and pre-calculus course that now follows geometry is not accurately characterized as an “advanced” course, because it is not considered a college-level course by the University of California system.&nbsp;

The second district goal outlined in 2014 was to increase the number of students taking and passing post-Algebra 2 courses by 10% by June of 2018. While enrollment in courses that come sequentially after Algebra 2 has gone up by about 2 percentage points across ethnicities, according to district data, the report argues that the condensed Algebra 2 and pre-calculus course that now follows geometry is not accurately characterized as an “advanced” course, because it is not considered a college-level course by the University of California system.&nbsp;

Hull Barnes clarified that while it is not considered a college-level course nor is it “honors,” the district considers the condensed class “advanced” because it includes material that is more advanced than Algebra 2.&nbsp;

Hull Barnes clarified that while it is not considered a college-level course nor is it “honors,” the district considers the condensed class “advanced” because it includes material that is more advanced than Algebra 2.&nbsp;

The final district goal was to increase AP enrollment and pass rates of Latino and African American students by 20% in June of 2018. There is no publicly available district data showing enrollment specifically in AP courses, but the data does show an increase in Latino enrollment in “advanced” classes from 11.2% in 2016 to 13.5% in 2019. African American students’ enrollment in “advanced” classes increased at a similar rate, from 14% in 2016 to 16% in 2019.&nbsp;

The final district goal was to increase AP enrollment and pass rates of Latino and African American students by 20% in June of 2018. There is no publicly available district data showing enrollment specifically in AP courses, but the data does show an increase in Latino enrollment in “advanced” classes from 11.2% in 2016 to 13.5% in 2019. African American students’ enrollment in “advanced” classes increased at a similar rate, from 14% in 2016 to 16% in 2019.&nbsp;

No pass rates for these classes or for AP math exams have been published so far, and Hull Barnes said the district has yet to go back and retrieve those numbers, the more recent of which may also have been affected by pandemic grading policy changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

No pass rates for these classes or for AP math exams have been published so far, and Hull Barnes said the district has yet to go back and retrieve those numbers, the more recent of which may also have been affected by pandemic grading policy changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While the district has not fully met what Hull Barnes says were “bold” goals, she is steadfast in her assertion that district data shows the program has been successful overall. Every year since the policy’s implementation in 2014, more students across all ethnic groups met the district’s 30-credit graduation requirements in math. And Hull Barnes sees the increase in enrollment in “advanced” math courses by a handful of percentage points as a success.

While the district has not fully met what Hull Barnes says were “bold” goals, she is steadfast in her assertion that district data shows the program has been successful overall. Every year since the policy’s implementation in 2014, more students across all ethnic groups met the district’s 30-credit graduation requirements in math. And Hull Barnes sees the increase in enrollment in “advanced” math courses by a handful of percentage points as a success.

Hull Barnes and the district policy is supported by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, a nationwide education organization. NCTM President Trena Wilkerson said her organization supports the practice of “detracking” students and even used SFUSD’s program as a case study in its 2018 report “Catalyzing Change in High School Mathematics.”

Hull Barnes and the district policy is supported by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, a nationwide education organization. NCTM President Trena Wilkerson said her organization supports the practice of “detracking” students and even used SFUSD’s program as a case study in its 2018 report “Catalyzing Change in High School Mathematics.”

While Wilkerson said she hasn’t personally looked into the district’s data, early signs that the program offers rigorous standards and is bringing more marginalized and traditionally underrepresented students into advanced classrooms are positive.&nbsp;

While Wilkerson said she hasn’t personally looked into the district’s data, early signs that the program offers rigorous standards and is bringing more marginalized and traditionally underrepresented students into advanced classrooms are positive.&nbsp;

&#8220;It&#8217;s not something that can happen overnight,” Wilkerson said.&nbsp;

"It's not something that can happen overnight,” Wilkerson said.&nbsp;

&#8220;It&#8217;s not something that can happen overnight,” Wilkerson said.&nbsp;

Rex Ridgeway, a trained mathematician and a critic of the policy whose granddaughter is a 9th grader at Lincoln High School, said the program may have achieved one goal—stabilizing math test scores or graduation rates across the district. But he says it&#8217;s failing to prepare students like his granddaughter for a future in STEM.&nbsp;

Rex Ridgeway, a trained mathematician and a critic of the policy whose granddaughter is a 9th grader at Lincoln High School, said the program may have achieved one goal—stabilizing math test scores or graduation rates across the district. But he says it's failing to prepare students like his granddaughter for a future in STEM.&nbsp;

Rex Ridgeway, a trained mathematician and a critic of the policy whose granddaughter is a 9th grader at Lincoln High School, said the program may have achieved one goal—stabilizing math test scores or graduation rates across the district. But he says it&#8217;s failing to prepare students like his granddaughter for a future in STEM.&nbsp;

Both camps agree that the goal to make access to high-level math courses more equitable is a worthy one. But how to get there remains up for debate.&nbsp;

Both camps agree that the goal to make access to high-level math courses more equitable is a worthy one. But how to get there remains up for debate.&nbsp;

In Statmore’s ideal world, math reforms should be bottom-up, with greater emphasis on math in early education through a curriculum that doesn’t drill students on problems, but introduces math into play and gets students curious about numbers. But as long as the current system remains, Statmore says students should be offered personalized pathways and be allowed, at any grade in middle or high school, to move up to a more demanding course. Ridgeway agrees and wants to see kids who are interested in pursuing math at a higher level given that opportunity.&nbsp;

In Statmore’s ideal world, math reforms should be bottom-up, with greater emphasis on math in early education through a curriculum that doesn’t drill students on problems, but introduces math into play and gets students curious about numbers. But as long as the current system remains, Statmore says students should be offered personalized pathways and be allowed, at any grade in middle or high school, to move up to a more demanding course. Ridgeway agrees and wants to see kids who are interested in pursuing math at a higher level given that opportunity.&nbsp;

&#8220;I&#8217;m all for getting everyone at the starting line, but when the gun goes off, some people are going to be faster,” Ridgeway said.&nbsp;

"I'm all for getting everyone at the starting line, but when the gun goes off, some people are going to be faster,” Ridgeway said.&nbsp;

&#8220;I&#8217;m all for getting everyone at the starting line, but when the gun goes off, some people are going to be faster,” Ridgeway said.&nbsp;

In response to concerns about equity, Hull Barnes noted that every school site in the district does offer an organic path to AP Calculus, like allowing 9th grade students to take both Algebra 1 and geometry at the same time, enroll in a compressed Algebra 2 and pre-calculus course or to take a district-run summer geometry course to be on track to take AP Calculus by senior year.&nbsp;

In response to concerns about equity, Hull Barnes noted that every school site in the district does offer an organic path to AP Calculus, like allowing 9th grade students to take both Algebra 1 and geometry at the same time, enroll in a compressed Algebra 2 and pre-calculus course or to take a district-run summer geometry course to be on track to take AP Calculus by senior year.&nbsp;

Is calculus even a worthwhile goal for high schoolers? The two camps agree it can depend on the student. But Hull Barnes says she’s listening to researchers who are changing their tune and moving away from calculus as a prerequisite for college success, and who drove the University of California system to release a statement saying its admissions officers won’t penalize students who do not enroll in calculus.&nbsp;

Is calculus even a worthwhile goal for high schoolers? The two camps agree it can depend on the student. But Hull Barnes says she’s listening to researchers who are changing their tune and moving away from calculus as a prerequisite for college success, and who drove the University of California system to release a statement saying its admissions officers won’t penalize students who do not enroll in calculus.&nbsp;

But University of California, Davis, computer science professor Norm Matloff says it doesn’t matter what college admissions policies are—admissions officers will always be inclined to admit more students who have taken calculus since it is universally seen as the most demanding high school math course.&nbsp;

But University of California, Davis, computer science professor Norm Matloff says it doesn’t matter what college admissions policies are—admissions officers will always be inclined to admit more students who have taken calculus since it is universally seen as the most demanding high school math course.&nbsp;

The new state proposal would also create a singular math track through middle school before offering Algebra 1 in 9th grade and then allowing students to accelerate their learning throughout high school.

The new state proposal would also create a singular math track through middle school before offering Algebra 1 in 9th grade and then allowing students to accelerate their learning throughout high school.

In an <a href="https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101886679/stanford-professor-jo-boaler-explains-californias-proposed-math-instruction-guidelines">interview with KQED</a> on Tuesday, one of the authors of the state’s recommendations, Jo Boaler, said the state is not using San Francisco’s program as the basis for its recommendation that schools alter their math pathways.&nbsp;

In an <a href="https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101886679/stanford-professor-jo-boaler-explains-californias-proposed-math-instruction-guidelines">interview with KQED</a> on Tuesday, one of the authors of the state’s recommendations, Jo Boaler, said the state is not using San Francisco’s program as the basis for its recommendation that schools alter their math pathways.&nbsp;

Rather, Boaler said, the authors are basing their recommendations on evidence from school districts across the state. Still, San Francisco is the only local district that’s implemented a similar program, so it will be a point of reference as the state considers its changes, Hull Barnes said. Boaler declined an interview request.

Rather, Boaler said, the authors are basing their recommendations on evidence from school districts across the state. Still, San Francisco is the only local district that’s implemented a similar program, so it will be a point of reference as the state considers its changes, Hull Barnes said. Boaler declined an interview request.

Families For San Francisco co-founder and Executive Director Patrick Wolff, a chess grandmaster and hedge fund founder who has two kids at local schools, said the group wants to have a serious conversation with the district about its success metrics and thoroughly examine the effectiveness of the policy, not just for the sake of the state policy, but also for the city’s current and future students.&nbsp;

Families For San Francisco co-founder and Executive Director Patrick Wolff, a chess grandmaster and hedge fund founder who has two kids at local schools, said the group wants to have a serious conversation with the district about its success metrics and thoroughly examine the effectiveness of the policy, not just for the sake of the state policy, but also for the city’s current and future students.&nbsp;

&#8220;What happens here matters, and it matters to represent it accurately and fairly,” Wolff said. 

"What happens here matters, and it matters to represent it accurately and fairly,” Wolff said.

&#8220;What happens here matters, and it matters to represent it accurately and fairly,” Wolff said.

This version corrects the name of the <meta charset="utf-8">National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

This version corrects the name of the <meta charset="utf-8">National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

The importance of algebra: SF public schools’ ‘math pathway’ draws fire as state considers similar program

Christina Campodonico

Danny Yu Chang. Ngoc Pham. Xiao Zhen Xie.&nbsp;

Danny Yu Chang. Ngoc Pham. Xiao Zhen Xie.&nbsp;

These are the names of three Asian elders who were brutally attacked just this past week along Market Street. Chang, 59, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Nothing-is-safe-here-in-California-16034222.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was struck from behind</a> on his way back from Trader Joe’s. Pham, 83, <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/juliareinstein/two-asian-people-attacked-san-francisco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suffered a fractured nose</a>. Xie, 75, was <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/03/18/asian-american-attacks-elderly-woman-beats-attacker-san-francisco/4745168001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">punched in the face</a> and fought off her attacker with a stick.

These are the names of three Asian elders who were brutally attacked just this past week along Market Street. Chang, 59, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Nothing-is-safe-here-in-California-16034222.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was struck from behind</a> on his way back from Trader Joe’s. Pham, 83, <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/juliareinstein/two-asian-people-attacked-san-francisco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suffered a fractured nose</a>. Xie, 75, was <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/03/18/asian-american-attacks-elderly-woman-beats-attacker-san-francisco/4745168001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">punched in the face</a> and fought off her attacker with a stick.

These unprovoked assaults happened the same week as <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2021/03/17/graphics-atlanta-spa-shootings-robert-long/4731540001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a deadly shooting rampage</a> across three Atlanta-area spas, which killed <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/17/us/asian-women-victims-atlanta-shootings.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">six women of Asian descent</a> in Georgia and sent shockwaves across the country. The incidents are part of <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-16/anti-asian-hate-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a disturbing trend of harassment </a>against Asian Americans nationally and regionally since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.&nbsp;

These unprovoked assaults happened the same week as <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2021/03/17/graphics-atlanta-spa-shootings-robert-long/4731540001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a deadly shooting rampage</a> across three Atlanta-area spas, which killed <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/17/us/asian-women-victims-atlanta-shootings.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">six women of Asian descent</a> in Georgia and sent shockwaves across the country. The incidents are part of <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-16/anti-asian-hate-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a disturbing trend of harassment </a>against Asian Americans nationally and regionally since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.&nbsp;

Between March 2020 and February of this year, the group <a href="https://stopaapihate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stop AAPI Hate</a>&nbsp;recorded nearly <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/there-were-3-800-anti-asian-racist-incidents-mostly-against-n1261257" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3,800 anti-Asian incidents</a> in the U.S., including shunning, slurs and physical attacks. (AAPI stands for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.) An earlier version of the report noted that out of 1,226 instances reported in California between March and December 2020, 708 happened in the Bay Area and 292 took place in San Francisco alone—although that’s likely <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11859965/700-anti-asian-hate-incidents-reported-in-bay-area-during-pandemic-true-figures-might-be-even-worse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an underestimation</a>. In 2020, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-18/brutal-attacks-scar-san-francisco-asian-residents" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">almost 12% of hate crimes</a> were directed at Asians, San Francisco police spokesperson Robert Rueca told the L.A. Times.

Between March 2020 and February of this year, the group <a href="https://stopaapihate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stop AAPI Hate</a>&nbsp;recorded nearly <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/there-were-3-800-anti-asian-racist-incidents-mostly-against-n1261257" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3,800 anti-Asian incidents</a> in the U.S., including shunning, slurs and physical attacks. (AAPI stands for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.) An earlier version of the report noted that out of 1,226 instances reported in California between March and December 2020, 708 happened in the Bay Area and 292 took place in San Francisco alone—although that’s likely <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11859965/700-anti-asian-hate-incidents-reported-in-bay-area-during-pandemic-true-figures-might-be-even-worse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an underestimation</a>. In 2020, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-18/brutal-attacks-scar-san-francisco-asian-residents" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">almost 12% of hate crimes</a> were directed at Asians, San Francisco police spokesperson Robert Rueca told the L.A. Times.

As the country grapples with its history of bias against the AAPI community and a resurgence of intolerance, we break down how San Francisco is driving the national conversation and reckoning with racial injustice.&nbsp;

As the country grapples with its history of bias against the AAPI community and a resurgence of intolerance, we break down how San Francisco is driving the national conversation and reckoning with racial injustice.&nbsp;

A Resurgence of Racism &#8211; Attacks in the Bay Area Gain National Attention

A Resurgence of Racism - Attacks in the Bay Area Gain National Attention

A Resurgence of Racism &#8211; Attacks in the Bay Area Gain National Attention

A rash of assaults on Asian Americans <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/02/12/966940217/anger-and-fear-as-asian-american-seniors-targeted-in-bay-area-attacks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the Bay Area</a> over the last year has put a spotlight on renewed anti-Asian sentiment in America. In February 2020, a video of an elderly Asian man being attacked and robbed <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/police-investigate-attack-elderly-asian-man-collecting-recyclables-san-francisco-n1143471" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">while collecting recyclables</a> in Bayview-Hunters Point went viral and garnered millions of views on social media. In January of this year, 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, a Thai San Franciscan, died from his injuries after being <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/02/01/video-surveillance-footage-shows-brutal-san-francisco-assault-that-critically-injured-84-year-old-man/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knocked to the ground</a> in a sudden assault, which <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php">his fa</a><a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">m</a><a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php">ily says was racially motivated</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A rash of assaults on Asian Americans <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/02/12/966940217/anger-and-fear-as-asian-american-seniors-targeted-in-bay-area-attacks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the Bay Area</a> over the last year has put a spotlight on renewed anti-Asian sentiment in America. In February 2020, a video of an elderly Asian man being attacked and robbed <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/police-investigate-attack-elderly-asian-man-collecting-recyclables-san-francisco-n1143471" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">while collecting recyclables</a> in Bayview-Hunters Point went viral and garnered millions of views on social media. In January of this year, 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, a Thai San Franciscan, died from his injuries after being <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/02/01/video-surveillance-footage-shows-brutal-san-francisco-assault-that-critically-injured-84-year-old-man/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knocked to the ground</a> in a sudden assault, which <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php">his fa</a><a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">m</a><a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php">ily says was racially motivated</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

That attack drew the attention of <a href="https://abc7.com/olivia-munn-awkwafina-daniel-dae-kim-queens-bakery-assault/10351077/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prominent Asian American celebrities</a> and sparked <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/scapegoated-asians-asian-americans-speak-spate-violence/story?id=75956385" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a national conversation</a> on the rise of anti-Asian violence during the pandemic. The recent attacks against Chang, Pham and Xie, with the Atlanta spa shootings last week, continue to stir the discussion.&nbsp;

That attack drew the attention of <a href="https://abc7.com/olivia-munn-awkwafina-daniel-dae-kim-queens-bakery-assault/10351077/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prominent Asian American celebrities</a> and sparked <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/scapegoated-asians-asian-americans-speak-spate-violence/story?id=75956385" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a national conversation</a> on the rise of anti-Asian violence during the pandemic. The recent attacks against Chang, Pham and Xie, with the Atlanta spa shootings last week, continue to stir the discussion.&nbsp;

Trump’s Anti-Asian Speech Fans Flames of Hatred Buried Deep in History&nbsp;

Trump’s Anti-Asian Speech Fans Flames of Hatred Buried Deep in History&nbsp;

Members of the AAPI community and experts agree that the wave of attacks against Asian Americans is directly related to <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Health/trumps-chinese-virus-tweet-helped-lead-rise-racist/story?id=76530148" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the anti-Asian rhetoric of former U.S. President Donald Trump</a> from early on in the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Members of the AAPI community and experts agree that the wave of attacks against Asian Americans is directly related to <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Health/trumps-chinese-virus-tweet-helped-lead-rise-racist/story?id=76530148" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the anti-Asian rhetoric of former U.S. President Donald Trump</a> from early on in the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“President Trump’s rhetoric of the ‘Chinese virus,’ or the ‘kung flu,’ that automatically associated the virus with Chinese people,” Lok Siu, a UC Berkeley associate professor of Asian American studies, told <a href="https://news.berkeley.edu/2021/03/17/berkeley-expert-in-times-of-crisis-anti-asian-violence-is-an-american-tradition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley News</a>. “By blaming the Chinese as the cause of the pandemic, he ignited anti-Chinese sentiments and channeled popular fear and rage against East Asian-appearing persons.”&nbsp;

“President Trump’s rhetoric of the ‘Chinese virus,’ or the ‘kung flu,’ that automatically associated the virus with Chinese people,” Lok Siu, a UC Berkeley associate professor of Asian American studies, told <a href="https://news.berkeley.edu/2021/03/17/berkeley-expert-in-times-of-crisis-anti-asian-violence-is-an-american-tradition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley News</a>. “By blaming the Chinese as the cause of the pandemic, he ignited anti-Chinese sentiments and channeled popular fear and rage against East Asian-appearing persons.”&nbsp;

“The rhetoric of ‘Wuhan virus’ came directly from Donald Trump, and his administration enabled a whole wave of far-right white supremacists,” echoed local activist and Entertainment Commission representative <a href="https://sfgov.org/entertainment/cyn-wang#:~:text=Cyn%20Wang%20was%20appointed%20to,the%20Sunset%20District%20in%201979." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyn Wang</a>, who also told Here/Say that her family’s business in the Sunset District has been graffitied with the ethnic slur “Chink” in recent months. “I think he emboldened a group of radicalized people that are going to continue to be in our community and in public discourse.”&nbsp;

“The rhetoric of ‘Wuhan virus’ came directly from Donald Trump, and his administration enabled a whole wave of far-right white supremacists,” echoed local activist and Entertainment Commission representative <a href="https://sfgov.org/entertainment/cyn-wang#:~:text=Cyn%20Wang%20was%20appointed%20to,the%20Sunset%20District%20in%201979." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyn Wang</a>, who also told Here/Say that her family’s business in the Sunset District has been graffitied with the ethnic slur “Chink” in recent months. “I think he emboldened a group of radicalized people that are going to continue to be in our community and in public discourse.”&nbsp;

For San Francisco State University Asian American history professor Russell Jeung, this current wave of violence against Asians is part of a long legacy of anti-Asian hate in the U.S.&nbsp;

For San Francisco State University Asian American history professor Russell Jeung, this current wave of violence against Asians is part of a long legacy of anti-Asian hate in the U.S.&nbsp;

“Whenever an epidemic comes from Asia, Asians are scapegoated and are met with interpersonal violence and racist policies,” Jeung <a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/race-racism-the-long-western-legacy-of-violence-against-asian-americans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told High Country News</a>.&nbsp;

“Whenever an epidemic comes from Asia, Asians are scapegoated and are met with interpersonal violence and racist policies,” Jeung <a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/race-racism-the-long-western-legacy-of-violence-against-asian-americans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told High Country News</a>.&nbsp;

In the U.S., anti-Asian rhetoric and discrimination date back at least to the 19th century with the 1875 Page Act and Chinese Exclusion Act. The former effectively barred Chinese women from immigrating to the U.S., and the latter stopped Chinese laborers from entering the country. In the 20th century, Japanese Americans were forced from their homes across the West Coast into internment camps during World War II. San Francisco’s <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Nihonjin-Machi,_San_Francisco%27s_Japanese_People_Town" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dense</a> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/California-state/People" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian populations</a> were <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Japanese_Internment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deeply impacted</a> by <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Chinese_Americans_in_San_Francisco_during_World_War_II" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">such policies</a> as well as <a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-03-22/anti-asian-violence-california" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discriminatory city and state edicts</a>, which did everything from bar Japanese students from attending SF public schools to prevent people of Chinese descent from testifying in court.&nbsp;

In the U.S., anti-Asian rhetoric and discrimination date back at least to the 19th century with the 1875 Page Act and Chinese Exclusion Act. The former effectively barred Chinese women from immigrating to the U.S., and the latter stopped Chinese laborers from entering the country. In the 20th century, Japanese Americans were forced from their homes across the West Coast into internment camps during World War II. San Francisco’s <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Nihonjin-Machi,_San_Francisco%27s_Japanese_People_Town" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dense</a> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/California-state/People" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian populations</a> were <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Japanese_Internment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deeply impacted</a> by <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Chinese_Americans_in_San_Francisco_during_World_War_II" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">such policies</a> as well as <a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-03-22/anti-asian-violence-california" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discriminatory city and state edicts</a>, which did everything from bar Japanese students from attending SF public schools to prevent people of Chinese descent from testifying in court.&nbsp;

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_4418-2500x1875.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-2639"/><figcaption>Demonstrators gather at a stop AAPI hate rally in Chinatown&#8217;s Portsmouth Square</figcaption></figure></div>

core/image

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_4418-2500x1875.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-2639"/><figcaption>Demonstrators gather at a stop AAPI hate rally in Chinatown's Portsmouth Square</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_4418-2500x1875.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-2639"/><figcaption>Demonstrators gather at a stop AAPI hate rally in Chinatown&#8217;s Portsmouth Square</figcaption></figure></div>

San Francisco&#8217;s Response&nbsp;

San Francisco's Response&nbsp;

San Francisco&#8217;s Response&nbsp;

At the direction of Mayor London Breed, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has responded to the increase in anti-Asian attacks <a href="https://abc7news.com/sfpd-chief-addresses-horrific-spike-in-anti-asian-violence/10427468/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">by stepping up patrols</a> in predominantly Asian neighborhoods. The <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco/sf-citizen-patrol-group-praised-for-protecting-asian-american-community/2492251/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Peace Collaborative</a>, a grassroots citizen patrol based out of Chinatown, has also sprung up to bolster public safety, while some San Franciscans on Nextdoor have offered to be walking buddies for their Asian American neighbors at night.&nbsp;

At the direction of Mayor London Breed, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has responded to the increase in anti-Asian attacks <a href="https://abc7news.com/sfpd-chief-addresses-horrific-spike-in-anti-asian-violence/10427468/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">by stepping up patrols</a> in predominantly Asian neighborhoods. The <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco/sf-citizen-patrol-group-praised-for-protecting-asian-american-community/2492251/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Peace Collaborative</a>, a grassroots citizen patrol based out of Chinatown, has also sprung up to bolster public safety, while some San Franciscans on Nextdoor have offered to be walking buddies for their Asian American neighbors at night.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the mayor’s office announced that the city would <a href="https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-new-efforts-protect-public-safety-and-combat-anti-asian" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expand the Street Violence Intervention Program</a> to enhance neighborhood public safety in a “culturally-competent” way and the senior escort program, which provides companions to seniors walking or taking transit to medical or personal appointments.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the mayor’s office announced that the city would <a href="https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-new-efforts-protect-public-safety-and-combat-anti-asian" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expand the Street Violence Intervention Program</a> to enhance neighborhood public safety in a “culturally-competent” way and the senior escort program, which provides companions to seniors walking or taking transit to medical or personal appointments.&nbsp;

“We have seen a rise of hate crimes against our elderly Asian community, and I want to make it clear that we won’t tolerate it,” <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/S-F-increasing-police-patrols-in-Asian-16033107.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said Mayor Breed</a> in a public response to the Atlanta spa shootings and uptick in anti-Asian violence last week. “San Francisco will continue to support and uplift our Asian community.”&nbsp;

“We have seen a rise of hate crimes against our elderly Asian community, and I want to make it clear that we won’t tolerate it,” <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/S-F-increasing-police-patrols-in-Asian-16033107.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said Mayor Breed</a> in a public response to the Atlanta spa shootings and uptick in anti-Asian violence last week. “San Francisco will continue to support and uplift our Asian community.”&nbsp;

“No one should have to live in fear that their race or ethnicity could make them a victim,” she added <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonBreed/status/1372232626237370368" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in a tweet</a>.&nbsp;

“No one should have to live in fear that their race or ethnicity could make them a victim,” she added <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonBreed/status/1372232626237370368" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in a tweet</a>.&nbsp;

In contrast, District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s office <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Amid-attacks-on-Asians-hate-crime-laws-out-of-16045251.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has been criticized</a> for not charging the attacks against Xie, Pham and Ratanapakdee as hate crimes. (Boudin’s chief of staff told the San Francisco Chronicle that the Pham and Xie cases are still under investigation and that the DA <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Amid-attacks-on-Asians-hate-crime-laws-out-of-16045251.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has not ruled out additional charges</a>. Boudin has charged the alleged assailant in the Ratanapakdee case with murder and inflicting injury on an elder, but no hate crimes.)&nbsp;

In contrast, District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s office <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Amid-attacks-on-Asians-hate-crime-laws-out-of-16045251.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has been criticized</a> for not charging the attacks against Xie, Pham and Ratanapakdee as hate crimes. (Boudin’s chief of staff told the San Francisco Chronicle that the Pham and Xie cases are still under investigation and that the DA <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Amid-attacks-on-Asians-hate-crime-laws-out-of-16045251.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has not ruled out additional charges</a>. Boudin has charged the alleged assailant in the Ratanapakdee case with murder and inflicting injury on an elder, but no hate crimes.)&nbsp;

Other San Francisco leaders have come out strongly against the spate of attacks in the Bay Area and across the country.&nbsp;

Other San Francisco leaders have come out strongly against the spate of attacks in the Bay Area and across the country.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s female AAPI elected officials, including District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, BART Board Director Janice Li and Board of Education Commissioner Jenny Lam, issued a joint statement <a href="https://twitter.com/conniechansf/status/1372655813702025216/photo/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">denouncing</a> the violent targeting of Asian women in last week’s Atlanta spa shootings. State Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) has <a href="https://ktla.com/news/california/california-bill-could-create-statewide-hotline-for-reporting-hate-crimes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">also introduced legislation</a> that would create a statewide system for reporting hate crimes.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s female AAPI elected officials, including District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, BART Board Director Janice Li and Board of Education Commissioner Jenny Lam, issued a joint statement <a href="https://twitter.com/conniechansf/status/1372655813702025216/photo/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">denouncing</a> the violent targeting of Asian women in last week’s Atlanta spa shootings. State Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) has <a href="https://ktla.com/news/california/california-bill-could-create-statewide-hotline-for-reporting-hate-crimes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">also introduced legislation</a> that would create a statewide system for reporting hate crimes.&nbsp;

Amid this political environment, Board of Education Vice President Alison Collins <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/03/21/mayor-breed-leads-chorus-of-officials-calling-for-school-board-vps-resignation-over-anti-asian-tweets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has come under fire</a> for a series of resurfaced 2016 tweets deemed by some public officials as “racist” and “anti-Asian.” (Collins affirmed her solidarity with the Asian American community and said her remarks <a href="https://alimcollins.medium.com/with-anti-asian-bias-on-the-rise-in-our-communities-and-the-hate-crimes-committed-in-georgia-this-2e5e6d22dac1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">were taken out of context</a> in a Medium post.)&nbsp;

Amid this political environment, Board of Education Vice President Alison Collins <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/03/21/mayor-breed-leads-chorus-of-officials-calling-for-school-board-vps-resignation-over-anti-asian-tweets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has come under fire</a> for a series of resurfaced 2016 tweets deemed by some public officials as “racist” and “anti-Asian.” (Collins affirmed her solidarity with the Asian American community and said her remarks <a href="https://alimcollins.medium.com/with-anti-asian-bias-on-the-rise-in-our-communities-and-the-hate-crimes-committed-in-georgia-this-2e5e6d22dac1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">were taken out of context</a> in a Medium post.)&nbsp;

At the grassroots level, San Franciscans and Bay Area locals have come out in droves to show solidarity with the AAPI community. Over the weekend, anti-AAPI hate <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Bay-Area-artists-rally-in-San-Francisco-s-16041278.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rallies were held across the Bay Area</a> and more than 1,000 people <a href="https://abc7news.com/stop-asian-hate-rally-san-francisco-crimes-protest-sf-lives-matter/10439342/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marched from the Castro to Chinatown</a> in a demonstration organized by the LGBTQ community to rebuke anti-Asian rhetoric and attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the grassroots level, San Franciscans and Bay Area locals have come out in droves to show solidarity with the AAPI community. Over the weekend, anti-AAPI hate <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Bay-Area-artists-rally-in-San-Francisco-s-16041278.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rallies were held across the Bay Area</a> and more than 1,000 people <a href="https://abc7news.com/stop-asian-hate-rally-san-francisco-crimes-protest-sf-lives-matter/10439342/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marched from the Castro to Chinatown</a> in a demonstration organized by the LGBTQ community to rebuke anti-Asian rhetoric and attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&#8220;This rally is a call to arms, a call to action, to stand up and say no more, ‘enough is enough,’&#8221; the Asian Pacific Alliance’s Michael Nguyen told ABC 7.&nbsp;

"This rally is a call to arms, a call to action, to stand up and say no more, ‘enough is enough,’" the Asian Pacific Alliance’s Michael Nguyen told ABC 7.&nbsp;

&#8220;This rally is a call to arms, a call to action, to stand up and say no more, ‘enough is enough,’&#8221; the Asian Pacific Alliance’s Michael Nguyen told ABC 7.&nbsp;

As of Tuesday, GoFundMe campaigns set up for <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/danny-yu-chang-asian-hate-crime-victim" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chang</a>, <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/ngoc-pham-fundraiser" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pham</a> and <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2b8zh292uo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xie</a> to aid in their recoveries have raised over $1.2 million dollars in total. Xie’s family has said that their 75-year-old grandmother <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/money-raised-for-woman-attacked-in-sf-being-donated-to-asian-american-community/2500599/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will donate the nearly $900,000</a> raised from her GoFundMe to the Asian American community to combat racism. &nbsp;

As of Tuesday, GoFundMe campaigns set up for <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/danny-yu-chang-asian-hate-crime-victim" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chang</a>, <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/ngoc-pham-fundraiser" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pham</a> and <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2b8zh292uo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xie</a> to aid in their recoveries have raised over $1.2 million dollars in total. Xie’s family has said that their 75-year-old grandmother <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/money-raised-for-woman-attacked-in-sf-being-donated-to-asian-american-community/2500599/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will donate the nearly $900,000</a> raised from her GoFundMe to the Asian American community to combat racism. &nbsp;

Moving Forward &#8211; What Can Everyday San Franciscans Do?&nbsp;

Moving Forward - What Can Everyday San Franciscans Do?&nbsp;

Moving Forward &#8211; What Can Everyday San Franciscans Do?&nbsp;

Activists like Wang are generally supportive of the actions city leaders and grassroots organizers have taken to support the AAPI community during this time, but emphasizes that fighting for racial justice is a constant effort that requires not only words of support but also actions of solidarity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Activists like Wang are generally supportive of the actions city leaders and grassroots organizers have taken to support the AAPI community during this time, but emphasizes that fighting for racial justice is a constant effort that requires not only words of support but also actions of solidarity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wang recommends speaking up when you hear anti-Asian rhetoric, educating oneself on the history of anti-Asian repression, participating in racial justice movements through local democratic clubs, teaching one’s children the importance of diversity and inclusion and patronizing AAPI businesses to show support for the community.&nbsp;

Wang recommends speaking up when you hear anti-Asian rhetoric, educating oneself on the history of anti-Asian repression, participating in racial justice movements through local democratic clubs, teaching one’s children the importance of diversity and inclusion and patronizing AAPI businesses to show support for the community.&nbsp;

“Anti-Asian violence and anti-Asian rhetoric isn&#8217;t a new thing. … It&#8217;s going to be a long-term fight for the future of our country and for our communities to dismantle some of those beliefs.” Wang said. “I hope we go forward in unity and solidarity. Our common enemy is white supremacy, and our communities need to come together to heal.”

“Anti-Asian violence and anti-Asian rhetoric isn't a new thing. … It's going to be a long-term fight for the future of our country and for our communities to dismantle some of those beliefs.” Wang said. “I hope we go forward in unity and solidarity. Our common enemy is white supremacy, and our communities need to come together to heal.”

“Anti-Asian violence and anti-Asian rhetoric isn&#8217;t a new thing. … It&#8217;s going to be a long-term fight for the future of our country and for our communities to dismantle some of those beliefs.” Wang said. “I hope we go forward in unity and solidarity. Our common enemy is white supremacy, and our communities need to come together to heal.”

How is San Francisco responding to a wave of anti-Asian assaults?

David Sjostedt

It’s a late summer morning in the San Leandro Kaiser intensive care unit, and Noah Tesfa is devouring a plate of orange chicken from Panda Express. His bloated stomach is making it impossible for him to sit up, and with every bite, his fork makes a dangerous leap, dropping chow mein against his hospital garb. An empty supply of an opiate called Dilaudid hangs from his arm, and a single teardrop drizzles down his cheek. He knows he is dying but is hardly worried about that. He begs the nurse for another dose.&nbsp;

It’s a late summer morning in the San Leandro Kaiser intensive care unit, and Noah Tesfa is devouring a plate of orange chicken from Panda Express. His bloated stomach is making it impossible for him to sit up, and with every bite, his fork makes a dangerous leap, dropping chow mein against his hospital garb. An empty supply of an opiate called Dilaudid hangs from his arm, and a single teardrop drizzles down his cheek. He knows he is dying but is hardly worried about that. He begs the nurse for another dose.&nbsp;

“Can I go home,” he asked his mother, Azieb Gebresslasie, earlier in the day.

“Can I go home,” he asked his mother, Azieb Gebresslasie, earlier in the day.

“Where’s home?” Gebresslasie responded.

“Where’s home?” Gebresslasie responded.

“The Civic Center,” Tesfa said.&nbsp;

“The Civic Center,” Tesfa said.&nbsp;

Noah Tesfa lies in a hospital bed in Kaiser’s San Leandro Intensive Care Unit while his kidneys begin to fail on May 30, 2021 in San Leandro, Calif. Tesfa had chosen to be comfortable rather than take the necessary medical procedures to save his life. | Photo by James Wyatt 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DSC_3494-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12157"/><figcaption>Noah Tesfa lies in a hospital bed in Kaiser’s San Leandro intensive care unit while his kidneys begin to fail on May 30, 2021. | Photo by James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco’s addiction crisis is on display every day outside the Civic Center. Police, drug dealers and drug users gather seamlessly, the streets sometimes filled with sick and wounded people listlessly wandering or sprawled on the sidewalks.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s addiction crisis is on display every day outside the Civic Center. Police, drug dealers and drug users gather seamlessly, the streets sometimes filled with sick and wounded people listlessly wandering or sprawled on the sidewalks.&nbsp;

Tesfa’s request to go back to the area doesn’t surprise Gebresslasie. A promising student and athlete growing up in Santa Rosa, Calif., Tesfa began abusing prescription opioids while in high school. Since he graduated a decade ago, <meta charset="utf-8">Gebresslasie has been finding and losing her son in the city’s Tenderloin district.

Tesfa’s request to go back to the area doesn’t surprise Gebresslasie. A promising student and athlete growing up in Santa Rosa, Calif., Tesfa began abusing prescription opioids while in high school. Since he graduated a decade ago, <meta charset="utf-8">Gebresslasie has been finding and losing her son in the city’s Tenderloin district.

Gebresslasie quit her job in Santa Rosa to become a cab driver in San Francisco, stopping the car whenever she saw him. If she couldn’t find her son for a few days, she would call former BART police department officer David Touye. 

Gebresslasie quit her job in Santa Rosa to become a cab driver in San Francisco, stopping the car whenever she saw him. If she couldn’t find her son for a few days, she would call former BART police department officer David Touye.

“Officer Touye, to be honest, was a godsend,” Gebresslasie said. “There wasn’t anybody that cared like officer Touye and his partner.” 

“Officer Touye, to be honest, was a godsend,” Gebresslasie said. “There wasn’t anybody that cared like officer Touye and his partner.”

Touye and his partner Eric Hofstein, who have both since retired, had enrolled Tesfa in a pilot program called Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion. LEAD reimagined how law enforcement officers interacted with drug users, allowing police to refer eligible low–level offenders to social services. 

Touye and his partner Eric Hofstein, who have both since retired, had enrolled Tesfa in a pilot program called Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion. LEAD reimagined how law enforcement officers interacted with drug users, allowing police to refer eligible low–level offenders to social services.

But even though the program was a godsend for Gebresslasie and showed promising early results, LEAD foundered after two years, undone by distrust between police and social service workers. Its demise shows some of the barriers that stand in the way of addressing the city’s twin crises of homelessness and drug addiction—not the least being that sometimes, for some people like Tesfa, there is not a lot that can be done.

But even though the program was a godsend for Gebresslasie and showed promising early results, LEAD foundered after two years, undone by distrust between police and social service workers. Its demise shows some of the barriers that stand in the way of addressing the city’s twin crises of homelessness and drug addiction—not the least being that sometimes, for some people like Tesfa, there is not a lot that can be done.

With a lighter and straw in hand, blood rolls down Tesfa's thigh as he stands on the corner of Larkin Street and Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco in February 2020. Itching is a common side effect of opioids and would lead Tesfa to itch and pick for hours at times. | Photo by James Wyatt 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Finding-Noah-Here_say-final-02-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12130"/><figcaption>With a lighter and straw in hand, blood rolls down Tesfa&#8217;s thigh as he stands on the corner of Larkin Street and Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco in February 2020. <meta charset="utf-8">| Photo by James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Finding-Noah-Here_say-final-02-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12130"/><figcaption>With a lighter and straw in hand, blood rolls down Tesfa's thigh as he stands on the corner of Larkin Street and Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco in February 2020. <meta charset="utf-8">| Photo by James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Finding-Noah-Here_say-final-02-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12130"/><figcaption>With a lighter and straw in hand, blood rolls down Tesfa&#8217;s thigh as he stands on the corner of Larkin Street and Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco in February 2020. <meta charset="utf-8">| Photo by James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

Established through a $6.9 million grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections in 2017, LEAD provided training for officers on harm reduction—the practice of providing compassionate care to people struggling with addiction.&nbsp;

Established through a $6.9 million grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections in 2017, LEAD provided training for officers on harm reduction—the practice of providing compassionate care to people struggling with addiction.&nbsp;

“LEAD, the way it was designed, was a great place to refer people who were hard to refer elsewhere,” said GLIDE case manager Jason Norelli. “If you think about it, cops are actually outreach workers. They’re on the streets, they know what’s going on.”&nbsp;

“LEAD, the way it was designed, was a great place to refer people who were hard to refer elsewhere,” said GLIDE case manager Jason Norelli. “If you think about it, cops are actually outreach workers. They’re on the streets, they know what’s going on.”&nbsp;

Touye and Hofstein were among a group of officers who traveled to Seattle—the birthplace of the program—to learn how to introduce LEAD to San Francisco. The city’s program was ultimately run by the Department of Public Health through partnerships with the District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement agencies and outreach services provided by the Felton Institute and GLIDE. Officers would bring LEAD clients to a health department intake center, where they were evaluated and assigned a case manager from GLIDE or the Felton Institute. 

Touye and Hofstein were among a group of officers who traveled to Seattle—the birthplace of the program—to learn how to introduce LEAD to San Francisco. The city’s program was ultimately run by the Department of Public Health through partnerships with the District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement agencies and outreach services provided by the Felton Institute and GLIDE. Officers would bring LEAD clients to a health department intake center, where they were evaluated and assigned a case manager from GLIDE or the Felton Institute.

“It was just this constant game of cat and mouse … [Tesfa] was always getting high in our station,” Touye said. “Officers understood that we’re not going to be able to arrest our way out of this problem, so let’s try to dig a little deeper.” 

“It was just this constant game of cat and mouse … [Tesfa] was always getting high in our station,” Touye said. “Officers understood that we’re not going to be able to arrest our way out of this problem, so let’s try to dig a little deeper.”

Noah Tesfa, the son of Eritrean immigrants, sits at a bus stop on Market Street in San Francisco while high on fentanyl in April 2020. Azieb Gebresslasie, Tesfa’s Mother, explained that, “it was no longer safe to live in our country, so we came to the U.S. for a better life.” | Photo by James Wyatt 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Finding-Noah-Here_say-final-03-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12133"/><figcaption>Tesfa, the son of Eritrean immigrants, sits at a bus stop on Market Street in San Francisco while high on fentanyl in April 2020. | Photo by James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

The LEAD program saw some clear early successes. After 12 months, 98 surveyed LEAD clients were over six times less likely to be arrested for misdemeanors and more than three times less likely to be involved in felony cases than members of a comparable control group, according to a <a href="https://www.bscc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/CSULB-LEAD-REPORT-TO-LEGISLATURE-1-15-2020.pdf">report</a> by California State University of Long Beach.&nbsp;

The LEAD program saw some clear early successes. After 12 months, 98 surveyed LEAD clients were over six times less likely to be arrested for misdemeanors and more than three times less likely to be involved in felony cases than members of a comparable control group, according to a <a href="https://www.bscc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/CSULB-LEAD-REPORT-TO-LEGISLATURE-1-15-2020.pdf">report</a> by California State University of Long Beach.&nbsp;

Many people involved with LEAD said it helped build rapport between police officers and outreach workers, who previously viewed one another with suspicion. LEAD stakeholders met bi-weekly to discuss their client’s progress and work together on strategies—a type of collaboration that was absent before the program.&nbsp;

Many people involved with LEAD said it helped build rapport between police officers and outreach workers, who previously viewed one another with suspicion. LEAD stakeholders met bi-weekly to discuss their client’s progress and work together on strategies—a type of collaboration that was absent before the program.&nbsp;

“There are harm reduction people who were horrified when I decided to do LEAD. There are people who were anti–LEAD, because they’re anti–cop,” Norelli said. “We were so divergent … I feel like it was a learning process for all of us.”&nbsp;

“There are harm reduction people who were horrified when I decided to do LEAD. There are people who were anti–LEAD, because they’re anti–cop,” Norelli said. “We were so divergent … I feel like it was a learning process for all of us.”&nbsp;

Critics of the program said that LEAD unnecessarily involved law enforcement in issues that shouldn’t be considered criminal matters. In their eyes, the program itself was a compromise.

Critics of the program said that LEAD unnecessarily involved law enforcement in issues that shouldn’t be considered criminal matters. In their eyes, the program itself was a compromise.

“It’s still rooted in the criminalization of homelessness. You become a criminal once you catch this charge and you negotiate your way out of that,” said former LEAD intern Jade Arellano. “I don’t think that the police should be involved in any kind of response.”&nbsp;

“It’s still rooted in the criminalization of homelessness. You become a criminal once you catch this charge and you negotiate your way out of that,” said former LEAD intern Jade Arellano. “I don’t think that the police should be involved in any kind of response.”&nbsp;

A San Francisco Bart P.D. Officer watches Tesfa walk up the steps of the Civic Center Muni Station in San Francisco. “San Francisco makes it so easy to get drugs and use drugs, you can’t break away,” said retired BART P.D. officer Eric Hofstein. “[Tesfa] was that classic example … There was nothing to rein him in.” | Photo by James Wyatt 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Finding-Noah-Here_say-final-04-copy-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12136"/><figcaption>A San Francisco Bart P.D. Officer watches Tesfa walk up the steps of the Civic Center Muni Station in San Francisco. | Photo by James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

Most law enforcement officers were skeptical of harm reduction. Of the 2,000 police officers in the city working for several different agencies, no more than 60 attended a single training.&nbsp;

Most law enforcement officers were skeptical of harm reduction. Of the 2,000 police officers in the city working for several different agencies, no more than 60 attended a single training.&nbsp;

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The importance of algebra: SF public schools’ ‘math pathway’ draws fire as state considers similar program

How is San Francisco responding to a wave of anti-Asian assaults?

A mother, an officer, a heartbreaking death: How a program for addicts stumbled on the streets of the Tenderloin

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