Sarah Wright

San Francisco Unified School District is considering cutting 121 jobs from its central office as part of a broader layoff plan, a move that could shift more administrative burdens onto educators as the district grapples with a $125 million deficit.&nbsp;

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San Francisco Unified School District is considering cutting 121 jobs from its central office as part of a broader layoff plan, a move that could shift more administrative burdens onto educators as the district grapples with a $125 million deficit.&nbsp;

Of the proposed administrative cuts, the largest chunk—totaling nearly 50 positions—would come from the student and family support division, which runs programs such as immigration assistance, translation services and distance learning help. Next on the chopping block are 33 jobs from curriculum and instruction staff, followed by 21 jobs from policy and operations.&nbsp;

Of the proposed administrative cuts, the largest chunk—totaling nearly 50 positions—would come from the student and family support division, which runs programs such as immigration assistance, translation services and distance learning help. Next on the chopping block are 33 jobs from curriculum and instruction staff, followed by 21 jobs from policy and operations.&nbsp;

Anne Marie Gordon, SFUSD’s executive director of budget services, told the SF Standard that the district is targeting vacant positions for cuts to minimize job loss. Despite an ongoing staffing shortage, about 80% of the district’s total budget is consumed by staffing costs. Owing to high per-pupil spending and dwindling reserves, San Francisco public schools rank among the worst in the state in financial stability according to a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/s-f-schools-rank-lowest-in-bay-area-in-financial-stability-may-tap-25-million-in-reserves-to-plug-budget-hole/">recent analysis by the district</a>.&nbsp;

Anne Marie Gordon, SFUSD’s executive director of budget services, told the SF Standard that the district is targeting vacant positions for cuts to minimize job loss. Despite an ongoing staffing shortage, about 80% of the district’s total budget is consumed by staffing costs. Owing to high per-pupil spending and dwindling reserves, San Francisco public schools rank among the worst in the state in financial stability according to a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/s-f-schools-rank-lowest-in-bay-area-in-financial-stability-may-tap-25-million-in-reserves-to-plug-budget-hole/">recent analysis by the district</a>.&nbsp;

The biggest impact of the job cuts on day-to-day school operations, Gordon said, will be asking school leaders and staff to take on more work that would normally be shouldered by administrators.&nbsp;

The biggest impact of the job cuts on day-to-day school operations, Gordon said, will be asking school leaders and staff to take on more work that would normally be shouldered by administrators.&nbsp;

“It’s going to be more up to schools to have those resources,” Gordon said. “That’s where there’s going to be a lot of strain on the system.”

“It’s going to be more up to schools to have those resources,” Gordon said. “That’s where there’s going to be a lot of strain on the system.”

The staff cuts are central to the SFUSD’s response to a budget crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, which led to a drop in enrollment that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/s-f-schools-enrollment-declines-could-cost-the-district-35m/">could threaten its state funding</a> over the next few years. The size of its deficit triggered a fiscal audit by the California Department of Education, which requires the district to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfusd-budget/">commit to drastic cuts by Dec. 15</a> to avoid a possible state takeover.&nbsp;

The staff cuts are central to the SFUSD’s response to a budget crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, which led to a drop in enrollment that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/s-f-schools-enrollment-declines-could-cost-the-district-35m/">could threaten its state funding</a> over the next few years. The size of its deficit triggered a fiscal audit by the California Department of Education, which requires the district to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfusd-budget/">commit to drastic cuts by Dec. 15</a> to avoid a possible state takeover.&nbsp;

As part of the state-mandated budget plan, the district must close its $125 million budget shortfall through a combination of spending cuts. Under the proposed plan, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/s-f-schools-rank-lowest-in-bay-area-in-financial-stability-may-tap-25-million-in-reserves-to-plug-budget-hole/">the cuts could amount to 360 full-time jobs districtwide and $90 million in total cost reductions</a>, including $40 million from the district’s administrative offices and $50 million from its 130 sites.&nbsp;

As part of the state-mandated budget plan, the district must close its $125 million budget shortfall through a combination of spending cuts. Under the proposed plan, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/s-f-schools-rank-lowest-in-bay-area-in-financial-stability-may-tap-25-million-in-reserves-to-plug-budget-hole/">the cuts could amount to 360 full-time jobs districtwide and $90 million in total cost reductions</a>, including $40 million from the district’s administrative offices and $50 million from its 130 sites.&nbsp;

Site-specific job cuts could include reductions in school support staff like counselors, nurses and literary coaches. Key departments are also expected to see major cutbacks, including $1.4 million from early education, $6 million from student and family support programs and more than half a million from special education.   

Site-specific job cuts could include reductions in school support staff like counselors, nurses and literary coaches. Key departments are also expected to see major cutbacks, including $1.4 million from early education, $6 million from student and family support programs and more than half a million from special education.

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There is some help on the way for the district, however. 

There is some help on the way for the district, however.

The district is set to <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/sfusd-news/current-news-sfusd/sfusd-will-receive-one-time-123-million-after-lawsuit-challenging-voter-approved-prop-g-measure">receive $150 million in tax revenue that has been held up in ongoing litigation of Proposition G,</a> a 2018 parcel tax to raise revenue for the district, after the California Supreme Court upheld the legality of the tax on Wednesday. While the money was tied up in court, the district has been paying staff salary increases—a mandatory set-aside enshrined in the law—using its rainy day fund and a $26 million loan from the city. Wednesday’s decision effectively unlocks three years’ worth of revenue owed to the district.&nbsp;

The district is set to <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/sfusd-news/current-news-sfusd/sfusd-will-receive-one-time-123-million-after-lawsuit-challenging-voter-approved-prop-g-measure">receive $150 million in tax revenue that has been held up in ongoing litigation of Proposition G,</a> a 2018 parcel tax to raise revenue for the district, after the California Supreme Court upheld the legality of the tax on Wednesday. While the money was tied up in court, the district has been paying staff salary increases—a mandatory set-aside enshrined in the law—using its rainy day fund and a $26 million loan from the city. Wednesday’s decision effectively unlocks three years’ worth of revenue owed to the district.&nbsp;

On Friday, Mayor London Breed and District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen said they would forgive the district’s $26 million loan as soon as it submits its budget balancing plan to the state. Myong Leigh, the district’s deputy superintendent of policy and operations, said on Wednesday that district staff will bring recommendations for how to use the newly awarded $150 million to a Dec. 1 budget meeting.&nbsp;

On Friday, Mayor London Breed and District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen said they would forgive the district’s $26 million loan as soon as it submits its budget balancing plan to the state. Myong Leigh, the district’s deputy superintendent of policy and operations, said on Wednesday that district staff will bring recommendations for how to use the newly awarded $150 million to a Dec. 1 budget meeting.&nbsp;

But these stopgap measures won’t solve the district’s long-term budget woes, Gordon told the SF Standard.&nbsp;

But these stopgap measures won’t solve the district’s long-term budget woes, Gordon told the SF Standard.&nbsp;

“Once we use that, there isn’t more coming in behind it,” she said.

“Once we use that, there isn’t more coming in behind it,” she said.

Each of the four full-time staff jobs slated for cuts in the district’s special education department are currently vacant, said head of special education Jean Robertson at Wednesday’s budget meeting. To do more with fewer resources, Robertson said the department plans to staff teams that support entire programs—like its program for students with mild to moderate autism—rather than supporting individual cohorts of students.&nbsp;

Each of the four full-time staff jobs slated for cuts in the district’s special education department are currently vacant, said head of special education Jean Robertson at Wednesday’s budget meeting. To do more with fewer resources, Robertson said the department plans to staff teams that support entire programs—like its program for students with mild to moderate autism—rather than supporting individual cohorts of students.&nbsp;

“I don’t want to say it’s an easy hit for us, because we’re already feeling the strain,” Robertson said. “We’re going to be very mindful and thoughtful about not hitting our sites.”

“I don’t want to say it’s an easy hit for us, because we’re already feeling the strain,” Robertson said. “We’re going to be very mindful and thoughtful about not hitting our sites.”

The district’s technology department is also slated to lose 11 still-vacant positions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, students’ technology needs vastly increased, so the district’s technology department ramped up, said Melissa Dodd, the district’s head of technology. With cuts to administrative staff, Dodd said the department will be forced to scale back on teacher coaching, technology help and launching new initiatives, even as technology needs in schools only increase year by year.&nbsp;

The district’s technology department is also slated to lose 11 still-vacant positions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, students’ technology needs vastly increased, so the district’s technology department ramped up, said Melissa Dodd, the district’s head of technology. With cuts to administrative staff, Dodd said the department will be forced to scale back on teacher coaching, technology help and launching new initiatives, even as technology needs in schools only increase year by year.&nbsp;

&#8220;While we&#8217;re back in person, those needs don&#8217;t go away,” Dodd said.

"While we're back in person, those needs don't go away,” Dodd said.

&#8220;While we&#8217;re back in person, those needs don&#8217;t go away,” Dodd said.

School district job cuts could shrink administrative staff, shift more work onto educators

Kevin Truong

San Francisco put a new Covid-19 policy in place to keep workers and residents safe, while helping them get back to their normal lives as soon as possible. But employers say the new rules, which require a negative test after five days of isolation, are nearly impossible to comply with because of a lack of available testing.

San Francisco put a new Covid-19 policy in place to keep workers and residents safe, while helping them get back to their normal lives as soon as possible. But employers say the new rules, which require a negative test after five days of isolation, are nearly impossible to comply with because of a lack of available testing.

“The stress right now is the tests. Nobody can get rapid tests unless they were stockpiling beforehand,” said Laurie Thomas, the president of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. “The question I’m getting from numerous restaurants is: ‘Why can’t the city provide them to us?’”

“The stress right now is the tests. Nobody can get rapid tests unless they were stockpiling beforehand,” said Laurie Thomas, the president of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. “The question I’m getting from numerous restaurants is: ‘Why can’t the city provide them to us?’”

Thomas, who owns Rose&#8217;s Café and Terzo in the Cow Hollow neighborhood, has been hit by the shortage herself. One of her employees who was experiencing symptoms waited three hours for a test. She sent him home with one of her two remaining at-home tests and is unsure when she’ll be able to get more.&nbsp;

Thomas, who owns Rose's Café and Terzo in the Cow Hollow neighborhood, has been hit by the shortage herself. One of her employees who was experiencing symptoms waited three hours for a test. She sent him home with one of her two remaining at-home tests and is unsure when she’ll be able to get more.&nbsp;

Thomas, who owns Rose&#8217;s Café and Terzo in the Cow Hollow neighborhood, has been hit by the shortage herself. One of her employees who was experiencing symptoms waited three hours for a test. She sent him home with one of her two remaining at-home tests and is unsure when she’ll be able to get more.&nbsp;

On Dec. 31, the San Francisco Department of Public Health updated its recommendations for people who were infected with <meta charset="utf-8">Covid-19 or had close contact with an infected person. Taking a page from the CDC, the city shortened the length of time individuals should isolate following a <meta charset="utf-8">Covid-19 infection from 10 days to five days since the onset of symptoms, or since the first positive <meta charset="utf-8">Covid-19 test. However, individuals in San Francisco are required to test negative on Day 5 and have no symptoms in order to leave isolation, according to the city’s health order. They also must wear masks while around others for a total of 10 days.

On Dec. 31, the San Francisco Department of Public Health updated its recommendations for people who were infected with <meta charset="utf-8">Covid-19 or had close contact with an infected person. Taking a page from the CDC, the city shortened the length of time individuals should isolate following a <meta charset="utf-8">Covid-19 infection from 10 days to five days since the onset of symptoms, or since the first positive <meta charset="utf-8">Covid-19 test. However, individuals in San Francisco are required to test negative on Day 5 and have no symptoms in order to leave isolation, according to the city’s health order. They also must wear masks while around others for a total of 10 days.

The policy change, which officials said is part of an effort to ensure adequate staffing, is meant to allow people to resume their normal life and activities sooner.&nbsp;

The policy change, which officials said is part of an effort to ensure adequate staffing, is meant to allow people to resume their normal life and activities sooner.&nbsp;

The problem? Tests are not readily available.&nbsp;

The problem? Tests are not readily available.&nbsp;

Bay Area residents have <a href="https://abc7news.com/covid-testing-rapid-test-where-to-get-kits-sold-out/11419504/">reported waiting up to seven hours</a> for a PCR test and rapid antigen tests are also in short supply, with many local drug stores left with little to no inventory.

Bay Area residents have <a href="https://abc7news.com/covid-testing-rapid-test-where-to-get-kits-sold-out/11419504/">reported waiting up to seven hours</a> for a PCR test and rapid antigen tests are also in short supply, with many local drug stores left with little to no inventory.

Dr. Grant Colfax, San Francisco’s health director, said at a Tuesday press conference that the city is in the process of procuring additional rapid tests, but they likely won’t arrive for two weeks — and will be earmarked for first responders and others in high-risk settings like nursing homes.

Dr. Grant Colfax, San Francisco’s health director, said at a Tuesday press conference that the city is in the process of procuring additional rapid tests, but they likely won’t arrive for two weeks — and will be earmarked for first responders and others in high-risk settings like nursing homes.

“It makes me angry because we had time to ramp up testing and we didn’t,” said UCSF infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, who compared the situation to the movie “Groundhog Day” in which a character relives the same day over and over again.  

“It makes me angry because we had time to ramp up testing and we didn’t,” said UCSF infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, who compared the situation to the movie “Groundhog Day” in which a character relives the same day over and over again.

Chin-Hong said the testing shortage was caused in part by the Biden Administration’s decision to “put all of its eggs into the vaccine basket.”&nbsp;

Chin-Hong said the testing shortage was caused in part by the Biden Administration’s decision to “put all of its eggs into the vaccine basket.”&nbsp;

“I love what the Biden Administration did with setting up a national strategy and aligning science and policies, but what they didn’t do was diversify their strategies against <meta charset="utf-8">Covid,” Chin-Hong said. “Not everyone ended up getting vaccinated, plus nobody anticipated a variant like Omicron that sort of subverts vaccines and gives people breakthrough infections.”

“I love what the Biden Administration did with setting up a national strategy and aligning science and policies, but what they didn’t do was diversify their strategies against <meta charset="utf-8">Covid,” Chin-Hong said. “Not everyone ended up getting vaccinated, plus nobody anticipated a variant like Omicron that sort of subverts vaccines and gives people breakthrough infections.”

San Francisco agencies and organizations are already struggling with a staffing shortage due to the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency tweeted on Monday that <a href="https://twitter.com/sfmta_muni/status/1478165215858417665">seven of its bus routes</a> may experience extended wait times because of a lack of drivers.&nbsp;

San Francisco agencies and organizations are already struggling with a staffing shortage due to the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency tweeted on Monday that <a href="https://twitter.com/sfmta_muni/status/1478165215858417665">seven of its bus routes</a> may experience extended wait times because of a lack of drivers.&nbsp;

At the virtual press conference Tuesday, Mayor London Breed reported at least 400 city employees — 167 police officers, 135 members of the fire department and nearly 100 Muni employees — are currently under quarantine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the virtual press conference Tuesday, Mayor London Breed reported at least 400 city employees — 167 police officers, 135 members of the fire department and nearly 100 Muni employees — are currently under quarantine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Breed said the city is taking steps to prioritize essential city services, including police, fire, transit and garbage pickup.

Breed said the city is taking steps to prioritize essential city services, including police, fire, transit and garbage pickup.

“We’re not shutting anything down, we’re not closing businesses. This is not 2020. But we need to take action so that people are not all sick at the same time,” Breed said. “To put it simply, right now we’re learning how to live with <meta charset="utf-8">Covid.”

“We’re not shutting anything down, we’re not closing businesses. This is not 2020. But we need to take action so that people are not all sick at the same time,” Breed said. “To put it simply, right now we’re learning how to live with <meta charset="utf-8">Covid.”

She noted that the Department of Public Health is in the process of expanding hours and availability for testing, and she called on other health providers to contribute to the effort.&nbsp;

She noted that the Department of Public Health is in the process of expanding hours and availability for testing, and she called on other health providers to contribute to the effort.&nbsp;

A number of local businesses have closed temporarily because of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/are-sfs-virus-defenses-strong-enough-for-omicron/">Omicron wave</a> and point to the testing shortage as a key factor in their decision. Pearl 6101 in the Outer Richmond <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYP25BAJoWE/">posted on Instagram</a> that the restaurant closed on Jan. 3 “because of the severe lag time in testing.”

A number of local businesses have closed temporarily because of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/are-sfs-virus-defenses-strong-enough-for-omicron/">Omicron wave</a> and point to the testing shortage as a key factor in their decision. Pearl 6101 in the Outer Richmond <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYP25BAJoWE/">posted on Instagram</a> that the restaurant closed on Jan. 3 “because of the severe lag time in testing.”

Mission District residents wait in line to get tested for Covid-19 at the testing site on 24th and Capp streets on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. | Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Omicron-12-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22385"/><figcaption>Mission District residents wait in line to get tested for Covid-19 at the testing site on 24th and Capp streets on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Omicron-12-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22385"/><figcaption>Mission District residents wait in line to get tested for Covid-19 at the testing site on 24th and Capp streets on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

“You’re kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place because you need a test to exit, but you can’t get one,” Chin-Hong said. “Although the glass half-full point is if you can shave any time off of 10 days, that&#8217;s going to mean a lot to people and employers.”

“You’re kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place because you need a test to exit, but you can’t get one,” Chin-Hong said. “Although the glass half-full point is if you can shave any time off of 10 days, that's going to mean a lot to people and employers.”

“You’re kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place because you need a test to exit, but you can’t get one,” Chin-Hong said. “Although the glass half-full point is if you can shave any time off of 10 days, that&#8217;s going to mean a lot to people and employers.”

Jason Halverson, chef and partner of Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group, said his company has had a number of <meta charset="utf-8">Covid scares and getting adequate testing has been a struggle.

Jason Halverson, chef and partner of Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group, said his company has had a number of <meta charset="utf-8">Covid scares and getting adequate testing has been a struggle.

“If somebody is out sick, the question becomes: Do they have <meta charset="utf-8">Covid or do they not?” Halverson said. “It puts everyone on edge and then there’s the frustration that you’re not able to know because there are no tests available.”

“If somebody is out sick, the question becomes: Do they have <meta charset="utf-8">Covid or do they not?” Halverson said. “It puts everyone on edge and then there’s the frustration that you’re not able to know because there are no tests available.”

He and his partners have gone on “test hunting” expeditions to local drug stores to check their supply of rapid tests.&nbsp;

He and his partners have gone on “test hunting” expeditions to local drug stores to check their supply of rapid tests.&nbsp;

“Currently, I’m batting around .500,” Halverson quipped.&nbsp;

“Currently, I’m batting around .500,” Halverson quipped.&nbsp;

PCR tests haven’t been much easier to come by as Halverson’s recent experience with an employee demonstrated.&nbsp;

PCR tests haven’t been much easier to come by as Halverson’s recent experience with an employee demonstrated.&nbsp;

“I wanted to get them a more accurate test for a little more confidence and those aren’t readily available in the kind of timeline we need to potentially get someone back to work,” Halverson said.&nbsp;

“I wanted to get them a more accurate test for a little more confidence and those aren’t readily available in the kind of timeline we need to potentially get someone back to work,” Halverson said.&nbsp;

Thomas, of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, noted that the previous requirement of 10 days of isolation regardless of symptoms has been “a huge burden,” particularly as government programs meant to pay out sick leave for workers have expired.&nbsp;

Thomas, of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, noted that the previous requirement of 10 days of isolation regardless of symptoms has been “a huge burden,” particularly as government programs meant to pay out sick leave for workers have expired.&nbsp;

Based on her communications with public health officials, Thomas doesn’t foresee any additional restrictions for restaurants — like forced closures or reduced capacity — being enacted. But the delays around testing access have now become a primary concern.

Based on her communications with public health officials, Thomas doesn’t foresee any additional restrictions for restaurants — like forced closures or reduced capacity — being enacted. But the delays around testing access have now become a primary concern.

The Omicron variant is hitting San Francisco hard with an average of 829 cases per day, according to the city’s public health department. But there’s reason for optimism as the city’s ICU occupancy sits <a href="https://public.tableau.com/views/COVID-19HospitalsDashboard/Hospitals?:embed=y&amp;:showVizHome=no">around 66%</a>, below both the California and national averages.

The Omicron variant is hitting San Francisco hard with an average of 829 cases per day, according to the city’s public health department. But there’s reason for optimism as the city’s ICU occupancy sits <a href="https://public.tableau.com/views/COVID-19HospitalsDashboard/Hospitals?:embed=y&amp;:showVizHome=no">around 66%</a>, below both the California and national averages.

Chin-Hong said going forward he expects the federal government to be more balanced with its <meta charset="utf-8">Covid-19 approach. He pointed to the Biden administration’s announcement that it will distribute 500 million free at-home rapid <meta charset="utf-8">Covid-19 tests starting this month as a positive sign.

Chin-Hong said going forward he expects the federal government to be more balanced with its <meta charset="utf-8">Covid-19 approach. He pointed to the Biden administration’s announcement that it will distribute 500 million free at-home rapid <meta charset="utf-8">Covid-19 tests starting this month as a positive sign.

The current domestic testing situation is a far cry from places like South Korea and the U.K., according to Chin-Hong. In those countries, there’s essentially unlimited free testing to anyone who wants it.

The current domestic testing situation is a far cry from places like South Korea and the U.K., according to Chin-Hong. In those countries, there’s essentially unlimited free testing to anyone who wants it.

“That is what we should aim for, because at the end of the day <meta charset="utf-8">Covid is not just my problem, it&#8217;s everybody&#8217;s problem — I can spread it to people,” Chin-Hong said. “Testing is not just my issue, like I&#8217;m checking my cholesterol, but by checking a <meta charset="utf-8">Covid test, I&#8217;m actually affecting the health of the community.”

“That is what we should aim for, because at the end of the day <meta charset="utf-8">Covid is not just my problem, it's everybody's problem — I can spread it to people,” Chin-Hong said. “Testing is not just my issue, like I'm checking my cholesterol, but by checking a <meta charset="utf-8">Covid test, I'm actually affecting the health of the community.”

“That is what we should aim for, because at the end of the day <meta charset="utf-8">Covid is not just my problem, it&#8217;s everybody&#8217;s problem — I can spread it to people,” Chin-Hong said. “Testing is not just my issue, like I&#8217;m checking my cholesterol, but by checking a <meta charset="utf-8">Covid test, I&#8217;m actually affecting the health of the community.”

Covid conundrum: Workers go ‘test hunting’ as shortage imperils SF’s pandemic recovery

Annie Gaus

It’s official: Dennis Herrera, San Francisco’s city attorney, is set to take the reins at the city’s Public Utilities Commission.&nbsp;

It’s official: Dennis Herrera, San Francisco’s city attorney, is set to take the reins at the city’s Public Utilities Commission.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the PUC’s five-member oversight committee approved Herrera’s employment contract in a unanimous vote, marking a changing of the guard at the scandal-tainted agency. According to a contract posted online, Herrera will begin work at the PUC on Nov. 1 and earn a base salary of $395,000 annually.

On Tuesday, the PUC’s five-member oversight committee approved Herrera’s employment contract in a unanimous vote, marking a changing of the guard at the scandal-tainted agency. According to a contract posted online, Herrera will begin work at the PUC on Nov. 1 and earn a base salary of $395,000 annually.

The approval of Herrera’s contract places the longtime city attorney in charge of the state’s third-largest municipal utility, which includes an extensive water supply network and the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. Herrera is also tasked with restoring trust in an agency marred by an ongoing federal corruption scandal, and pushing forward the PUC’s goal of expanding public power in San Francisco.&nbsp;

The approval of Herrera’s contract places the longtime city attorney in charge of the state’s third-largest municipal utility, which includes an extensive water supply network and the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. Herrera is also tasked with restoring trust in an agency marred by an ongoing federal corruption scandal, and pushing forward the PUC’s goal of expanding public power in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed is expected to appoint a successor to the City Attorney’s office in a matter of days.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed is expected to appoint a successor to the City Attorney’s office in a matter of days.&nbsp;

Herrera, who has served as San Francisco’s chief legal counsel since 2001, was nominated by Breed after longtime PUC head Harlan Kelly was charged with wire fraud by federal authorities and resigned in November 2020.&nbsp;

Herrera, who has served as San Francisco’s chief legal counsel since 2001, was nominated by Breed after longtime PUC head Harlan Kelly was charged with wire fraud by federal authorities and resigned in November 2020.&nbsp;

In the wake of Kelly’s departure, Breed said she instructed the PUC to conduct a nationwide search for a permanent replacement at the top of the agency. It’s not clear how many candidates were ultimately considered, however: Neither the PUC nor the city’s Department of Human resources responded to an inquiry about how many other candidates were considered for the job. Following Herrera’s nomination, the PUC conducted a series of closed meetings regarding the general manager position before recommending Herrera to lead the department in mid-June.&nbsp;

In the wake of Kelly’s departure, Breed said she instructed the PUC to conduct a nationwide search for a permanent replacement at the top of the agency. It’s not clear how many candidates were ultimately considered, however: Neither the PUC nor the city’s Department of Human resources responded to an inquiry about how many other candidates were considered for the job. Following Herrera’s nomination, the PUC conducted a series of closed meetings regarding the general manager position before recommending Herrera to lead the department in mid-June.&nbsp;

At the time of his nomination, Herrera said that he intended to usher in an era of “clean leadership” at the PUC, a city department with about 2,300 employees and a budget of $1.35 billion for the 2022 fiscal year.&nbsp;

At the time of his nomination, Herrera said that he intended to usher in an era of “clean leadership” at the PUC, a city department with about 2,300 employees and a budget of $1.35 billion for the 2022 fiscal year.&nbsp;

“It’s an honor to have this unique opportunity to face the challenges of our time as the General Manager of the SFPUC,” said Herrera in a statement. “It’s time to further diversify our water sources, boost our water recycling, deliver a state-of-the-art seismically strong wastewater system, and buy the electric grid in the City so we can provide all San Franciscans with clean, safe, and reliable public power.”&nbsp;

“It’s an honor to have this unique opportunity to face the challenges of our time as the General Manager of the SFPUC,” said Herrera in a statement. “It’s time to further diversify our water sources, boost our water recycling, deliver a state-of-the-art seismically strong wastewater system, and buy the electric grid in the City so we can provide all San Franciscans with clean, safe, and reliable public power.”&nbsp;

The PUC provides water and power services to residents and businesses in San Francisco, and also sells water wholesale to three neighboring counties. Among other functions, the commission operates a large water supply system that extends from San Francisco to Yosemite, and owns the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. It also maintains water and electrical infrastructure in and around the city, and administers the CleanPowerSF program, a public utility option for customers in San Francisco.&nbsp;

The PUC provides water and power services to residents and businesses in San Francisco, and also sells water wholesale to three neighboring counties. Among other functions, the commission operates a large water supply system that extends from San Francisco to Yosemite, and owns the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. It also maintains water and electrical infrastructure in and around the city, and administers the CleanPowerSF program, a public utility option for customers in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Kelly, who managed the PUC between 2012 and 2020, was accused by the U.S. Department of Justice of a long-running bribery scheme and corrupt partnership with Walter Wong, a construction company executive and “permit expediter” who did business with various city agencies. According to the DOJ, Kelly accepted cash, trips, jewelry, free repair work and other gifts in exchange for favorable treatment in the bidding process for a PUC contract to replace street lights. The PUC pays out hundreds of millions per year in contracts to construction companies, engineering firms and other suppliers.&nbsp;

Kelly, who managed the PUC between 2012 and 2020, was accused by the U.S. Department of Justice of a long-running bribery scheme and corrupt partnership with Walter Wong, a construction company executive and “permit expediter” who did business with various city agencies. According to the DOJ, Kelly accepted cash, trips, jewelry, free repair work and other gifts in exchange for favorable treatment in the bidding process for a PUC contract to replace street lights. The PUC pays out hundreds of millions per year in contracts to construction companies, engineering firms and other suppliers.&nbsp;

Under Herrera, the City Attorney’s office launched a local corruption probe and issued more than 20 subpoenas of various contractors and nonprofits that did business with the city. The Controller’s office, which worked alongside the City Attorney on the probe, expects to publish a public integrity assessment of the PUC in December 2021. That assessment is one of seven audits, either in progress or upcoming, examining the agency’s contracting and procurement process, bond expenditures and other matters.&nbsp;

Under Herrera, the City Attorney’s office launched a local corruption probe and issued more than 20 subpoenas of various contractors and nonprofits that did business with the city. The Controller’s office, which worked alongside the City Attorney on the probe, expects to publish a public integrity assessment of the PUC in December 2021. That assessment is one of seven audits, either in progress or upcoming, examining the agency’s contracting and procurement process, bond expenditures and other matters.&nbsp;

“I’m daunted and proud by the number of audits we’re going through,” said Tim Paulson, a utilities commissioner, on Tuesday.&nbsp;

“I’m daunted and proud by the number of audits we’re going through,” said Tim Paulson, a utilities commissioner, on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Herrera is an advocate for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-angles-to-buy-out-pges-local-assets-in-move-to-public-power/">municipalization of San Francisco’s power grid</a> and a longtime legal adversary of PG&amp;E, having sued the troubled utility numerous times over the years for everything from unfair business practices to polluting a San Francisco harbor.&nbsp;

Herrera is an advocate for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-angles-to-buy-out-pges-local-assets-in-move-to-public-power/">municipalization of San Francisco’s power grid</a> and a longtime legal adversary of PG&amp;E, having sued the troubled utility numerous times over the years for everything from unfair business practices to polluting a San Francisco harbor.&nbsp;

Most recently, Herrera filed a petition with the California Public Utilities Commission, the state’s utilities regulator, to assess the value of PG&amp;E’s local power grid. Both Breed and Herrera have signaled that one of the PUC’s top priorities is to expand public power in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Most recently, Herrera filed a petition with the California Public Utilities Commission, the state’s utilities regulator, to assess the value of PG&amp;E’s local power grid. Both Breed and Herrera have signaled that one of the PUC’s top priorities is to expand public power in San Francisco.&nbsp;

At a press conference in July, Herrera, Maxwell, and other public officials announced a renewed push to buy out PG&amp;E’s local assets. PG&amp;E rejected an earlier, $2.5 billion offer by the city in 2019.&nbsp;

At a press conference in July, Herrera, Maxwell, and other public officials announced a renewed push to buy out PG&amp;E’s local assets. PG&amp;E rejected an earlier, $2.5 billion offer by the city in 2019.&nbsp;

San Francisco is “confident in its ability to execute financing” for a PG&amp;E deal, said Herrera in July, calling the utility “the poster child for a utility that puts profits ahead of people.”&nbsp;

San Francisco is “confident in its ability to execute financing” for a PG&amp;E deal, said Herrera in July, calling the utility “the poster child for a utility that puts profits ahead of people.”&nbsp;

It’s not clear what it would take to make any such deal happen, however: In a statement to Here/Say, PG&amp;E called San Francisco’s efforts a “waste of time and resources” and said its assets are not for sale.&nbsp;

It’s not clear what it would take to make any such deal happen, however: In a statement to Here/Say, PG&amp;E called San Francisco’s efforts a “waste of time and resources” and said its assets are not for sale.&nbsp;

City Attorney Dennis Herrera approved to lead Public Utilities Commission

David Sjostedt

Johnny Chavez, a Navajo-Apache descendant who grew up in San Francisco, was serving in Vietnam when opposing soldiers ambushed and killed his commanding officer. Returning home to San Francisco at age 22 in the early 1970s, he can still recall how the trauma led to a burgeoning heroin addiction that he supported by shoplifting.

Johnny Chavez, a Navajo-Apache descendant who grew up in San Francisco, was serving in Vietnam when opposing soldiers ambushed and killed his commanding officer. Returning home to San Francisco at age 22 in the early 1970s, he can still recall how the trauma led to a burgeoning heroin addiction that he supported by shoplifting.

“I was hooked on stealing, but I didn’t like doing it,” said the now 70-year-old Chavez over the commotion of his whiskey-drunk friends in the Tenderloin. “I always thought about it when I’d go home. I wished I could stop. But when you’re addicted to something, you’re addicted.”&nbsp;

“I was hooked on stealing, but I didn’t like doing it,” said the now 70-year-old Chavez over the commotion of his whiskey-drunk friends in the Tenderloin. “I always thought about it when I’d go home. I wished I could stop. But when you’re addicted to something, you’re addicted.”&nbsp;

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/DSC_6315-1663x2500.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34631" width="360" height="541"/><figcaption>Johnny Chavez poses for a portrait on McAllister Street in San Francisco on Sept. 9, 2021. | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure></div>

Chavez’s criminal origin story is typical of many shoplifters who roam San Francisco’s streets today. For most, a traumatic life event—whether it’s disease, prison time or some other serious setback—can leave them desperate and broke. The sub-economy of stealing goods and reselling them on the black market, known as fencing, has served as a dangerous lifeline for many of the city’s poorest residents.

Chavez’s criminal origin story is typical of many shoplifters who roam San Francisco’s streets today. For most, a traumatic life event—whether it’s disease, prison time or some other serious setback—can leave them desperate and broke. The sub-economy of stealing goods and reselling them on the black market, known as fencing, has served as a dangerous lifeline for many of the city’s poorest residents.

Annual cases of theft in San Francisco are down 33% from where they were in 2017, according to San Francisco police data, but a national retail security survey found that shoplifting was at an all-time high in 2020, costing the industry an estimated $61.7 billion. Such crimes are part of what&#8217;s led 80% of San Franciscans to feel increasingly unsafe, <a href="https://sfchamber.com/new-polling-shows-that-8-out-of-10-residents-believe-crime-has-gotten-worse-in-san-francisco-vast-majority-support-increasing-police-officers-and-expanding-police-work/">according to a survey</a> from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

Annual cases of theft in San Francisco are down 33% from where they were in 2017, according to San Francisco police data, but a national retail security survey found that shoplifting was at an all-time high in 2020, costing the industry an estimated $61.7 billion. Such crimes are part of what's led 80% of San Franciscans to feel increasingly unsafe, <a href="https://sfchamber.com/new-polling-shows-that-8-out-of-10-residents-believe-crime-has-gotten-worse-in-san-francisco-vast-majority-support-increasing-police-officers-and-expanding-police-work/">according to a survey</a> from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

Annual cases of theft in San Francisco are down 33% from where they were in 2017, according to San Francisco police data, but a national retail security survey found that shoplifting was at an all-time high in 2020, costing the industry an estimated $61.7 billion. Such crimes are part of what&#8217;s led 80% of San Franciscans to feel increasingly unsafe, <a href="https://sfchamber.com/new-polling-shows-that-8-out-of-10-residents-believe-crime-has-gotten-worse-in-san-francisco-vast-majority-support-increasing-police-officers-and-expanding-police-work/">according to a survey</a> from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

Public anxiety about shoplifting reached a tipping point just days before Black Friday last year, when a mob of people ransacked several luxury department stores in Union Square. Mayor London Breed blamed the event on coordinated criminal enterprises and directed the police force to swarm the downtown shopping mall.&nbsp;

Public anxiety about shoplifting reached a tipping point just days before Black Friday last year, when a mob of people ransacked several luxury department stores in Union Square. Mayor London Breed blamed the event on coordinated criminal enterprises and directed the police force to swarm the downtown shopping mall.&nbsp;

Breed has repeatedly promised to catch the perpetrators and even incentivized residents with up to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/san-francisco-offers-100000-cash-rewards-to-bust-criminal-fencing-rackets/">$100,000 rewards</a> for information leading to arrests. The city’s police department increased patrols around Union Square but many department stores have gone a step further by hiring their own private security guards.

Breed has repeatedly promised to catch the perpetrators and even incentivized residents with up to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/san-francisco-offers-100000-cash-rewards-to-bust-criminal-fencing-rackets/">$100,000 rewards</a> for information leading to arrests. The city’s police department increased patrols around Union Square but many department stores have gone a step further by hiring their own private security guards.

“The city has so many incredible employment opportunities. We’re hiring muni drivers and other city employees,” Breed said in an October press conference. “You don’t have to do this. … But once you’ve crossed that line, we have a responsibility to the public to make sure that people feel safe.”

“The city has so many incredible employment opportunities. We’re hiring muni drivers and other city employees,” Breed said in an October press conference. “You don’t have to do this. … But once you’ve crossed that line, we have a responsibility to the public to make sure that people feel safe.”

Large-scale fencing rings have been a priority for local and state law enforcement in recent years. In September 2020, five people were arrested for storing over $8 million worth of stolen loot across the Bay Area. In 2018, San Francisco police arrested a dozen people as part of “Operation Wrecking Ball,” a fencing operation that netted $750,000 worth of retail items. One of the biggest warehouse busts in state history occurred in San Diego back in 2017, when officers recovered more than $20 million worth of stolen goods.

Large-scale fencing rings have been a priority for local and state law enforcement in recent years. In September 2020, five people were arrested for storing over $8 million worth of stolen loot across the Bay Area. In 2018, San Francisco police arrested a dozen people as part of “Operation Wrecking Ball,” a fencing operation that netted $750,000 worth of retail items. One of the biggest warehouse busts in state history occurred in San Diego back in 2017, when officers recovered more than $20 million worth of stolen goods.

Organized retail theft rings usually put stolen items up for sale on websites like Craigslist, eBay and Amazon, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to track the goods compared to the small-time operators who sell their items on the street, according to retail security experts.

Organized retail theft rings usually put stolen items up for sale on websites like Craigslist, eBay and Amazon, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to track the goods compared to the small-time operators who sell their items on the street, according to retail security experts.

The losses are being felt by large and small businesses, particularly in San Francisco. Walgreens made headlines in June by closing five of its San Francisco storefronts, blaming rampant shoplifting and security costs that were 46 times the chain’s average. But the pharmacy failed to substantiate its reasoning in the face of a 2019 SEC filing that revealed the company had already planned to close approximately 200 stores nationwide.&nbsp;

The losses are being felt by large and small businesses, particularly in San Francisco. Walgreens made headlines in June by closing five of its San Francisco storefronts, blaming rampant shoplifting and security costs that were 46 times the chain’s average. But the pharmacy failed to substantiate its reasoning in the face of a 2019 SEC filing that revealed the company had already planned to close approximately 200 stores nationwide.&nbsp;

Liberal-leaning criminologists say the rising angst caused by retail theft should be viewed in the context of a decline of traditional department stores. Foot traffic for retail shops came to a grinding halt in March 2020 and now sits at 46% below the pre-pandemic baseline, according to the San Francisco chamber of commerce.

Liberal-leaning criminologists say the rising angst caused by retail theft should be viewed in the context of a decline of traditional department stores. Foot traffic for retail shops came to a grinding halt in March 2020 and now sits at 46% below the pre-pandemic baseline, according to the San Francisco chamber of commerce.

“San Francisco can be a sort of fishbowl with a lot of cameras on it,” said Jonathan Simon, a UC Berkeley criminal justice professor.&nbsp; “People have a deep sense of unease and anxiety due to the pandemic. … The mark of American cities is the birth of these really large department stores, and they’re on the verge of extinction.”

“San Francisco can be a sort of fishbowl with a lot of cameras on it,” said Jonathan Simon, a UC Berkeley criminal justice professor.&nbsp; “People have a deep sense of unease and anxiety due to the pandemic. … The mark of American cities is the birth of these really large department stores, and they’re on the verge of extinction.”

But even as city officials assuage large companies by coming up with ways to crack down on illegal vendors, people continue to find ways to sell hot merchandise. Theft has integrated itself into San Francisco’s culture and economy to the point that a few shoplifters told The Standard they have under-the-table agreements with smaller grocery and liquor stores that buy their stolen goods. It’s not uncommon to see a mother buying clothes for her children at illegal markets in the Tenderloin, the Mission and SoMa neighborhoods. 

But even as city officials assuage large companies by coming up with ways to crack down on illegal vendors, people continue to find ways to sell hot merchandise. Theft has integrated itself into San Francisco’s culture and economy to the point that a few shoplifters told The Standard they have under-the-table agreements with smaller grocery and liquor stores that buy their stolen goods. It’s not uncommon to see a mother buying clothes for her children at illegal markets in the Tenderloin, the Mission and SoMa neighborhoods.

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/DSC_7857-1-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34694"/><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">A mother, shopping with her son, inspects a sweater at Olga Savinky’s unlicensed street vendor site in the Mission District of San Francisco on Dec. 4, 2021. | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure></div>

“What are they going to do, arrest all of us?” said an unhoused man named Rudy, who lost his construction job over a decade ago due to a MRSA infection in his hip. He now steals goods to sell on the street.

“What are they going to do, arrest all of us?” said an unhoused man named Rudy, who lost his construction job over a decade ago due to a MRSA infection in his hip. He now steals goods to sell on the street.

While many fencers justify their actions by saying they only steal from large corporations, the illegal markets have taken their toll on small businesses as well.

While many fencers justify their actions by saying they only steal from large corporations, the illegal markets have taken their toll on small businesses as well.

“We have to do something, I’m getting small business owners crying because there are people selling the same products out in front of their window for 50% cheaper,” said Santiago Lerma, a legislative aide for Mission District Supervisor Hillary Ronen.

“We have to do something, I’m getting small business owners crying because there are people selling the same products out in front of their window for 50% cheaper,” said Santiago Lerma, a legislative aide for Mission District Supervisor Hillary Ronen.

Barbara Staib, a spokesperson for the National Association of Shoplifting Prevention, said that San Francisco’s approach to crime needs an element of educational reform.&nbsp;

Barbara Staib, a spokesperson for the National Association of Shoplifting Prevention, said that San Francisco’s approach to crime needs an element of educational reform.&nbsp;

“To really effect change, we have to accept that the criminal justice system may not be the best deterrent for low-level offenders,” Staib said. “They knew it was a crime before they did it, and they did it anyway. So what we have to help them do is examine why.”&nbsp;

“To really effect change, we have to accept that the criminal justice system may not be the best deterrent for low-level offenders,” Staib said. “They knew it was a crime before they did it, and they did it anyway. So what we have to help them do is examine why.”&nbsp;

Back in 2015, a retail loss prevention company called Corrective Education introduced a “life school” approach to curbing retail theft.&nbsp; The company gave perpetrators an option of admitting guilt or attending a series of classes that intended to provide a path to employment. The City Attorney’s Office disagreed with the method, however, and successfully sued the company for a “predatory business model” that included <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2017/08/15/court-rules-corrective-education-scheme-extortion/">“extortion and false imprisonment.”</a>

Back in 2015, a retail loss prevention company called Corrective Education introduced a “life school” approach to curbing retail theft.&nbsp; The company gave perpetrators an option of admitting guilt or attending a series of classes that intended to provide a path to employment. The City Attorney’s Office disagreed with the method, however, and successfully sued the company for a “predatory business model” that included <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2017/08/15/court-rules-corrective-education-scheme-extortion/">“extortion and false imprisonment.”</a>

But the need to help people reform is especially important, Staib said, because theft is often a product of mental illness or addiction.&nbsp; <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18381900/">A 2008 study</a> that surveyed 43,000 adults found that one in every 11 Americans has shoplifted, and many criminal justice experts believe that shoplifting is a gateway to more costly and violent crime.

But the need to help people reform is especially important, Staib said, because theft is often a product of mental illness or addiction.&nbsp; <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18381900/">A 2008 study</a> that surveyed 43,000 adults found that one in every 11 Americans has shoplifted, and many criminal justice experts believe that shoplifting is a gateway to more costly and violent crime.

“Not every shoplifter will become … involved in organized retail crime, but I can guarantee you that every person involved in organized retail crime started out shoplifting,” Staib said. “Some people will never shoplift and some people will always shoplift. But the majority of people sit in between and can be influenced by education early on.”

“Not every shoplifter will become … involved in organized retail crime, but I can guarantee you that every person involved in organized retail crime started out shoplifting,” Staib said. “Some people will never shoplift and some people will always shoplift. But the majority of people sit in between and can be influenced by education early on.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/JohnnyTheft_JamesWyatt_SFS_2-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34619"/><figcaption>Johnny Chavez, a 70-year-old native San Franciscan, sits at his usual hang out spot located near Jones and McAllister Streets in the Tenderloin on Feb. 8, 2022. | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

Chavez considers himself someone who could have benefited from early reformative intervention. In 1979, he committed a brutal robbery that left two men dead. Chavez served 15 years in San Quentin state prison, getting out in 1994 as a reward for good behavior.

Chavez considers himself someone who could have benefited from early reformative intervention. In 1979, he committed a brutal robbery that left two men dead. Chavez served 15 years in San Quentin state prison, getting out in 1994 as a reward for good behavior.

He now lives most of his life in a wheelchair, barely getting by with his $1,100 monthly social security payments and subsidized housing in the Tenderloin.

He now lives most of his life in a wheelchair, barely getting by with his $1,100 monthly social security payments and subsidized housing in the Tenderloin.

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School district job cuts could shrink administrative staff, shift more work onto educators

Covid conundrum: Workers go ‘test hunting’ as shortage imperils SF’s pandemic recovery

City Attorney Dennis Herrera approved to lead Public Utilities Commission

‘You can get anything’: How SF’s black market thrives off retail theft

National debate rages over what the SF school board recall was ‘really about’