Michael Barba

The man spun a pistol around in his hands as he sat at a table outside a taco shop in Southern California. Little did he know, police were headed in his direction.

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The man spun a pistol around in his hands as he sat at a table outside a taco shop in Southern California. Little did he know, police were headed in his direction.

Hovering above him in the sky, a police drone watched as the man put the gun up to his face—and lit a cigarette. The gun was actually a lighter.

Hovering above him in the sky, a police drone watched as the man put the gun up to his face—and lit a cigarette. The gun was actually a lighter.

This crucial information, relayed to officers before they arrived on the scene, helped police avoid what could have been a tense and even deadly standoff.

This crucial information, relayed to officers before they arrived on the scene, helped police avoid what could have been a tense and even deadly standoff.

It’s potentially dangerous situations such as this one that police in Chula Vista, a city in San Diego County, say they’ve averted by <a href="https://www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/police-department/programs/uas-drone-program">using drones to respond to 911 calls</a>. Since 2018, the Chula Vista Police Department has used drones to respond to more than 17,000 calls for service, including reports of assault, domestic violence and people causing a disturbance.

It’s potentially dangerous situations such as this one that police in Chula Vista, a city in San Diego County, say they’ve averted by <a href="https://www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/police-department/programs/uas-drone-program">using drones to respond to 911 calls</a>. Since 2018, the Chula Vista Police Department has used drones to respond to more than 17,000 calls for service, including reports of assault, domestic violence and people causing a disturbance.

Now, San Francisco could be on the cusp of equipping its police force with drones of its own, if voters approve a measure placed on the March ballot by Mayor London Breed.

Now, San Francisco could be on the cusp of equipping its police force with drones of its own, if voters approve a measure placed on the March ballot by Mayor London Breed.

But even if the measure passes, a series of regulatory hurdles will limit the ways in which the San Francisco Police Department could use drones in the near future and make it unlikely that the department will be responding to 911 calls with drones anytime soon.

But even if the measure passes, a series of regulatory hurdles will limit the ways in which the San Francisco Police Department could use drones in the near future and make it unlikely that the department will be responding to 911 calls with drones anytime soon.

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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKTjahIThYU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Footage from the Chula Vista Police Department shows an operation where a potential suspect is scouted by a drone and information is sent to responding officers. | Courtesy of Chula Vista Police Department </figcaption></figure>

In announcing her measure, Breed and her office have released few details about her vision for police using drone technology. The Mayor’s Office has said only that drones could be used to help with vehicle pursuits, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/04/san-francisco-sideshow-blocks-traffic-video/">sideshows</a> and car break-ins. She argues that the police department has been hamstrung from doing its job and it needs drones and other tools to do it better.

Watch: San Francisco sideshow blocks traffic at major intersection

In announcing her measure, Breed and her office have released few details about her vision for police using drone technology. The Mayor’s Office has said only that drones could be used to help with vehicle pursuits, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/04/san-francisco-sideshow-blocks-traffic-video/">sideshows</a> and car break-ins. She argues that the police department has been hamstrung from doing its job and it needs drones and other tools to do it better.

Some critics of the ballot measure, including civil rights groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, say that the mayor has not explained how giving police drones would improve public safety. The local ACLU says the proposal includes few guardrails and worries that it would unleash a new reality where police could use drones to engage suspects in dangerous car chases.

Some critics of the ballot measure, including civil rights groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, say that the mayor has not explained how giving police drones would improve public safety. The local ACLU says the proposal includes few guardrails and worries that it would unleash a new reality where police could use drones to engage suspects in dangerous car chases.

Matt Cagle, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Northern California, said that drones raise civil liberties and civil rights concerns because they can fly closer to the ground and are less expensive to operate than helicopters, allowing police to peer into private spaces.

Matt Cagle, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Northern California, said that drones raise civil liberties and civil rights concerns because they can fly closer to the ground and are less expensive to operate than helicopters, allowing police to peer into private spaces.

“The SFPD has not earned the trust to deploy surveillance and engage in dangerous car chases without oversight and without real limits to prevent harm,” Cagle said.

“The SFPD has not earned the trust to deploy surveillance and engage in dangerous car chases without oversight and without real limits to prevent harm,” Cagle said.

Others question the point of Breed including drones in her measure at all.

Others question the point of Breed including drones in her measure at all.

Even if her proposal passes, San Francisco police will still need approval from the Board of Supervisors to use drones, according to Brian Hofer, an Oakland-based privacy advocate.

Even if her proposal passes, San Francisco police will still need approval from the Board of Supervisors to use drones, according to Brian Hofer, an Oakland-based privacy advocate.

Mayor London Breed joined elected officials, Tenderloin residents, and community partners to celebrate the reopening of the U.N (United Nations) Plaza which included a skateboard park along Market Street between 7th and 8th Streets in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. The changes to the 150,000-square-foot public space includes skate ramps, platforms along with outdoor chess and pingpong tables.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/unplazaopening11092023-439.jpeg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, with a serious expression, looks towards the sky as she's surrounded by other unidentifiable people that are out of focus." class="wp-image-219504" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed&#8217;s proposal indicates that drones could be used to help with vehicle pursuits, sideshows and car break-ins.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/unplazaopening11092023-439.jpeg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, with a serious expression, looks towards the sky as she's surrounded by other unidentifiable people that are out of focus." class="wp-image-219504" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed's proposal indicates that drones could be used to help with vehicle pursuits, sideshows and car break-ins.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/unplazaopening11092023-439.jpeg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, with a serious expression, looks towards the sky as she's surrounded by other unidentifiable people that are out of focus." class="wp-image-219504" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed&#8217;s proposal indicates that drones could be used to help with vehicle pursuits, sideshows and car break-ins.</figcaption></figure>

That’s because while Breed’s measure would exempt the department from <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_admin/0-0-0-47320">a local law</a> requiring the department to introduce a drone policy to the board, the department must still <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/policies/law-enforcement-equipment-use-policy">comply with state law</a>—and state law requires law enforcement agencies in California to come up with policies for using “military equipment,” including drones.

That’s because while Breed’s measure would exempt the department from <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_admin/0-0-0-47320">a local law</a> requiring the department to introduce a drone policy to the board, the department must still <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/policies/law-enforcement-equipment-use-policy">comply with state law</a>—and state law requires law enforcement agencies in California to come up with policies for using “military equipment,” including drones.

“There’s no burden-reducing benefit here,” said Hofer, who co-wrote San Francisco’s law. “What she is doing is just political posturing. … She is just trying to score cheap points.”

“There’s no burden-reducing benefit here,” said Hofer, who co-wrote San Francisco’s law. “What she is doing is just political posturing. … She is just trying to score cheap points.”

To give voters a better sense of how police could actually deploy drones, The Standard asked the SFPD to detail its plans for using them and spoke with drone experts to understand how they are being used by other law enforcement agencies around the country.

To give voters a better sense of how police could actually deploy drones, The Standard asked the SFPD to detail its plans for using them and spoke with drone experts to understand how they are being used by other law enforcement agencies around the country.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mayor-breed-on-drones">Mayor Breed on Drones</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mayor-breed-on-drones">Mayor Breed on Drones</h2>

Dubbed “Safer San Francisco,” Breed’s measure would give police permission to use drones for two main reasons: to assist with active criminal investigations and “along with or in lieu of vehicle pursuits.”

Dubbed “Safer San Francisco,” Breed’s measure would give police permission to use drones for two main reasons: to assist with active criminal investigations and “along with or in lieu of vehicle pursuits.”

Breed packaged this with a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">series of other rule changes aimed at empowering the police</a>, including one intended to give officers more freedom to engage property crime suspects in vehicle pursuits.

San Francisco mayor wants to give cops a long leash. Here’s what you’ll be voting on

Breed packaged this with a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">series of other rule changes aimed at empowering the police</a>, including one intended to give officers more freedom to engage property crime suspects in vehicle pursuits.

At a press conference announcing the measure in October, Breed said her proposal would let police use drones, “so when that person is trying to get away, instead of, in some cases, a chase through our city streets, how do we follow them and how do we make the arrest necessary?”

At a press conference announcing the measure in October, Breed said her proposal would let police use drones, “so when that person is trying to get away, instead of, in some cases, a chase through our city streets, how do we follow them and how do we make the arrest necessary?”

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/BJylZeQtE_g?feature=shared
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor Breed announces the Safer San Francisco ballot measure on October 17, 2023. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure>

Breed’s office and her campaign declined to provide more insight into her specific plans for police using drones. Instead, a spokesperson for the campaign supporting her measure provided a statement saying the proposal would make it easier to “add surveillance drones into the city’s overall public safety strategy.”

Breed’s office and her campaign declined to provide more insight into her specific plans for police using drones. Instead, a spokesperson for the campaign supporting her measure provided a statement saying the proposal would make it easier to “add surveillance drones into the city’s overall public safety strategy.”

“The Bay Area is the cradle of innovation,” said the spokesperson, Joe Arellano. “It’s a no-brainer that San Francisco police officers should have access to the newest and best technology available to help deter crime and make arrests.

“The Bay Area is the cradle of innovation,” said the spokesperson, Joe Arellano. “It’s a no-brainer that San Francisco police officers should have access to the newest and best technology available to help deter crime and make arrests.

“Instead of going backwards, the moment demands that we think creatively,” he added. “That’s how we continue making progress and further reduce crime around the city.&#8221;

“Instead of going backwards, the moment demands that we think creatively,” he added. “That’s how we continue making progress and further reduce crime around the city."

“Instead of going backwards, the moment demands that we think creatively,” he added. “That’s how we continue making progress and further reduce crime around the city.&#8221;

How Drones Could Help Catch Fleeing Suspects

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-drones-could-help-catch-fleeing-suspects">How Drones Could Help Catch Fleeing Suspects</h2>

While Breed’s measure would authorize police to chase a vehicle with a drone, drone experts say regulatory and technological hurdles mean that’s unlikely to happen.

While Breed’s measure would authorize police to chase a vehicle with a drone, drone experts say regulatory and technological hurdles mean that’s unlikely to happen.

For one, Federal Aviation Administration rules require drone operators to keep the machine within their lines of sight at all times, which would be difficult to do during a vehicle pursuit. Only a few agencies have secured a waiver to break this rule. These are the same waivers that Chula Vista police and other agencies have acquired to respond to 911 calls with drones.

For one, Federal Aviation Administration rules require drone operators to keep the machine within their lines of sight at all times, which would be difficult to do during a vehicle pursuit. Only a few agencies have secured a waiver to break this rule. These are the same waivers that Chula Vista police and other agencies have acquired to respond to 911 calls with drones.

“There’s about 15 to 18 programs around the country that have these waivers,” said Matt Sloane, whose company, Skyfire Consulting, has helped set up first responder drone programs in the Bay Area and elsewhere.

“There’s about 15 to 18 programs around the country that have these waivers,” said Matt Sloane, whose company, Skyfire Consulting, has helped set up first responder drone programs in the Bay Area and elsewhere.

Another issue is that the drones may not be able to keep up with fleeing suspects. Drone speeds top out at 40 to 45 mph, Sloane said.

Another issue is that the drones may not be able to keep up with fleeing suspects. Drone speeds top out at 40 to 45 mph, Sloane said.

San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) personnel on the scene after a fatal incident at a bus stop involving a stolen San Francisco Department of Public Works truck, rear, that slammed into pedestrians during police pursuit leaving 4 people injured with one being killed on 16th Street and Potrero Ave. in San Francisco on May 23, 2023. One suspect was taken into the custody.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/FEATURED_CarTheftsWhat093023.jpg?w=2500" alt="In the background, a white Ford truck is crashed into a bus stop and a retail building. In the foreground, a police officer, who has just exited her vehicle, approaches on foot." class="wp-image-203873"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco police investigate the scene after a fatal crash at 16th Street and Potrero Avenue on May 23.</figcaption></figure>

But experts say there are ways that police could use drones to help catch fleeing suspects that don’t involve chasing vehicles.

But experts say there are ways that police could use drones to help catch fleeing suspects that don’t involve chasing vehicles.

Chris Eggers, a former San Francisco police officer who works in the private security industry and partners with a drone company called Fotokite, said the department could station drones at a crime hot spot to capture the makes, models and direction of fleeing suspect vehicles.

Chris Eggers, a former San Francisco police officer who works in the private security industry and partners with a drone company called Fotokite, said the department could station drones at a crime hot spot to capture the makes, models and direction of fleeing suspect vehicles.

For instance, police could have a drone hover above the Palace of Fine Arts, a known auto burglary hotspot, to surveil activity there. If the drone captured footage of a crime and fleeing suspects, information could be broadcast to officers in the city and even to other agencies.

For instance, police could have a drone hover above the Palace of Fine Arts, a known auto burglary hotspot, to surveil activity there. If the drone captured footage of a crime and fleeing suspects, information could be broadcast to officers in the city and even to other agencies.

“You can have officers who are not in the area being privy to what’s going on,” Eggers said. “What they are doing today is just random patrols, or they are putting an overtime officer on one side of the park, which is incredibly expensive.”

“You can have officers who are not in the area being privy to what’s going on,” Eggers said. “What they are doing today is just random patrols, or they are putting an overtime officer on one side of the park, which is incredibly expensive.”

Fotokite is different from other drones in that it is tethered and can be mounted to a vehicle, meaning it can operate indefinitely as long as it&#8217;s connected to an outside power source, Eggers said. The drone could be operated by a civilian, who would likely be paid less than a sworn officer.

Fotokite is different from other drones in that it is tethered and can be mounted to a vehicle, meaning it can operate indefinitely as long as it's connected to an outside power source, Eggers said. The drone could be operated by a civilian, who would likely be paid less than a sworn officer.

Fotokite is different from other drones in that it is tethered and can be mounted to a vehicle, meaning it can operate indefinitely as long as it&#8217;s connected to an outside power source, Eggers said. The drone could be operated by a civilian, who would likely be paid less than a sworn officer.

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/10252023_mysterproperty-00_32_16_17-still029.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/breedpolicedrones101923_inline_video.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Fotokite drone piloted by Chris Eggers takes flight over the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. | Jesse Rogala/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Another option would be for police to fly a drone in conjunction with a vehicle pursuit and have the drone survey the anticipated path of the pursuit, Sloane said.

Another option would be for police to fly a drone in conjunction with a vehicle pursuit and have the drone survey the anticipated path of the pursuit, Sloane said.

The drone could help police gather information about the fleeing vehicle and the people inside it, and perhaps help pursuing officers decide whether to end a chase by warning them of impending hazards, Sloane said.

The drone could help police gather information about the fleeing vehicle and the people inside it, and perhaps help pursuing officers decide whether to end a chase by warning them of impending hazards, Sloane said.

“Vehicle pursuits are incredibly dangerous both for police officers and everyone around in a big city,” Sloane said. “Using a drone for something like that would be attractive.”

“Vehicle pursuits are incredibly dangerous both for police officers and everyone around in a big city,” Sloane said. “Using a drone for something like that would be attractive.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-police-say-they-would-use-drones">How Police Say They Would Use Drones</h2>

San Francisco police were <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/SFPD%20UAS_STP.pdf">already seeking permission to use drones</a> from the Board of Supervisors before Breed announced her measure.

San Francisco police were <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/SFPD%20UAS_STP.pdf">already seeking permission to use drones</a> from the Board of Supervisors before Breed announced her measure.

Among the situations in which the department proposed using drones in its 14-page draft policy were for responding to sideshows, serving high-risk warrants, conducting auto-burglary operations and apprehending suspects fleeing on foot. The proposal would prohibit the department from equipping drones with weapons of any kind and using them to harass or discriminate against people.

Among the situations in which the department proposed using drones in its 14-page draft policy were for responding to sideshows, serving high-risk warrants, conducting auto-burglary operations and apprehending suspects fleeing on foot. The proposal would prohibit the department from equipping drones with weapons of any kind and using them to harass or discriminate against people.

Without taking a position on Breed’s ballot measure, San Francisco police spokesperson Evan Sernoffsky said the department recognizes that drones “could improve policing services.”

Without taking a position on Breed’s ballot measure, San Francisco police spokesperson Evan Sernoffsky said the department recognizes that drones “could improve policing services.”

Drones “are a proven tool for law enforcement around the Bay Area and the rest of California,” Sernoffsky said. “They can be used to assist in de-escalation, improve officer safety and resolve situations more effectively and peacefully.”

Drones “are a proven tool for law enforcement around the Bay Area and the rest of California,” Sernoffsky said. “They can be used to assist in de-escalation, improve officer safety and resolve situations more effectively and peacefully.”

Sernoffsky said drones can provide overhead views that inform criminal investigations and can get to areas that are impossible for officers to access.

Sernoffsky said drones can provide overhead views that inform criminal investigations and can get to areas that are impossible for officers to access.

A view of pedestrian and automobile traffic at night from a a Skyfire drone. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/drone.jpg?w=1031" alt="A view of pedestrian and automobile traffic at night from a Skyfire dron" class="wp-image-227761"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians and automobiles are surveilled by a Skyfire drone, which utilizes similar technology to what Mayor London Breed supports for SFPD policing. </figcaption></figure>

“This could be crucial to determine if someone is armed when engaging barricaded individuals or searching for fleeing felons,” he said.

“This could be crucial to determine if someone is armed when engaging barricaded individuals or searching for fleeing felons,” he said.

Combined with plans to expand the use of automated license-plate readers in San Francisco, Sernoffsky said drones could help track fleeing suspects.

Combined with plans to expand the use of automated license-plate readers in San Francisco, Sernoffsky said drones could help track fleeing suspects.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-other-agencies-use-drones">How Other Agencies Use Drones</h2>

A 2020 study by the Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College found that more than 1,500 public safety agencies across the nation had drones.

A 2020 study by the Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College found that more than 1,500 public safety agencies across the nation had drones.

Sloane said his company has worked with about 1,000 public agencies, including police, fire and emergency management departments, to set up drone programs.

Sloane said his company has worked with about 1,000 public agencies, including police, fire and emergency management departments, to set up drone programs.

Sloane said these agencies tend to use drones after an incident has occurred.

Sloane said these agencies tend to use drones after an incident has occurred.

“This is not Minority Report,” Sloane said, referring to the dystopian film in which police could predict crimes not yet committed. “We are not going out and looking for stuff. This is often in response to a 911 call or a warrant.”

“This is not Minority Report,” Sloane said, referring to the dystopian film in which police could predict crimes not yet committed. “We are not going out and looking for stuff. This is often in response to a 911 call or a warrant.”

Chris Eggers, a former San Francisco Police officer who now works as a private security consultant, controls a Fotokite drone from a tablet in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. Eggers is exploring how SFPD could realistically use drones to help in vehicle pursuits, as FAA regulations pose hurdles to mayor London Breed’s proposed measure for the March 2024 ballot regarding the subject.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231129_breedpolicedrones-8.jpg?w=2048" alt="A man looks at an ipad with a drone in the background." class="wp-image-227764"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris Eggers, a former San Francisco Police officer who now works as a private security consultant, controls a Fotokite drone from a tablet in San Francisco. </figcaption></figure>

Other Bay Area agencies that use drones include the Alameda County and San Mateo County sheriff&#8217;s departments, which each have policies allowing them to use drones for search and rescue missions, hostage and active shooter situations and to help dispose of suspected explosive devices.

Other Bay Area agencies that use drones include the Alameda County and San Mateo County sheriff's departments, which each have policies allowing them to use drones for search and rescue missions, hostage and active shooter situations and to help dispose of suspected explosive devices.

Other Bay Area agencies that use drones include the Alameda County and San Mateo County sheriff&#8217;s departments, which each have policies allowing them to use drones for search and rescue missions, hostage and active shooter situations and to help dispose of suspected explosive devices.

And San Francisco already has a law enforcement agency that uses drones—its sheriff.

And San Francisco already has a law enforcement agency that uses drones—its sheriff.

In March 2020, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office used federal grant money to buy a drone, but two years passed before its staff completed the training required to operate it, according to sheriff spokesperson Tara Moriarty.

In March 2020, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office used federal grant money to buy a drone, but two years passed before its staff completed the training required to operate it, according to sheriff spokesperson Tara Moriarty.

The office has only used the drone on three occasions since, including during a ceremony in the Presidio commemorating the Bataan Death March and to help resolve a situation involving a suicidal man in the Western Addition.

The office has only used the drone on three occasions since, including during a ceremony in the Presidio commemorating the Bataan Death March and to help resolve a situation involving a suicidal man in the Western Addition.

Moriarty said the man was starting fires and threatening suicide on a rooftop, and first responders used the drone to find a safe path to him. The man was ultimately detained and taken to treatment without injury.

Moriarty said the man was starting fires and threatening suicide on a rooftop, and first responders used the drone to find a safe path to him. The man was ultimately detained and taken to treatment without injury.

More notably, the sheriff used the drone for five days during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit last month, when San Francisco hosted world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

More notably, the sheriff used the drone for five days during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit last month, when San Francisco hosted world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto speaks during the town hall, in San Francisco on Thursday, August 3, 2023. The San Francisco District Attorney’s office held the town hall at the St. Anthony Foundation to address public safety in the Tenderloin.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TenderloinSafety080323_18.jpg?w=2500" alt=" San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto speaks at a conference." class="wp-image-188376"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, right, speaks during a town hall in San Francisco. The sheriff&#8217;s department used drone technology for five days during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit last month.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TenderloinSafety080323_18.jpg?w=2500" alt=" San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto speaks at a conference." class="wp-image-188376"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, right, speaks during a town hall in San Francisco. The sheriff's department used drone technology for five days during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit last month.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TenderloinSafety080323_18.jpg?w=2500" alt=" San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto speaks at a conference." class="wp-image-188376"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, right, speaks during a town hall in San Francisco. The sheriff&#8217;s department used drone technology for five days during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit last month.</figcaption></figure>

Moriarty said the office used the drones during APEC to “provide situational awareness and a common operating picture for all,” but did not respond to a request for further details about where the drones were used. Moriarty said the footage was not recorded.

Moriarty said the office used the drones during APEC to “provide situational awareness and a common operating picture for all,” but did not respond to a request for further details about where the drones were used. Moriarty said the footage was not recorded.

“This was to ensure that delegates, citizens and first responders remained safe during the expression of First Amendment rights exercises,” she said. “It also afforded us a bird’s-eye view and over-watch of the activities citywide.”

“This was to ensure that delegates, citizens and first responders remained safe during the expression of First Amendment rights exercises,” she said. “It also afforded us a bird’s-eye view and over-watch of the activities citywide.”

Vehicle pursuits, sideshows and car break-ins: How Mayor Breed wants San Francisco police to use drones

KFF News

Annie Gaus

Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom—political rivals from opposite coasts and proxies for red and blue America—are set to square off for a first-of-its-kind debate Thursday in Georgia.

Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom—political rivals from opposite coasts and proxies for red and blue America—are set to square off for a first-of-its-kind debate Thursday in Georgia.

Newsom, a liberal firebrand in his second term as governor of California, isn’t running for president—at least not yet. But he goaded DeSantis, in his second term as governor of Florida, to go toe to toe in a televised debate. “I’ll bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray,” he&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1570902190964998145">taunted last year</a> in a post on Twitter, now called X.

Newsom, a liberal firebrand in his second term as governor of California, isn’t running for president—at least not yet. But he goaded DeSantis, in his second term as governor of Florida, to go toe to toe in a televised debate. “I’ll bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray,” he&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1570902190964998145">taunted last year</a> in a post on Twitter, now called X.

The matchup promises to be a heated brawl between rising political stars who lead two of the nation’s most populous and diverse states. And it will mark the first time the politicians meet in person, though they have very publicly traded barbs and insults. In recent weeks, the rivals have attacked each other in&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/lara_korte/status/1724177237724086639/video/2">fundraising videos</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.bluelena.io/lt.php?s=ef472a7c4c91248f630a7dd3b3b259a6&amp;i=905A432A31A29920">campaign ads</a>.

The matchup promises to be a heated brawl between rising political stars who lead two of the nation’s most populous and diverse states. And it will mark the first time the politicians meet in person, though they have very publicly traded barbs and insults. In recent weeks, the rivals have attacked each other in&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/lara_korte/status/1724177237724086639/video/2">fundraising videos</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.bluelena.io/lt.php?s=ef472a7c4c91248f630a7dd3b3b259a6&amp;i=905A432A31A29920">campaign ads</a>.

Front and center will be homelessness and health care, top priorities for voters—and issues that have largely defined the governors’ policies and leadership styles. From abortion to Covid vaccines, Newsom and DeSantis could not be further apart.

Front and center will be homelessness and health care, top priorities for voters—and issues that have largely defined the governors’ policies and leadership styles. From abortion to Covid vaccines, Newsom and DeSantis could not be further apart.

Earlier this year, DeSantis blasted California for being too generous with public benefit programs, such as Medicaid, which the Golden State has expanded to all eligible residents regardless of immigration status. That sweeping policy takes effect in January and goes well beyond the optional expansion of Medicaid that the Affordable Care Act offered states. In Florida, one of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/status-of-state-medicaid-expansion-decisions-interactive-map/">10 states that have refused</a>&nbsp;to expand Medicaid under Obamacare, DeSantis wears the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/percentage-without-health-insurance-coverage-by-state-2021-2022.html">11% rate of uninsured</a>&nbsp;residents as a badge of honor.

Earlier this year, DeSantis blasted California for being too generous with public benefit programs, such as Medicaid, which the Golden State has expanded to all eligible residents regardless of immigration status. That sweeping policy takes effect in January and goes well beyond the optional expansion of Medicaid that the Affordable Care Act offered states. In Florida, one of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/status-of-state-medicaid-expansion-decisions-interactive-map/">10 states that have refused</a>&nbsp;to expand Medicaid under Obamacare, DeSantis wears the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/percentage-without-health-insurance-coverage-by-state-2021-2022.html">11% rate of uninsured</a>&nbsp;residents as a badge of honor.

“We’re not going to be like California and have massive numbers of people on government programs without work requirements,” DeSantis said at a presidential <a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/gop-presidential-primary-debate-2-angry-rematch/">primary debate</a>&nbsp;in Southern California earlier this year.

“We’re not going to be like California and have massive numbers of people on government programs without work requirements,” DeSantis said at a presidential <a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/gop-presidential-primary-debate-2-angry-rematch/">primary debate</a>&nbsp;in Southern California earlier this year.

DeSantis has led his state to restrict abortion and gender-affirming care and to ban Covid-related mask and vaccine mandates.

DeSantis has led his state to restrict abortion and gender-affirming care and to ban Covid-related mask and vaccine mandates.

Newsom, a slick and brash surrogate for Democratic President Joe Biden, is widely seen as a future White House hopeful. And he has slammed DeSantis for putting Floridians in danger and stripping them of their rights.

Newsom, a slick and brash surrogate for Democratic President Joe Biden, is widely seen as a future White House hopeful. And he has slammed DeSantis for putting Floridians in danger and stripping them of their rights.

“Join us in California, where we still believe in freedom,” Newsom said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2022/07/03/gavin-newsom-florida-ron-desantis-political-ad-ip-vpx.cnn">a political ad</a>&nbsp;earlier this year.

“Join us in California, where we still believe in freedom,” Newsom said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2022/07/03/gavin-newsom-florida-ron-desantis-political-ad-ip-vpx.cnn">a political ad</a>&nbsp;earlier this year.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a May 2023 press conference shortly before revealing that year's budget proposal.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AP23131636972382-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a press conference behind a podium reading &quot;California Climate Action&quot;" class="wp-image-159838"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a press conference in Paramount, California, on May 1. </figcaption></figure>

Newsom has earned the moniker of “health care governor” by catapulting the issue to the top of his policy priorities. He made California an abortion sanctuary and is dramatically expanding health care benefits. He had promised to bring&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/the-demise-of-single-payer-in-california-trips-up-efforts-in-other-states/">single-payer health care</a>&nbsp;to the nation’s most populous state while campaigning for his first term, but that idea hit stiff political opposition early in his tenure. And now Newsom boasts about bringing the state’s uninsured rate to an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coveredca.com/newsroom/news-releases/2023/11/07/record-financial-assistance-helps-bridge-the-gap-as-covered-california-launches-2024-open-enrollment-campaign/#:~:text=Since%20Covered%20California's%20first%20open,period%2C%20according%20to%20federal%20data">all-time low of 6.5%</a>&nbsp;by expanding coverage in other ways.

Newsom has earned the moniker of “health care governor” by catapulting the issue to the top of his policy priorities. He made California an abortion sanctuary and is dramatically expanding health care benefits. He had promised to bring&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/the-demise-of-single-payer-in-california-trips-up-efforts-in-other-states/">single-payer health care</a>&nbsp;to the nation’s most populous state while campaigning for his first term, but that idea hit stiff political opposition early in his tenure. And now Newsom boasts about bringing the state’s uninsured rate to an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coveredca.com/newsroom/news-releases/2023/11/07/record-financial-assistance-helps-bridge-the-gap-as-covered-california-launches-2024-open-enrollment-campaign/#:~:text=Since%20Covered%20California's%20first%20open,period%2C%20according%20to%20federal%20data">all-time low of 6.5%</a>&nbsp;by expanding coverage in other ways.

These issues are expected to take center stage during the nationally televised 90-minute debate on Fox News, which could have major reverberations for the presidential contest next year and could even help shape the 2028 field of White House contenders. The debate airs at 9 p.m. ET and takes place in Alpharetta, Georgia.

These issues are expected to take center stage during the nationally televised 90-minute debate on Fox News, which could have major reverberations for the presidential contest next year and could even help shape the 2028 field of White House contenders. The debate airs at 9 p.m. ET and takes place in Alpharetta, Georgia.

DeSantis, who was once seen as a political heir to former President Donald Trump, has been <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-primary-r/2024/national/">fading in national polls</a> amid campaign <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/09/05/1197565074/ron-desantis-campaign-trump-republican-candidates-staffing-issues">staff turnover</a>. Newsom has spent the past few weeks seemingly burnishing his presidential credentials, traveling abroad to Israel and China and attending the high-profile Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. At an APEC event, Biden told a crowd that Newsom could <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/joe-biden-san-francisco-tech-elites-apec-summit/">have the job &#8220;I&#8217;m looking for.&#8221;</a>

Joe Biden parties with Gavin Newsom, Steve Kerr and Gwen Stefani in San Francisco

DeSantis, who was once seen as a political heir to former President Donald Trump, has been <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-primary-r/2024/national/">fading in national polls</a> amid campaign <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/09/05/1197565074/ron-desantis-campaign-trump-republican-candidates-staffing-issues">staff turnover</a>. Newsom has spent the past few weeks seemingly burnishing his presidential credentials, traveling abroad to Israel and China and attending the high-profile Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. At an APEC event, Biden told a crowd that Newsom could <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/joe-biden-san-francisco-tech-elites-apec-summit/">have the job "I'm looking for."</a>

DeSantis, who was once seen as a political heir to former President Donald Trump, has been <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-primary-r/2024/national/">fading in national polls</a> amid campaign <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/09/05/1197565074/ron-desantis-campaign-trump-republican-candidates-staffing-issues">staff turnover</a>. Newsom has spent the past few weeks seemingly burnishing his presidential credentials, traveling abroad to Israel and China and attending the high-profile Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. At an APEC event, Biden told a crowd that Newsom could <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/joe-biden-san-francisco-tech-elites-apec-summit/">have the job &#8220;I&#8217;m looking for.&#8221;</a>

Here are a few of the issues that could arise during the Thursday night debate—and where Newsom and DeSantis stand.

Here are a few of the issues that could arise during the Thursday night debate—and where Newsom and DeSantis stand.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obamacare">Obamacare</h2>

DeSantis has refused to expand Medicaid eligibility to more people under the Affordable Care Act. Partly as a result, more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/early-2023-and-full-year-2022-effectuated-enrollment-report.pdf">3 million Floridians</a>&nbsp;had coverage through the federal Obamacare exchange as of February, more than any other state. Florida does not have a state-based exchange or offer state-sponsored subsidies.

DeSantis has refused to expand Medicaid eligibility to more people under the Affordable Care Act. Partly as a result, more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/early-2023-and-full-year-2022-effectuated-enrollment-report.pdf">3 million Floridians</a>&nbsp;had coverage through the federal Obamacare exchange as of February, more than any other state. Florida does not have a state-based exchange or offer state-sponsored subsidies.

The state has enthusiastically embraced the Affordable Care Act, expanding Medicaid while setting up its own insurance exchange, Covered California. Under Newsom, it has also&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/california-medicaid-makeover-newsom-california-medi-cal-homeless-public-funds/">gone well beyond</a>&nbsp;the provisions of Obamacare and&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/california-stockpiles-penalties-from-uninsured-residents-instead-of-lowering-care-costs/">created a state requirement</a>&nbsp;for Californians to have health insurance after the federal mandate was eliminated.

The state has enthusiastically embraced the Affordable Care Act, expanding Medicaid while setting up its own insurance exchange, Covered California. Under Newsom, it has also&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/california-medicaid-makeover-newsom-california-medi-cal-homeless-public-funds/">gone well beyond</a>&nbsp;the provisions of Obamacare and&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/california-stockpiles-penalties-from-uninsured-residents-instead-of-lowering-care-costs/">created a state requirement</a>&nbsp;for Californians to have health insurance after the federal mandate was eliminated.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abortion">Abortion</h2>

DeSantis&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/2023/04/13/governor-ron-desantis-signs-heartbeat-protection-act/">approved legislation</a>&nbsp;in April banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. However, the Florida Supreme Court has&nbsp;<a href="https://acis.flcourts.gov/portal/court/68f021c4-6a44-4735-9a76-5360b2e8af13/case/693c27ad-f040-4da1-9c9e-b52e62e960a2">taken up a challenge</a>&nbsp;to the 15-week ban introduced in 2022, which will determine if the six-week ban can take effect.

DeSantis&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/2023/04/13/governor-ron-desantis-signs-heartbeat-protection-act/">approved legislation</a>&nbsp;in April banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. However, the Florida Supreme Court has&nbsp;<a href="https://acis.flcourts.gov/portal/court/68f021c4-6a44-4735-9a76-5360b2e8af13/case/693c27ad-f040-4da1-9c9e-b52e62e960a2">taken up a challenge</a>&nbsp;to the 15-week ban introduced in 2022, which will determine if the six-week ban can take effect.

Newsom spearheaded the effort in 2022 to&nbsp;<a href="https://lao.ca.gov/BallotAnalysis/Proposition?number=1&amp;year=2022">amend the state constitution</a>&nbsp;to enshrine the right to abortion and birth control. He also approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/04/18/ahead-of-likely-u-s-supreme-court-decision-governor-newsom-announces-new-efforts-to-protect-medication-abortion-access-in-california/#:~:text=Of%20this%2C%20%2440%20million%20is,people%20forced%20to%20come%20to">$60 million</a>&nbsp;to help uninsured patients and people from out of state pay for abortions in California, and signed reproductive health care laws, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-abortion-pill-gavin-newsom-b7e392be628411230319215d7c010f21">one protecting doctors</a>&nbsp;who mail abortion pills to other states.

Newsom spearheaded the effort in 2022 to&nbsp;<a href="https://lao.ca.gov/BallotAnalysis/Proposition?number=1&amp;year=2022">amend the state constitution</a>&nbsp;to enshrine the right to abortion and birth control. He also approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/04/18/ahead-of-likely-u-s-supreme-court-decision-governor-newsom-announces-new-efforts-to-protect-medication-abortion-access-in-california/#:~:text=Of%20this%2C%20%2440%20million%20is,people%20forced%20to%20come%20to">$60 million</a>&nbsp;to help uninsured patients and people from out of state pay for abortions in California, and signed reproductive health care laws, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-abortion-pill-gavin-newsom-b7e392be628411230319215d7c010f21">one protecting doctors</a>&nbsp;who mail abortion pills to other states.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transgender-care">Transgender Care</h2>

Under DeSantis, Florida passed a law this year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/254">banning gender-affirming health care</a>&nbsp;for trans minors and mandating that adult patients sign&nbsp;<a href="https://flboardofmedicine.gov/forms/Masculinizing-Medications-for-Patients-with-Gender-Dysphoria-Patient-Information-and-Informed-Consent.pdf">informed consent forms</a>&nbsp;before starting or continuing hormone treatment. The law also restricts who can order hormone therapy to physicians and prohibits the use of telehealth for new prescriptions. A federal lawsuit challenging the law is set to go to trial in mid-December.

Under DeSantis, Florida passed a law this year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/254">banning gender-affirming health care</a>&nbsp;for trans minors and mandating that adult patients sign&nbsp;<a href="https://flboardofmedicine.gov/forms/Masculinizing-Medications-for-Patients-with-Gender-Dysphoria-Patient-Information-and-Informed-Consent.pdf">informed consent forms</a>&nbsp;before starting or continuing hormone treatment. The law also restricts who can order hormone therapy to physicians and prohibits the use of telehealth for new prescriptions. A federal lawsuit challenging the law is set to go to trial in mid-December.

Newsom and other state leaders have amended state law to ensure all&nbsp;<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB107">California adults and children</a>&nbsp;are entitled to gender-affirming health care services. And insurance companies doing business in California&nbsp;<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB923">must include</a>&nbsp;information on in-network providers for gender-affirming services by 2025. State health care agencies are designing “enforceable quality standards” to ensure trans patients have access to comprehensive care.

Newsom and other state leaders have amended state law to ensure all&nbsp;<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB107">California adults and children</a>&nbsp;are entitled to gender-affirming health care services. And insurance companies doing business in California&nbsp;<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB923">must include</a>&nbsp;information on in-network providers for gender-affirming services by 2025. State health care agencies are designing “enforceable quality standards” to ensure trans patients have access to comprehensive care.

A screenshot of a new Ron DeSantis campaign ad, which was filmed on the corner of Hyde and Geary streets in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-20-at-6.59.13-PM.png?w=2500" alt="A screenshot of a Ron DeSantis campaign ad shows the Florida governor in a white button-down shirt and black suit jacket with no tie, gesturing with his arms while he stands next to a graffiti-covered building in San Francisco." class="wp-image-173237"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ron DeSantis used the blighted corner of Hyde and Geary streets in San Francisco as a backdrop for a campaign ad slamming liberal policies. </figcaption></figure>

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