Ida Mojadad

Across the nation, schools have repeatedly hidden instances of teacher misconduct that, in some cases, allow educators to inflict the same behaviors on more students.&nbsp;

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Across the nation, schools have repeatedly hidden instances of teacher misconduct that, in some cases, allow educators to inflict the same behaviors on more students.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s public school district has entered into resignation agreements with 19 employees accused of sexual misconduct since 2017, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/they-were-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-sf-schools-let-them-quietly-resign/">The Standard previously revealed</a>. One of those teachers had left another Bay Area school <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/teacher-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-was-allowed-to-quietly-leave-two-bay-area-schools/">under separate sexual misconduct allegations 20 years prior</a>, unbeknown to administrators.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s public school district has entered into resignation agreements with 19 employees accused of sexual misconduct since 2017, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/they-were-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-sf-schools-let-them-quietly-resign/">The Standard previously revealed</a>. One of those teachers had left another Bay Area school <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/teacher-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-was-allowed-to-quietly-leave-two-bay-area-schools/">under separate sexual misconduct allegations 20 years prior</a>, unbeknown to administrators.&nbsp;

To prevent schools from unwittingly hiring teachers credibly accused of sexual misconduct, federal education officials want states to tighten regulations. Though criminal background checks are required for most school staff across the nation, the U.S. Education Department warned it creates a false sense of security. <a href="https://blog.ed.gov/2022/06/new-ed-commissioned-study-on-esea-provisions-that-protect-students/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In a July 2022 report</a>, the department called on states to enact more protections.

To prevent schools from unwittingly hiring teachers credibly accused of sexual misconduct, federal education officials want states to tighten regulations. Though criminal background checks are required for most school staff across the nation, the U.S. Education Department warned it creates a false sense of security. <a href="https://blog.ed.gov/2022/06/new-ed-commissioned-study-on-esea-provisions-that-protect-students/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In a July 2022 report</a>, the department called on states to enact more protections.

California is <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/education-news/articles/2022-06-03/feds-call-on-states-to-stop-shielding-teachers-accused-of-sex-misconduct-with-students" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one of many states that does not explicitly prohibit the suppression of information about employee misconduct</a>. And, nearly one year after the federal report, state leaders have made little progress in assessing what needs to be done. Gaps also remain when it comes to tracking non-credentialed school staff accused of misconduct, and in tracking records of staff from out of state.

California is <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/education-news/articles/2022-06-03/feds-call-on-states-to-stop-shielding-teachers-accused-of-sex-misconduct-with-students" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one of many states that does not explicitly prohibit the suppression of information about employee misconduct</a>. And, nearly one year after the federal report, state leaders have made little progress in assessing what needs to be done. Gaps also remain when it comes to tracking non-credentialed school staff accused of misconduct, and in tracking records of staff from out of state.

In response to questions regarding potential new practices, the California Department of Education said, it “has, by statute and regulations, a limited role in local matters with public schools. Any change to this oversight would require legislative action.”

In response to questions regarding potential new practices, the California Department of Education said, it “has, by statute and regulations, a limited role in local matters with public schools. Any change to this oversight would require legislative action.”

Further, The Standard repeatedly reached out to several lawmakers with responsibility in this area, to no avail. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who chairs the Assembly’s Education Committee, declined multiple requests for comment. Representatives for committee Vice Chair Assemblymember Megan Dahle, state Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Matt Haney did not provide responses.

Further, The Standard repeatedly reached out to several lawmakers with responsibility in this area, to no avail. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who chairs the Assembly’s Education Committee, declined multiple requests for comment. Representatives for committee Vice Chair Assemblymember Megan Dahle, state Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Matt Haney did not provide responses.

The silence from Sacramento doesn’t surprise Joel Levin, co-founder of the Stop Sexual Assault in Schools nonprofit. Oftentimes, he said action on this issue comes out of disturbing cases made public.&nbsp;

The silence from Sacramento doesn’t surprise Joel Levin, co-founder of the Stop Sexual Assault in Schools nonprofit. Oftentimes, he said action on this issue comes out of disturbing cases made public.&nbsp;

“There is not enough outcry that the status quo is insufficient,” Levin said. “It just takes some sort of horrific case to get people&#8217;s attention to make change, unfortunately. People’s eyes aren’t really open to it because schools try to cover it up.”

“There is not enough outcry that the status quo is insufficient,” Levin said. “It just takes some sort of horrific case to get people's attention to make change, unfortunately. People’s eyes aren’t really open to it because schools try to cover it up.”

“There is not enough outcry that the status quo is insufficient,” Levin said. “It just takes some sort of horrific case to get people&#8217;s attention to make change, unfortunately. People’s eyes aren’t really open to it because schools try to cover it up.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decade-old-push">Decade-Old Push</h2>

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<h2 id="h-decade-old-push">Decade-Old Push</h2>

California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) oversees educators and requires schools to report when a teacher’s employment status changes due to allegations of misconduct. The commission then investigates and makes a final determination, which is then viewable on a public database as an “adverse action.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) oversees educators and requires schools to report when a teacher’s employment status changes due to allegations of misconduct. The commission then investigates and makes a final determination, which is then viewable on a public database as an “adverse action.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The last major bill to change how schools respond to sexual assault, AB 215, was in 2013. That bill, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-gov-brown-signs-bill-to-speed-firing-teachers-for-egregious-conduct-20140625-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">done in response to a sex abuse case at LA’s Miramonte Elementary School the year prior</a>, largely functioned to speed up the process to dismiss teachers for egregious conduct.

The last major bill to change how schools respond to sexual assault, AB 215, was in 2013. That bill, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-gov-brown-signs-bill-to-speed-firing-teachers-for-egregious-conduct-20140625-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">done in response to a sex abuse case at LA’s Miramonte Elementary School the year prior</a>, largely functioned to speed up the process to dismiss teachers for egregious conduct.

Under AB 215, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing is required, upon inquiry, to disclose reports of egregious misconduct to a school district, county office or charter school. And since 1986, the commission creates a bulletin of updates to credentials for all public and private schools for review, allowing them to check if one of their employees is listed.&nbsp;

Under AB 215, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing is required, upon inquiry, to disclose reports of egregious misconduct to a school district, county office or charter school. And since 1986, the commission creates a bulletin of updates to credentials for all public and private schools for review, allowing them to check if one of their employees is listed.&nbsp;

“The CTC is aware of the [U.S. Department of Education’s July 2022] report and will participate in any efforts undertaken by the department to collect information regarding the statutory framework and procedures that guide California’s work in this area,” the commission said in a statement.

“The CTC is aware of the [U.S. Department of Education’s July 2022] report and will participate in any efforts undertaken by the department to collect information regarding the statutory framework and procedures that guide California’s work in this area,” the commission said in a statement.

U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona talks with bus drivers from RSU21 at their bus garage in Kennebunk on Monday, April 11, 2022. | Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED00_MisconductStateAction031023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-150628"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona talks with bus drivers on April 11, 2022. | Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED00_MisconductStateAction031023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-150628"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona talks with bus drivers on April 11, 2022. | Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

But the system shows some cracks. For example, the San Francisco Unified School District <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/new-details-of-alleged-sexual-misconduct-by-a-teacher-in-late-90s-beg-the-question-are-bay-area-schools-doing-any-better-now/">hired a San Bruno teacher while he was under investigation by the credentialing commission in 1999</a>, two years before it resulted in a public reprimand that went on his record.&nbsp;

But the system shows some cracks. For example, the San Francisco Unified School District <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/new-details-of-alleged-sexual-misconduct-by-a-teacher-in-late-90s-beg-the-question-are-bay-area-schools-doing-any-better-now/">hired a San Bruno teacher while he was under investigation by the credentialing commission in 1999</a>, two years before it resulted in a public reprimand that went on his record.&nbsp;

In 2019, school officials investigated the same teacher for allegations of improper conduct with San Francisco students buttressed by a former San Bruno student attesting to him kissing and groping her in the 1990s. It ultimately took four rounds of student complaints and investigations in two school districts for the teacher to lose his teaching credential in 2021, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/new-details-of-alleged-sexual-misconduct-by-a-teacher-in-late-90s-beg-the-question-are-bay-area-schools-doing-any-better-now/">The Standard detailed in previous reporting</a>.&nbsp;

In 2019, school officials investigated the same teacher for allegations of improper conduct with San Francisco students buttressed by a former San Bruno student attesting to him kissing and groping her in the 1990s. It ultimately took four rounds of student complaints and investigations in two school districts for the teacher to lose his teaching credential in 2021, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/new-details-of-alleged-sexual-misconduct-by-a-teacher-in-late-90s-beg-the-question-are-bay-area-schools-doing-any-better-now/">The Standard detailed in previous reporting</a>.&nbsp;

In Connecticut, education officials may not enter into any agreement that “<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/act/pa/pdf/2016PA-00067-R00HB-05400-PA.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has the effect of suppressing information</a>” relating to an investigation of sexual misconduct by current or former employees. Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington and New Jersey are among a handful of states with similar statutes. In other words, these states have gone beyond what California has done.

In Connecticut, education officials may not enter into any agreement that “<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/act/pa/pdf/2016PA-00067-R00HB-05400-PA.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has the effect of suppressing information</a>” relating to an investigation of sexual misconduct by current or former employees. Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington and New Jersey are among a handful of states with similar statutes. In other words, these states have gone beyond what California has done.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-another-level-of-secrecy">Another Level of Secrecy</h2>

<h2 id="h-another-level-of-secrecy">Another Level of Secrecy</h2>

Another gap in the oversight system is the lack of oversight of “classified staff,” a category of school employees that include paraeducators, clerical staff and custodians.&nbsp;

Another gap in the oversight system is the lack of oversight of “classified staff,” a category of school employees that include paraeducators, clerical staff and custodians.&nbsp;

Accomplishing that may require a separate commission, which may pose a funding challenge. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing is self-sustaining based on fees paid by educators who become credentialed. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/what-are-paraeducators-and-why-does-sf-pay-them-barely-more-than-minimum-wage/">Classified staff, on the other hand, are notoriously low paid</a>.&nbsp;

Accomplishing that may require a separate commission, which may pose a funding challenge. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing is self-sustaining based on fees paid by educators who become credentialed. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/what-are-paraeducators-and-why-does-sf-pay-them-barely-more-than-minimum-wage/">Classified staff, on the other hand, are notoriously low paid</a>.&nbsp;

But the lack of a commission dedicated to classified staff may be an even bigger issue. Of the 17 settlement agreements The Standard uncovered, five involved alleged inappropriate sexual contact with students, while some did not involve touching students. But seven cases did not include information about what the employees—all classified staff—were accused of.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But the lack of a commission dedicated to classified staff may be an even bigger issue. Of the 17 settlement agreements The Standard uncovered, five involved alleged inappropriate sexual contact with students, while some did not involve touching students. But seven cases did not include information about what the employees—all classified staff—were accused of.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There’s no space for it to go,” said Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco. “If [teachers] violated the terms of their credential, there’s space for that.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There’s no space for it to go,” said Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco. “If [teachers] violated the terms of their credential, there’s space for that.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona speaks during the 90th Winter Meeting of USCM on January 20, 2022 in Washington, DC. | Alex Wong/Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED02_MisconductStateAction031023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-150647"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona speaks at a conference in Washington, D.C. | Alex Wong/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Even with proper oversight for every school employee in California, resignation agreements can remain a vehicle for secrecy. It took The Standard multiple records requests with the assistance of an attorney to unseal records in San Francisco and San Mateo County schools.&nbsp;

Even with proper oversight for every school employee in California, resignation agreements can remain a vehicle for secrecy. It took The Standard multiple records requests with the assistance of an attorney to unseal records in San Francisco and San Mateo County schools.&nbsp;

“We support any efforts to strengthen the processes to prevent hiring staff with a history of sexual misconduct,” the San Francisco Unified School District previously told The Standard.&nbsp;

“We support any efforts to strengthen the processes to prevent hiring staff with a history of sexual misconduct,” the San Francisco Unified School District previously told The Standard.&nbsp;

California may be slow to respond, but Levin sees the federal demand for action as a source of hope. In response to a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCRA8tRh54U" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBS report on sexual abuse cover-up</a> in Southern California, the Department of Education said it is working toward tracking teacher sexual abuse in public schools nationwide.

California may be slow to respond, but Levin sees the federal demand for action as a source of hope. In response to a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCRA8tRh54U" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBS report on sexual abuse cover-up</a> in Southern California, the Department of Education said it is working toward tracking teacher sexual abuse in public schools nationwide.

“I don’t know how in other states how transparent they are for teachers dismissed for sexual misconduct,” Levin said. “It sounds like at least on the federal level they’re trying to do something about it.”

“I don’t know how in other states how transparent they are for teachers dismissed for sexual misconduct,” Levin said. “It sounds like at least on the federal level they’re trying to do something about it.”

Feds demand action on school sexual misconduct. Will California heed the call?

David Sjostedt

A state bill that would legalize safe consumption sites is one hearing away from reaching the governor’s desk. But regardless of when and if the bill is signed into state law, San Francisco is likely to wait for the federal government’s rubber stamp before actually opening a site. 

A state bill that would legalize safe consumption sites is one hearing away from reaching the governor’s desk. But regardless of when and if the bill is signed into state law, San Francisco is likely to wait for the federal government’s rubber stamp before actually opening a site.

Once passed through the state senate for one last “symbolic” vote, Governor Gavin Newsom will have 12 days to veto or sign Senate Bill 57 into law. Introduced by State <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/drug-overdose-death-safe-consumption-site-scott-wiener/">Senator Scott Wiener in Dec. 2020</a>, the legislation would authorize San Francisco, Los Angeles and Oakland to open facilities for supervised drug use, protecting doctors and nurses who would staff the sites from losing their licenses.

Once passed through the state senate for one last “symbolic” vote, Governor Gavin Newsom will have 12 days to veto or sign Senate Bill 57 into law. Introduced by State <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/drug-overdose-death-safe-consumption-site-scott-wiener/">Senator Scott Wiener in Dec. 2020</a>, the legislation would authorize San Francisco, Los Angeles and Oakland to open facilities for supervised drug use, protecting doctors and nurses who would staff the sites from losing their licenses.

But operating a safe consumption site is still illegal under federal law, and Mayor London Breed’s spokesperson Jeff Cretan suggested in a statement to The Standard that they are intent on coming to an agreement with the Department of Justice before moving forward. The city has been in discussions with the federal agency over the legality of safe consumption sites since at least last year.&nbsp;

But operating a safe consumption site is still illegal under federal law, and Mayor London Breed’s spokesperson Jeff Cretan suggested in a statement to The Standard that they are intent on coming to an agreement with the Department of Justice before moving forward. The city has been in discussions with the federal agency over the legality of safe consumption sites since at least last year.&nbsp;

“We will continue to work with the Department of Justice on finding a path forward around the remaining federal issues so we can soon open an Overdose Prevention Program in San Francisco,” said Cretan in a statement.

“We will continue to work with the Department of Justice on finding a path forward around the remaining federal issues so we can soon open an Overdose Prevention Program in San Francisco,” said Cretan in a statement.

In April 2021, Breed sent a letter to the Department of Justice expressing her support for safe consumption facilities. The justice department, which is engaged in separate litigation around a safe consumption site in Philadelphia, responded that they are weighing “appropriate guardrails for such sites.”&nbsp;

In April 2021, Breed sent a letter to the Department of Justice expressing her support for safe consumption facilities. The justice department, which is engaged in separate litigation around a safe consumption site in Philadelphia, responded that they are weighing “appropriate guardrails for such sites.”&nbsp;

A federally legal path forward for safe consumption facilities would be hailed as a major win for proponents who support the sites as an overdose prevention strategy. But drug policy advocates are also wary of what could happen if a Republican who is hostile to the sites were to win the White House in 2024, and are looking to a federal policy change under Biden to ensure some legal protections in the meantime. Former U.S. Attorney William McSwain, a Trump appointee, sued the nonprofit Safehouse in 2019 for hatching plans to open a safe consumption site in Philadelphia. 

A federally legal path forward for safe consumption facilities would be hailed as a major win for proponents who support the sites as an overdose prevention strategy. But drug policy advocates are also wary of what could happen if a Republican who is hostile to the sites were to win the White House in 2024, and are looking to a federal policy change under Biden to ensure some legal protections in the meantime. Former U.S. Attorney William McSwain, a Trump appointee, sued the nonprofit Safehouse in 2019 for hatching plans to open a safe consumption site in Philadelphia.

The case has been tied up in litigation since around the question of whether safe consumption sites violate the federal Controlled Substances Act, which prohibits opening facilities for the purpose of illegal drug use.&nbsp;

The case has been tied up in litigation since around the question of whether safe consumption sites violate the federal Controlled Substances Act, which prohibits opening facilities for the purpose of illegal drug use.&nbsp;

U.S. District Judge Gerald McHugh ruled in Oct. 2019 that Safehouse’s proposed facility did not intend to facilitate drug use, prompting the nonprofit to once again begin opening the facility. But then a decision from the U.S. District Court of Appeals <a href="https://www.safehousephilly.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2021-01/US%20v%20Safehouse%203d%20Circ%20Opinion.pdf">reversed that ruling in January 2021.&nbsp;</a>

U.S. District Judge Gerald McHugh ruled in Oct. 2019 that Safehouse’s proposed facility did not intend to facilitate drug use, prompting the nonprofit to once again begin opening the facility. But then a decision from the U.S. District Court of Appeals <a href="https://www.safehousephilly.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2021-01/US%20v%20Safehouse%203d%20Circ%20Opinion.pdf">reversed that ruling in January 2021.&nbsp;</a>

Safehouse appealed that ruling. After President Biden was inaugurated in January 2020, the Department of Justice changed course and began negotiations with Safehouse around an “amicable resolution” that would allow the site to legally operate. An update is expected by Aug. 8.&nbsp;

Safehouse appealed that ruling. After President Biden was inaugurated in January 2020, the Department of Justice changed course and began negotiations with Safehouse around an “amicable resolution” that would allow the site to legally operate. An update is expected by Aug. 8.&nbsp;

Newsom, for his part, has been friendly towards the idea of opening a safe consumption site, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Gavin-Newsom-splits-with-Jerry-Brown-on-SF-drug-13275997.php">supporting a pilot program back in 2018</a>. And San Francisco has made little secret of its plans to open a site, with the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://www.safehousephilly.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2021-01/US%20v%20Safehouse%203d%20Circ%20Opinion.pdf">approving the purchase of two buildings</a> in December with the intention of turning them into the city’s first safe consumption site.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Newsom, for his part, has been friendly towards the idea of opening a safe consumption site, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Gavin-Newsom-splits-with-Jerry-Brown-on-SF-drug-13275997.php">supporting a pilot program back in 2018</a>. And San Francisco has made little secret of its plans to open a site, with the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://www.safehousephilly.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2021-01/US%20v%20Safehouse%203d%20Circ%20Opinion.pdf">approving the purchase of two buildings</a> in December with the intention of turning them into the city’s first safe consumption site.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although safe consumption sites are backed by many drug policy researchers and local politicians, the notion of sanctioning drug use has also sparked skepticism and local debate over whether such sites can effectively incentivize treatment.&nbsp;

Although safe consumption sites are backed by many drug policy researchers and local politicians, the notion of sanctioning drug use has also sparked skepticism and local debate over whether such sites can effectively incentivize treatment.&nbsp;

A city facility called the Tenderloin Center, which opened under Breed’s Tenderloin state of emergency declaration, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">evolved into a de-facto safe consumption facility</a> after its January opening. Staff at the site have reversed 110 overdoses since its opening in January, but the site raised eyebrows for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/linkage-centers-first-month/">underwhelming outcomes in connecting guests to treatment.</a> The mayor’s office confirmed&nbsp; last month that the facility would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/a-lifesaver-worries-uncertainty-surround-tenderloin-centers-closure/">shutter by the end of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

A city facility called the Tenderloin Center, which opened under Breed’s Tenderloin state of emergency declaration, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">evolved into a de-facto safe consumption facility</a> after its January opening. Staff at the site have reversed 110 overdoses since its opening in January, but the site raised eyebrows for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/linkage-centers-first-month/">underwhelming outcomes in connecting guests to treatment.</a> The mayor’s office confirmed&nbsp; last month that the facility would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/a-lifesaver-worries-uncertainty-surround-tenderloin-centers-closure/">shutter by the end of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Safe consumption bill expected to pass, but SF will likely wait for federal ruling before opening a site

Joel Umanzor

San Francisco magic mushroom and tattoo enthusiasts gathered in SoMa on Oct. 14 for the first-ever Myco Tattoo Party—a secret celebration of psychedelics and mushroom-inspired flash tattoos.

San Francisco magic mushroom and tattoo enthusiasts gathered in SoMa on Oct. 14 for the first-ever Myco Tattoo Party—a secret celebration of psychedelics and mushroom-inspired flash tattoos.

The event was organized by magic mushroom cultivator Myco, who runs the Instagram account myco.oakland.inc. In recent years, Myco’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/myco.oakland.inc/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">account</a> has amassed an underground following in the Bay Area’s psychedelic scene, specifically for his pink-colored magic mushroom microdose capsules and fungi-inspired urban streetwear.

The event was organized by magic mushroom cultivator Myco, who runs the Instagram account myco.oakland.inc. In recent years, Myco’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/myco.oakland.inc/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">account</a> has amassed an underground following in the Bay Area’s psychedelic scene, specifically for his pink-colored magic mushroom microdose capsules and fungi-inspired urban streetwear.

Myco said his inspiration for having an event—which combined a typical Friday the 13th flash tattoo event with psychedelic mushrooms—came a few months back while he was getting a tattoo from his cousin, Lance Trujillo of South San Francisco, who was one of Saturday’s featured artists.

Myco said his inspiration for having an event—which combined a typical Friday the 13th flash tattoo event with psychedelic mushrooms—came a few months back while he was getting a tattoo from his cousin, Lance Trujillo of South San Francisco, who was one of Saturday’s featured artists.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/magic-mushroom-chocolate-san-francisco-living-church/">You Can Get Magic Mushroom Chocolates Over the Counter in San Francisco Now</a>

You can get magic mushroom chocolates over the counter in San Francisco now

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/magic-mushroom-chocolate-san-francisco-living-church/">You Can Get Magic Mushroom Chocolates Over the Counter in San Francisco Now</a>

Lance Trujillo, a South San Francisco tattoo artist, tattoos one of the partygoers at the secret Myco Tattoo Party on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/443A6149.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-213375"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lance Trujillo, a South San Francisco tattoo artist, tattoos one of the partygoers at the secret Myco Tattoo Party on Oct. 14, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

“It was something that was hella natural,” Myco said, who wouldn’t share his real name due to legal concerns with his mushroom-growing enterprise. “I was getting tatted and had this idea. In the months after, we talked about it and started piecing it together.”

“It was something that was hella natural,” Myco said, who wouldn’t share his real name due to legal concerns with his mushroom-growing enterprise. “I was getting tatted and had this idea. In the months after, we talked about it and started piecing it together.”

Trujillo said he designed a portion of the flash tattoos, which ranged from wild mushrooms to his cousin’s Myco. Oakland logo, which was created out of inspiration of the city of Oakland’s interwoven tree and a mushroom cloud. In total, 15 people at the event got mushroom-inspired tattoos.

Trujillo said he designed a portion of the flash tattoos, which ranged from wild mushrooms to his cousin’s Myco. Oakland logo, which was created out of inspiration of the city of Oakland’s interwoven tree and a mushroom cloud. In total, 15 people at the event got mushroom-inspired tattoos.

“It’s cool because I can put my own twist on it, get my art out there and give people what they want,” Trujillo said. “Some people just come to look at the vendors but then they see that tattoos are being done and it opens their eyes.”

“It’s cool because I can put my own twist on it, get my art out there and give people what they want,” Trujillo said. “Some people just come to look at the vendors but then they see that tattoos are being done and it opens their eyes.”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/01/san-francisco-has-effectively-decriminalized-mushrooms-now-what/">San Francisco Has Effectively Decriminalized Magic Mushrooms. Now What?</a>

San Francisco has effectively decriminalized magic mushrooms. Now what?

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/01/san-francisco-has-effectively-decriminalized-mushrooms-now-what/">San Francisco Has Effectively Decriminalized Magic Mushrooms. Now What?</a>

A secret partygoer gets a Myco Oakland tattoo at the first annual Myco Tattoo Party in San Francisco on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/443A6180.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-213376"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A secret partygoer gets a Myco Oakland tattoo at the first annual Myco Tattoo Party in San Francisco on Oct. 14, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

Earlier in the afternoon, Trujillo tattooed an attendee with her first tattoo. He credited her desire to get a tattoo with the open-mindedness the event offered.

Earlier in the afternoon, Trujillo tattooed an attendee with her first tattoo. He credited her desire to get a tattoo with the open-mindedness the event offered.

“She really liked it and was surprised that the pain level wasn’t what she thought it would be,” he said.

“She really liked it and was surprised that the pain level wasn’t what she thought it would be,” he said.

Both Brian Smith and Diana Aguirre were tattooed during the event and said they often microdose mushrooms and have both previously wanted to get mushroom-inspired tattoos.

Both Brian Smith and Diana Aguirre were tattooed during the event and said they often microdose mushrooms and have both previously wanted to get mushroom-inspired tattoos.

“It&#8217;s been something that I’ve wanted to do for a while, and it was a good environment for me to do it in,” Smith said. “The vibe was definitely, in my opinion, great because it wasn’t too crowded.”

“It's been something that I’ve wanted to do for a while, and it was a good environment for me to do it in,” Smith said. “The vibe was definitely, in my opinion, great because it wasn’t too crowded.”

“It&#8217;s been something that I’ve wanted to do for a while, and it was a good environment for me to do it in,” Smith said. “The vibe was definitely, in my opinion, great because it wasn’t too crowded.”

For Aguirre, meeting other women in the mushroom community was one of the surprises she experienced during the event.

For Aguirre, meeting other women in the mushroom community was one of the surprises she experienced during the event.

“It was interesting to see other girls too that are around the mushroom community that I didn’t know existed,” she said.

“It was interesting to see other girls too that are around the mushroom community that I didn’t know existed,” she said.

The format of the event, Myco said, was pulled from “seshs” which have grown popular among those in the cannabis community all along the West Coast.

The format of the event, Myco said, was pulled from “seshs” which have grown popular among those in the cannabis community all along the West Coast.

“Seshs,” short for sessions, are a sort of intimate mercantile market. They are often advertised online, where cultivators and growers sell their products in hopes of expanding their brands by meeting their customers face to face—they can sometimes be held in secret locations to evade law enforcement or city officials.

“Seshs,” short for sessions, are a sort of intimate mercantile market. They are often advertised online, where cultivators and growers sell their products in hopes of expanding their brands by meeting their customers face to face—they can sometimes be held in secret locations to evade law enforcement or city officials.

Mushroom inspired beanies were just some of the items sold at the first annual Myco Tattoo Party in San Francisco on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/443A5989.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-213378"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mushroom-inspired beanies were just some of the items sold at the first annual Myco Tattoo Party in San Francisco on Oct. 14, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

Saturday’s event, however, wasn’t meant to purely have that “sesh” feel, according to Myco.

Saturday’s event, however, wasn’t meant to purely have that “sesh” feel, according to Myco.

“I wasn’t trying to have it be so uptight,” he said, acknowledging that a feeling of competition usually overshadows cannabis events. “There weren’t big ass bags of weed or anything like that, and that’s a credit to the people involved.”

“I wasn’t trying to have it be so uptight,” he said, acknowledging that a feeling of competition usually overshadows cannabis events. “There weren’t big ass bags of weed or anything like that, and that’s a credit to the people involved.”

Smith said he’s been to “seshs” before but that the mushroom tattoo event wasn’t as pushy as its cannabis counterpart.

Smith said he’s been to “seshs” before but that the mushroom tattoo event wasn’t as pushy as its cannabis counterpart.

“I’ve never been to something that a mushroom company threw,” he said. “A lot of weed seshs and other cannabis events are really pushy, but this was a vibe where you felt like you could just chill out.”

“I’ve never been to something that a mushroom company threw,” he said. “A lot of weed seshs and other cannabis events are really pushy, but this was a vibe where you felt like you could just chill out.”

In addition to tattoos, party attendees had their choice of vendors selling desserts and cakes, freshly squeezed juices to exclusive Bathing Ape apparel from Japan.

In addition to tattoos, party attendees had their choice of vendors selling desserts and cakes, freshly squeezed juices to exclusive Bathing Ape apparel from Japan.

Both Smith and Aguirre bought a microdose smoothie, sea moss, hash and some cheesecake desserts.

Both Smith and Aguirre bought a microdose smoothie, sea moss, hash and some cheesecake desserts.

“To be honest with you, the tattoo was enticing. The fact it was about 100 bucks,” Smith said.

“To be honest with you, the tattoo was enticing. The fact it was about 100 bucks,” Smith said.

Lance Trujillo, a South San Francisco tattoo artist, tattoos one of the partygoers with a Myco Oakland flash tattoo at a secret magic mushroom tattoo party in San Francisco on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/443A6158.jpg?w=1875" alt="" class="wp-image-213377"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lance Trujillo, a South San Francisco tattoo artist, tattoos one of the partygoers with a Myco Oakland flash tattoo at a secret magic mushroom tattoo party in San Francisco on Oct. 14.</figcaption></figure>

Myco said he is hoping to make the flash tattoo party an annual event, although he expressed interest in possibly moving the location across the bridge in Oakland or even in Los Angeles if he can get local brands he knows to sponsor it.

Myco said he is hoping to make the flash tattoo party an annual event, although he expressed interest in possibly moving the location across the bridge in Oakland or even in Los Angeles if he can get local brands he knows to sponsor it.

His goal? To bring together the “headiest” people in the cannabis and psychedelic communities together in the same room.

His goal? To bring together the “headiest” people in the cannabis and psychedelic communities together in the same room.

“Trying to just link everyone together at one spot,” he said, adding that he still has somewhat of a clandestine aura of semi-anonymity attached to his name since most people don’t know what his appearance is.

“Trying to just link everyone together at one spot,” he said, adding that he still has somewhat of a clandestine aura of semi-anonymity attached to his name since most people don’t know what his appearance is.

While San Francisco and Oakland have essentially decriminalized psychedelics like magic mushrooms, it is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance federally. Also, California Gov. Gavin Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/07/gavin-newsom-magic-mushrooms-decriminalization/">vetoed</a> the most recent statewide decriminalization bill introduced by San Francisco state Sen. Scott Wiener.

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoes bill that would’ve decriminalized magic mushrooms

While San Francisco and Oakland have essentially decriminalized psychedelics like magic mushrooms, it is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance federally. Also, California Gov. Gavin Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/07/gavin-newsom-magic-mushrooms-decriminalization/">vetoed</a> the most recent statewide decriminalization bill introduced by San Francisco state Sen. Scott Wiener.

Newsom’s recent decision isn’t worrying Myco, as he doesn’t see decriminalization and legalization turning mushrooms into the next “cash crop.”

Newsom’s recent decision isn’t worrying Myco, as he doesn’t see decriminalization and legalization turning mushrooms into the next “cash crop.”

“I don’t think it matters. Right now, it is bad to get into the mushroom game. It doesn’t make sense. There’s a lot of people who failed or are currently failing in the cannabis industry trying to go into mushrooms,” he said. “You can only eat so many mushrooms before you’re burnt out.”

“I don’t think it matters. Right now, it is bad to get into the mushroom game. It doesn’t make sense. There’s a lot of people who failed or are currently failing in the cannabis industry trying to go into mushrooms,” he said. “You can only eat so many mushrooms before you’re burnt out.”

San Franciscans eat magic mushrooms and get tattooed at secret party

Kevin V. Nguyen

A former Blue Angels pilot has hit back at Supervisor Dean Preston over a viral tweet about wanting to ban the aerial performance.

A former Blue Angels pilot has hit back at Supervisor Dean Preston over a viral tweet about wanting to ban the aerial performance.

The headline act of San Francisco’s Fleet Week was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/oh-karl-fog-shrouds-fleet-week-festivities-but-show-goes-on/">canceled Sunday due to fog</a>. The loud display from the U.S. Navy pilots has divided opinions in the city for years.

The headline act of San Francisco’s Fleet Week was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/oh-karl-fog-shrouds-fleet-week-festivities-but-show-goes-on/">canceled Sunday due to fog</a>. The loud display from the U.S. Navy pilots has divided opinions in the city for years.

District 5 Supervisor Preston made his stance on the show very clear in a viral tweet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

District 5 Supervisor Preston made his stance on the show very clear in a viral tweet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SF Supervisor Dean Preston serves as the leader of San Francisco's Democratic Socialists for America chapter, which launched a pseudo-news website that published positive stories about him before and after his 2020 re-election. I Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SupesRoundup67_INLINED-2500x1667.jpg" alt="Dean Preston" class="wp-image-53616"/><figcaption>SF Supervisor Dean Preston serves as the leader of San Francisco&#8217;s Democratic Socialists for America chapter. I Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SupesRoundup67_INLINED-2500x1667.jpg" alt="Dean Preston" class="wp-image-53616"/><figcaption>SF Supervisor Dean Preston serves as the leader of San Francisco's Democratic Socialists for America chapter. I Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SupesRoundup67_INLINED-2500x1667.jpg" alt="Dean Preston" class="wp-image-53616"/><figcaption>SF Supervisor Dean Preston serves as the leader of San Francisco&#8217;s Democratic Socialists for America chapter. I Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The Tenderloin representative, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/property-stock-crypto-sf-mayor-supervisors/">millionaire</a> and self-styled Democratic Socialist said: “The Blue Angels should not be allowed to fly over San Francisco. That&#8217;s it. That&#8217;s the tweet.”

The Tenderloin representative, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/property-stock-crypto-sf-mayor-supervisors/">millionaire</a> and self-styled Democratic Socialist said: “The Blue Angels should not be allowed to fly over San Francisco. That's it. That's the tweet.”

The Tenderloin representative, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/property-stock-crypto-sf-mayor-supervisors/">millionaire</a> and self-styled Democratic Socialist said: “The Blue Angels should not be allowed to fly over San Francisco. That&#8217;s it. That&#8217;s the tweet.”

The tweet initially drew hundreds of comments on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/xzzkmb/sf_supervisor_dean_preston_the_blue_angels_should/">Reddit</a>, with many slamming the supervisor as a “champagne socialist” or similar.

The tweet initially drew hundreds of comments on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/xzzkmb/sf_supervisor_dean_preston_the_blue_angels_should/">Reddit</a>, with many slamming the supervisor as a “champagne socialist” or similar.

One user wrote: “Drug dealers, tent cities, catalytic thieves (sic), sideshows, muggers, drugstore ransackers&#8230;shrug. US Navy? GET THEM OUT! LMAO.”

One user wrote: “Drug dealers, tent cities, catalytic thieves (sic), sideshows, muggers, drugstore ransackers...shrug. US Navy? GET THEM OUT! LMAO.”

One user wrote: “Drug dealers, tent cities, catalytic thieves (sic), sideshows, muggers, drugstore ransackers&#8230;shrug. US Navy? GET THEM OUT! LMAO.”

While another appeared to agree with the supervisor, writing: “At this point it&#8217;s become annoying.”

While another appeared to agree with the supervisor, writing: “At this point it's become annoying.”

While another appeared to agree with the supervisor, writing: “At this point it&#8217;s become annoying.”

Fox News then weighed into the debate with former Blue Angels flight leader Eric Doyle telling the &#8220;Fox &amp; Friends&#8221; morning show what he thought of the tweet.

Fox News then weighed into the debate with former Blue Angels flight leader Eric Doyle telling the "Fox &amp; Friends" morning show what he thought of the tweet.

Fox News then weighed into the debate with former Blue Angels flight leader Eric Doyle telling the &#8220;Fox &amp; Friends&#8221; morning show what he thought of the tweet.

“I think he should come join us at Fleet Week and see some of his constituents,” Doyle <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/former-blue-angels-flight-leader-responds-san-francisco-democrat-suggests-banning-military-air-show">told co-host Carley Shimkus</a>. “They’re excited, so I don’t think if they took a vote on it that that bill would pass right now.”&nbsp;

“I think he should come join us at Fleet Week and see some of his constituents,” Doyle <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/former-blue-angels-flight-leader-responds-san-francisco-democrat-suggests-banning-military-air-show">told co-host Carley Shimkus</a>. “They’re excited, so I don’t think if they took a vote on it that that bill would pass right now.”&nbsp;

The supervisor’s office was contacted for comment.

The supervisor’s office was contacted for comment.

Fleet Week is a tradition in San Francisco spanning over 40 years. The annual air show and parade of ships began in 1981 when then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein created the event.

Fleet Week is a tradition in San Francisco spanning over 40 years. The annual air show and parade of ships began in 1981 when then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein created the event.

The five-day event’s main attraction is the air show the Blue Angels and other aircraft perform on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Last week, The Standard profiled <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/san-franciscos-very-own-blue-angel-comes-home-for-fleet-week/">this San Francisco native </a>who went on to become a Blue Angels pilot.&nbsp;

The five-day event’s main attraction is the air show the Blue Angels and other aircraft perform on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Last week, The Standard profiled <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/san-franciscos-very-own-blue-angel-comes-home-for-fleet-week/">this San Francisco native </a>who went on to become a Blue Angels pilot.&nbsp;

“We’re here to show the pride and professionalism of the Navy and Marines,” said Lt. Scott Goossens, who is originally from the Cow Hollow neighborhood.

“We’re here to show the pride and professionalism of the Navy and Marines,” said Lt. Scott Goossens, who is originally from the Cow Hollow neighborhood.

Feds demand action on school sexual misconduct. Will California heed the call?

Safe consumption bill expected to pass, but SF will likely wait for federal ruling before opening a site

San Franciscans eat magic mushrooms and get tattooed at secret party

Blue Angels pilot hits back at SF lawmaker on national TV

Her autistic son was restrained and isolated at school. Why didn’t SFUSD report it?

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Feds demand action on school sexual misconduct. Will California heed the call?

Safe consumption bill expected to pass, but SF will likely wait for federal ruling before opening a site

San Franciscans eat magic mushrooms and get tattooed at secret party

Blue Angels pilot hits back at SF lawmaker on national TV

Her autistic son was restrained and isolated at school. Why didn’t SFUSD report it?