Kevin Truong

A 4 a.m. last call in San Francisco is one step closer to becoming reality.

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A 4 a.m. last call in San Francisco is one step closer to becoming reality.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/last-call-at-4-a-m-sf-legislators-renew-push-to-keep-bars-open-later/">The revived effort</a> to give bars in the city the option to stay open, while serving alcohol, for two additional hours survived an Assembly Appropriations Committee vote Thursday. And though local nightlife advocates have had their hopes dashed in the past (similar legislation has come before state lawmakers several times in the recent years) there’s optimism that this time it will stick.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/last-call-at-4-a-m-sf-legislators-renew-push-to-keep-bars-open-later/">The revived effort</a> to give bars in the city the option to stay open, while serving alcohol, for two additional hours survived an Assembly Appropriations Committee vote Thursday. And though local nightlife advocates have had their hopes dashed in the past (similar legislation has come before state lawmakers several times in the recent years) there’s optimism that this time it will stick.

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB930">SB 930</a>, introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, would require the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to create a three-year pilot program where chosen alcohol license holders in specific cities are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages between the hours of of 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Currently that activity is a misdemeanor under state law.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB930">SB 930</a>, introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, would require the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to create a three-year pilot program where chosen alcohol license holders in specific cities are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages between the hours of of 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Currently that activity is a misdemeanor under state law.&nbsp;

The last time a similar bill was introduced by Wiener it was amended in the Assembly to cut last call from 4 a.m. to 3 a.m. before eventually being voted down.&nbsp;

The last time a similar bill was introduced by Wiener it was amended in the Assembly to cut last call from 4 a.m. to 3 a.m. before eventually being voted down.&nbsp;

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Wiener, who co-authored the bill with recently elected Assemblymember Matt Haney, argues that the bill is important to helping nightlife businesses recover from the debt load of the pandemic.

Wiener, who co-authored the bill with recently elected Assemblymember Matt Haney, argues that the bill is important to helping nightlife businesses recover from the debt load of the pandemic.

Extending bar operating hours has been a perennial issue for San Francisco lawmakers, including Wiener and his predecessor Mark Leno. A similar version of the bill passed both houses before being vetoed by former Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018 who said “we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem.”

Extending bar operating hours has been a perennial issue for San Francisco lawmakers, including Wiener and his predecessor Mark Leno. A similar version of the bill passed both houses before being vetoed by former Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018 who said “we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem.”

The hope from bill supporters is that Gov. Gavin Newsom, who made his fortune in the wine and hospitality industry, will be more amenable to extending last call.&nbsp;

The hope from bill supporters is that Gov. Gavin Newsom, who made his fortune in the wine and hospitality industry, will be more amenable to extending last call.&nbsp;

The initial list of seven participating cities in the bill was trimmed down to only include San Francisco, Palm Springs and West Hollywood.&nbsp;

The initial list of seven participating cities in the bill was trimmed down to only include San Francisco, Palm Springs and West Hollywood.&nbsp;

Each jurisdiction would create their own process for choosing businesses that are allowed to participate in the pilot as well as specific rules they would be required to follow. Cities are required to designate a task force to develop a recommended local safety plan with the California Highway Patrol and adopt an ordinance laying out its plan that will be reviewed by ABC.

Each jurisdiction would create their own process for choosing businesses that are allowed to participate in the pilot as well as specific rules they would be required to follow. Cities are required to designate a task force to develop a recommended local safety plan with the California Highway Patrol and adopt an ordinance laying out its plan that will be reviewed by ABC.

Additional fees are also required for bars wishing to participate, including a $2,500 application fee and $2,500 annual fee for the extended hours license.&nbsp;

Additional fees are also required for bars wishing to participate, including a $2,500 application fee and $2,500 annual fee for the extended hours license.&nbsp;

All this process will take a while, even if the bill gets signed into law. Bar patrons looking to party until 4 a.m. will have to wait until at least 2025 for it to go into effect.

All this process will take a while, even if the bill gets signed into law. Bar patrons looking to party until 4 a.m. will have to wait until at least 2025 for it to go into effect.

Let’s have another: Bill to extend alcohol service to 4 a.m. in SF clears major hurdle

Jonah Owen Lamb

District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s approach to law enforcement in San Francisco is no longer—at least until the mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/election-appointment-da-chesa-boudin-recall/">appoints his replacement</a> next month.

District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s approach to law enforcement in San Francisco is no longer—at least until the mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/election-appointment-da-chesa-boudin-recall/">appoints his replacement</a> next month.

Mayor London Breed won’t say who she plans to install in the interim, despite comments pointing to an appointee who can manage to continue criminal justice reforms while making sure crimes are vigorously prosecuted.

Mayor London Breed won’t say who she plans to install in the interim, despite comments pointing to an appointee who can manage to continue criminal justice reforms while making sure crimes are vigorously prosecuted.

“It is not just about law-and-order and tough-on-crime and locking people up and throwing away the key,” she said Wednesday about her choice to replace Boudin. “It’s about accountability when those lines are crossed and coming to a reasonable conclusion around justice and what that really means for, in some cases, not just the perpetrator but the people who fall victim to those crimes.”&nbsp;

“It is not just about law-and-order and tough-on-crime and locking people up and throwing away the key,” she said Wednesday about her choice to replace Boudin. “It’s about accountability when those lines are crossed and coming to a reasonable conclusion around justice and what that really means for, in some cases, not just the perpetrator but the people who fall victim to those crimes.”&nbsp;

When Breed swore in Boudin, she said prosecutions should strike a balance between fairness and responsibility. But the mayor has been on a rhetorical public safety crusade since late last year after a series of highly publicized <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/s-f-launches-new-initiative-to-battle-retail-crime/">property crimes</a> cast San Francisco as a lawless city. And many of the positions espoused by potential replacements suggest the new regime could spell an end to reforms championed by Boudin.&nbsp;

When Breed swore in Boudin, she said prosecutions should strike a balance between fairness and responsibility. But the mayor has been on a rhetorical public safety crusade since late last year after a series of highly publicized <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/s-f-launches-new-initiative-to-battle-retail-crime/">property crimes</a> cast San Francisco as a lawless city. And many of the positions espoused by potential replacements suggest the new regime could spell an end to reforms championed by Boudin.&nbsp;

SFPD Chief Scott speaks on police response to the rise in AAPI hate crimes on Jan. 25, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DAOFFICEChange_Inlined3-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53902"/><figcaption>SFPD Chief Scott speaks on police response to the rise in AAPI hate crimes on Jan. 25, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DAOFFICEChange_Inlined3-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53902"/><figcaption>SFPD Chief Scott speaks on police response to the rise in AAPI hate crimes on Jan. 25, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The prospective slate of rumored DA replacements range from progressives who might advance Boudin’s reforms to moderates with more punitive approaches to crime.

The prospective slate of rumored DA replacements range from progressives who might advance Boudin’s reforms to moderates with more punitive approaches to crime.

Among potential appointees are Supervisor Catherine Stefani, a vocal supporter of police, and veteran Alameda County prosecutor Nancy Tung, who has said she will run in the coming election with a tough-on-crime mentality. Several other longshots include former police commissioner Suzy Loftus, who was interim DA before Boudin’s election, and former prosecutor Brooke Jenkins, as well as the Department of Police Accountability head Paul Henderson and private attorney Joe Alioto Veronese, who announced his run for DA earlier this year.&nbsp;

Among potential appointees are Supervisor Catherine Stefani, a vocal supporter of police, and veteran Alameda County prosecutor Nancy Tung, who has said she will run in the coming election with a tough-on-crime mentality. Several other longshots include former police commissioner Suzy Loftus, who was interim DA before Boudin’s election, and former prosecutor Brooke Jenkins, as well as the Department of Police Accountability head Paul Henderson and private attorney Joe Alioto Veronese, who announced his run for DA earlier this year.&nbsp;

The new DA could launch a plan to combat this atmosphere of perceived disorder in a city reeling from more than two years of pandemic. Some of the city’s neighborhoods have been plagued by street-corner drug dealing, an uptick in overdose deaths and homelessness, making many feel unsafe despite a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/data-offer-clues-on-san-franciscos-crime-paradox-police-chief-and-academics-have-some-ideas-too/">relative decline in most serious crimes</a>.&nbsp;

The new DA could launch a plan to combat this atmosphere of perceived disorder in a city reeling from more than two years of pandemic. Some of the city’s neighborhoods have been plagued by street-corner drug dealing, an uptick in overdose deaths and homelessness, making many feel unsafe despite a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/data-offer-clues-on-san-franciscos-crime-paradox-police-chief-and-academics-have-some-ideas-too/">relative decline in most serious crimes</a>.&nbsp;

But some reform-minded prosecutors and public defenders fear the mayor’s pick will return the office to a focus on punishment, which might make the public feel safer while failing to reduce San Francisco’s crime.&nbsp;

But some reform-minded prosecutors and public defenders fear the mayor’s pick will return the office to a focus on punishment, which might make the public feel safer while failing to reduce San Francisco’s crime.&nbsp;

Christine Soto deBerry, executive director of the Prosecutors Alliance of California, has expressed trepidation about Boudin’s replacement. The one-time chief-of-staff for former SF DA George Gascon and Boudin said she expects the successor to make empty promises that rely on hard-nosed prosecutions that won’t get to the root of crime.&nbsp;

Christine Soto deBerry, executive director of the Prosecutors Alliance of California, has expressed trepidation about Boudin’s replacement. The one-time chief-of-staff for former SF DA George Gascon and Boudin said she expects the successor to make empty promises that rely on hard-nosed prosecutions that won’t get to the root of crime.&nbsp;

Soto deBerry said Breed’s pick could take the city “back to a place where we are doubling down on this failed approach.”&nbsp;

Soto deBerry said Breed’s pick could take the city “back to a place where we are doubling down on this failed approach.”&nbsp;

Most prosecutors and DA staffers contacted by The Standard declined to comment. Many may have no idea what is happening and have had no official communication from their leaders—no emails had been sent to DA staffers about the recall even as Wednesday drew to a close. But over at the public Defender&#8217;s Office, an all-staff Zoom meeting was held the morning after the election to discuss a strategy for how to deal with the next DA. Breed can appoint the replacement after the vacancy officially occurs, which is 10 days after the Board of Supervisor certifies the election. The certification is expected to happen June 28.

Most prosecutors and DA staffers contacted by The Standard declined to comment. Many may have no idea what is happening and have had no official communication from their leaders—no emails had been sent to DA staffers about the recall even as Wednesday drew to a close. But over at the public Defender's Office, an all-staff Zoom meeting was held the morning after the election to discuss a strategy for how to deal with the next DA. Breed can appoint the replacement after the vacancy officially occurs, which is 10 days after the Board of Supervisor certifies the election. The certification is expected to happen June 28.

Most prosecutors and DA staffers contacted by The Standard declined to comment. Many may have no idea what is happening and have had no official communication from their leaders—no emails had been sent to DA staffers about the recall even as Wednesday drew to a close. But over at the public Defender&#8217;s Office, an all-staff Zoom meeting was held the morning after the election to discuss a strategy for how to deal with the next DA. Breed can appoint the replacement after the vacancy officially occurs, which is 10 days after the Board of Supervisor certifies the election. The certification is expected to happen June 28.

Though much remains uncertain, here are four ways the District Attorney’s Office and its approach to enforcing the law could change.

Though much remains uncertain, here are four ways the District Attorney’s Office and its approach to enforcing the law could change.

Ending Cash Bail, Investigating Police Misconduct and Other Boudin Priorities May Stall

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ending-cash-bail-investigating-police-misconduct-and-other-boudin-priorities-may-stall">Ending Cash Bail, Investigating Police Misconduct and Other Boudin Priorities May Stall </h2>

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<h2 id="h-ending-cash-bail-investigating-police-misconduct-and-other-boudin-priorities-may-stall">Ending Cash Bail, Investigating Police Misconduct and Other Boudin Priorities May Stall </h2>

During his time in office, Boudin touted a number of programs and approaches as key to changing how the DA goes about enforcing the law.

During his time in office, Boudin touted a number of programs and approaches as key to changing how the DA goes about enforcing the law.

Many of those efforts could fall by the wayside.

Many of those efforts could fall by the wayside.

Boudin’s office declined to comment, but his campaign did. No-on-H spokeswoman Julie Edwards said the DA’s ouster would stall criminal justice reform in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Boudin’s office declined to comment, but his campaign did. No-on-H spokeswoman Julie Edwards said the DA’s ouster would stall criminal justice reform in San Francisco.&nbsp;

“&#8230; Entrenched interests have opposed Boudin since Day 1 because he promised to bring reforms to the office,” she wrote in an email before the polls closed Tuesday. “That includes policies like ending cash bail and treating kids like kids. He also promised accountability for all—including police who do wrong and big corporations. I would not be surprised if those same interests push to eliminate these popular and needed policies, using their millions of dollars spent as a threat.”

“... Entrenched interests have opposed Boudin since Day 1 because he promised to bring reforms to the office,” she wrote in an email before the polls closed Tuesday. “That includes policies like ending cash bail and treating kids like kids. He also promised accountability for all—including police who do wrong and big corporations. I would not be surprised if those same interests push to eliminate these popular and needed policies, using their millions of dollars spent as a threat.”

“&#8230; Entrenched interests have opposed Boudin since Day 1 because he promised to bring reforms to the office,” she wrote in an email before the polls closed Tuesday. “That includes policies like ending cash bail and treating kids like kids. He also promised accountability for all—including police who do wrong and big corporations. I would not be surprised if those same interests push to eliminate these popular and needed policies, using their millions of dollars spent as a threat.”

Boudin’s policy of not asking for any cash bail could also be modified but wouldn’t significantly change since recent state law already severely limits bail, said Alex Lilien, a deputy public defender.

Boudin’s policy of not asking for any cash bail could also be modified but wouldn’t significantly change since recent state law already severely limits bail, said Alex Lilien, a deputy public defender.

While the San Francisco Superior Court no longer uses its old bail schedule, which used to list bail amounts in line with a specific crime, judges can still set bonds in line with each defendant’s ability to pay, Lilien explained. Nonetheless, the DA’s office commonly files detention motions in violent cases, and that may increase under whoever comes after Boudin.

While the San Francisco Superior Court no longer uses its old bail schedule, which used to list bail amounts in line with a specific crime, judges can still set bonds in line with each defendant’s ability to pay, Lilien explained. Nonetheless, the DA’s office commonly files detention motions in violent cases, and that may increase under whoever comes after Boudin.

Entities such as the Sentencing Commission, the Independent Investigations Bureau (IIB)—the DA’s unit that investigates police misconduct– and some restorative justice programs could face downsizing or mothballing, Soto deBerry predicted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Entities such as the Sentencing Commission, the Independent Investigations Bureau (IIB)—the DA’s unit that investigates police misconduct– and some restorative justice programs could face downsizing or mothballing, Soto deBerry predicted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eric Quandt, a former ADA in the IIB unit, who now works for the Public Defender’s Office, said that his former unit won’t go away, but staffing changes could undercut how it’s been run under Boudin. A more vexing issue for him is what might happen to the open cases against police officers.&nbsp;

Eric Quandt, a former ADA in the IIB unit, who now works for the Public Defender’s Office, said that his former unit won’t go away, but staffing changes could undercut how it’s been run under Boudin. A more vexing issue for him is what might happen to the open cases against police officers.&nbsp;

“The question about IIB,” he said, “is whether any of those police prosecutions get dismissed.”

“The question about IIB,” he said, “is whether any of those police prosecutions get dismissed.”

Hirings, Firings and a Staff Exodus Could Shake Up the Office

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hirings-firings-and-a-staff-exodus-could-shake-up-the-office">Hirings, Firings and a Staff Exodus Could Shake Up the Office</h2>

<h2 id="h-hirings-firings-and-a-staff-exodus-could-shake-up-the-office">Hirings, Firings and a Staff Exodus Could Shake Up the Office</h2>

New DAs often begin their tenure by firing and hiring.

New DAs often begin their tenure by firing and hiring.

That was true of Boudin, who axed a number of prosecutors, which was followed by an exodus of others and an inflow of people from the Public Defender’s Office. And it will likely be true of the person who replaces him.

That was true of Boudin, who axed a number of prosecutors, which was followed by an exodus of others and an inflow of people from the Public Defender’s Office. And it will likely be true of the person who replaces him.

Paul Cummins, who worked under five DAs before leaving the office in 2006—then run by Vice President Kamala Harris—said personnel shakeups often happen when a new top prosecutor takes the helm.

Paul Cummins, who worked under five DAs before leaving the office in 2006—then run by Vice President Kamala Harris—said personnel shakeups often happen when a new top prosecutor takes the helm.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors Catherine Stefani, representing District 2, at City Hall press event on November 16, 2021. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DAOFFICEChange_Inlined1-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53917"/><figcaption>San Francisco Board of Supervisors Catherine Stefani, representing District 2, at City Hall press event on November 16, 2021. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“They can do whatever they want,” said Cummins, noting that prosecutors are at-will employees, so a new DA can fire anyone they want. That often means leadership changes because DAs want their own people running the office.&nbsp;

“They can do whatever they want,” said Cummins, noting that prosecutors are at-will employees, so a new DA can fire anyone they want. That often means leadership changes because DAs want their own people running the office.&nbsp;

Still, she said there was some carryover as Boudin kept Gascon’s chief-of-staff, DeBerry, who remained for a year and left on amicable terms.&nbsp;

Still, she said there was some carryover as Boudin kept Gascon’s chief-of-staff, DeBerry, who remained for a year and left on amicable terms.&nbsp;

Rebecca Young, an ADA in the IIB unit, and a former deputy public defender, said she has no fear of losing her job. She said she’s more concerned about the office backtracking after “making tremendous strides toward reforming the criminal justice system.”

Rebecca Young, an ADA in the IIB unit, and a former deputy public defender, said she has no fear of losing her job. She said she’s more concerned about the office backtracking after “making tremendous strides toward reforming the criminal justice system.”

The IIB should be safe, she said, because of its special funding from the Board of Supervisors, which created the unit under Gascon after a spate of police shootings.

The IIB should be safe, she said, because of its special funding from the Board of Supervisors, which created the unit under Gascon after a spate of police shootings.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prosecutions and Arrests Could Rise</h2>

<h2>Prosecutions and Arrests Could Rise</h2>

When Boudin came into office, he promised to stop filing charges linked to illegal traffic stops and stop-and-frisk policing, which he characterized as unconstitutional. He declined to charge children as adults and created policies severely limiting prosecutors from filing gang enhancements and charges that could impact immigration status. And he channeled many low-level drug cases into diversion.&nbsp;

When Boudin came into office, he promised to stop filing charges linked to illegal traffic stops and stop-and-frisk policing, which he characterized as unconstitutional. He declined to charge children as adults and created policies severely limiting prosecutors from filing gang enhancements and charges that could impact immigration status. And he channeled many low-level drug cases into diversion.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, police arrests declined, leaving his office with fewer cases to charge.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, police arrests declined, leaving his office with fewer cases to charge.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eric Fleischaker, a deputy public defender who worked cases during Gascon and Boudin’s tenures, said he hasn’t seen huge numbers of vigorous investigations from the police under Boudin. “I do know that the cops really, actually weren’t pursuing investigations when Chesa was there,” he said, “so there will be an uptick.”

Eric Fleischaker, a deputy public defender who worked cases during Gascon and Boudin’s tenures, said he hasn’t seen huge numbers of vigorous investigations from the police under Boudin. “I do know that the cops really, actually weren’t pursuing investigations when Chesa was there,” he said, “so there will be an uptick.”

More rigorous investigations would result in more arrests and charges, which may include enhancements—such as gang and weapons charges—as well as strikes for prior offenses. That could strengthen the hand of prosecutors when it comes to pushing plea deals and sentencing, Quandt said.

More rigorous investigations would result in more arrests and charges, which may include enhancements—such as gang and weapons charges—as well as strikes for prior offenses. That could strengthen the hand of prosecutors when it comes to pushing plea deals and sentencing, Quandt said.

“Our big concern over here is the ferocity of strikes being alleged,” he added.

“Our big concern over here is the ferocity of strikes being alleged,” he added.

This new atmosphere could also result in more arrests for quality-of-life issues based on the city’s ordinance so-called sit-lie ordinance, which Boudin has refused to charge because he said they criminalize homelessness.

This new atmosphere could also result in more arrests for quality-of-life issues based on the city’s ordinance so-called sit-lie ordinance, which Boudin has refused to charge because he said they criminalize homelessness.

Police could return to overbooking people with the knowledge that more of their allegations may be filed—which wasn’t often the case under Boudin. Pretext stops could also become more common after Boudin, who eschewed charging such cases.

Police could return to overbooking people with the knowledge that more of their allegations may be filed—which wasn’t often the case under Boudin. Pretext stops could also become more common after Boudin, who eschewed charging such cases.

Another new approach for prosecutors could include a practice known as case consolidation, which means a defendant&#8217;s distinct cases get combined, which can be prejudicial and hence make for easier convictions, according to an attorney in the public defender’s office not authorized to speak on the record.&nbsp;

Another new approach for prosecutors could include a practice known as case consolidation, which means a defendant's distinct cases get combined, which can be prejudicial and hence make for easier convictions, according to an attorney in the public defender’s office not authorized to speak on the record.&nbsp;

Another new approach for prosecutors could include a practice known as case consolidation, which means a defendant&#8217;s distinct cases get combined, which can be prejudicial and hence make for easier convictions, according to an attorney in the public defender’s office not authorized to speak on the record.&nbsp;

An additional change could alter Boudin’s policy regarding sharing Brady lists—the names of officers whose documented lies disqualify them from testifying—within 48 hours of charging. In the past, such discovery would only come right before trial, according to a DA staffer who feared retaliation if named.

An additional change could alter Boudin’s policy regarding sharing Brady lists—the names of officers whose documented lies disqualify them from testifying—within 48 hours of charging. In the past, such discovery would only come right before trial, according to a DA staffer who feared retaliation if named.

<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="22694" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DocumentingTenderloin_JamesWyatt_SFS_51-2-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22694"/><figcaption>SFPD detain a man in the Tenderloin in San Francisco on April 14, 2021 | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>
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SFPD detain a man in the Tenderloin in San Francisco on April 14, 2021 | James Wyatt

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DocumentingTenderloin_JamesWyatt_SFS_51-2-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22694"/><figcaption>SFPD detain a man in the Tenderloin in San Francisco on April 14, 2021 | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DocumentingTenderloin_JamesWyatt_SFS_51-2-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22694"/><figcaption>SFPD detain a man in the Tenderloin in San Francisco on April 14, 2021 | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure></figure>

Cooperation with Police May Improve

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooperation-with-police-may-improve">Cooperation with Police May Improve</h2>

<h2 id="h-cooperation-with-police-may-improve">Cooperation with Police May Improve</h2>

Boudin’s relationship with the San Francisco Police Department has always been chilly, but it got bone cold in February. That’s because SFPD Chief Bill Scott walked away from a memorandum of understanding with the DA governing investigations into police shootings and other serious incidents.&nbsp;

Boudin’s relationship with the San Francisco Police Department has always been chilly, but it got bone cold in February. That’s because SFPD Chief Bill Scott walked away from a memorandum of understanding with the DA governing investigations into police shootings and other serious incidents.&nbsp;

The kerfuffle, which centers on an alleged failure to share information in a police misconduct case, has brought the two agencies to a level of dysfunction that will apparently culminate with a new DA.

The kerfuffle, which centers on an alleged failure to share information in a police misconduct case, has brought the two agencies to a level of dysfunction that will apparently culminate with a new DA.

Any new face heading the DA’s office would most likely improve relations with police.

Any new face heading the DA’s office would most likely improve relations with police.

Ultimately the choice remains a mystery.

Boudin recall: DA recall likely to slow criminal justice reforms and lead to office shakeup

Joshua Bote

Anthony Jancso noticed that San Franciscans—in the tech community and beyond—can&#8217;t help but opine on the city&#8217;s myriad challenges. So he decided to do something about it: organize a hackathon with the aim of using AI to solve the city&#8217;s problems.

Anthony Jancso noticed that San Franciscans—in the tech community and beyond—can't help but opine on the city's myriad challenges. So he decided to do something about it: organize a hackathon with the aim of using AI to solve the city's problems.

Anthony Jancso noticed that San Franciscans—in the tech community and beyond—can&#8217;t help but opine on the city&#8217;s myriad challenges. So he decided to do something about it: organize a hackathon with the aim of using AI to solve the city&#8217;s problems.

He’s part of the tech-focused nonprofit Accelerate SF, which is hosting <a href="https://www.acceleratesf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a two-day hackathon</a> the weekend of Nov. 4 with an unorthodox mission.&nbsp;

He’s part of the tech-focused nonprofit Accelerate SF, which is hosting <a href="https://www.acceleratesf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a two-day hackathon</a> the weekend of Nov. 4 with an unorthodox mission.&nbsp;

“The core mission here is to just build the technology that solves problems in San Francisco,” Jancso said.&nbsp;

“The core mission here is to just build the technology that solves problems in San Francisco,” Jancso said.&nbsp;

The event, which has buy-in from local politicians like state Sen. Scott Wiener and Supervisor Joel Engardio, is part of a growing trend of San Francisco-based AI experts and companies turning their attention to the problems of municipal government.

The event, which has buy-in from local politicians like state Sen. Scott Wiener and Supervisor Joel Engardio, is part of a growing trend of San Francisco-based AI experts and companies turning their attention to the problems of municipal government.

State Sen. Scott Wiener, center, rides a BART train in San Francisco on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INLINE02_BARTSafetyTour08222023_-0318.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-193958"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">State Sen. Scott Wiener, center, rides a BART train in San Francisco on Aug. 22.</figcaption></figure>

The city itself is already implementing AI and machine learning in some departments, even if <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/07/san-francisco-worlds-ai-capital-lags-in-use-rules/">policies around the use of generative AI</a>—technology that can create images, text and video—are still in the works.&nbsp;

World&#8217;s AI capital, San Francisco, slow to adopt AI

The city itself is already implementing AI and machine learning in some departments, even if <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/07/san-francisco-worlds-ai-capital-lags-in-use-rules/">policies around the use of generative AI</a>—technology that can create images, text and video—are still in the works.&nbsp;

The Assessor-Recorder&#8217;s Office, for instance, uses a machine-learning model to predict property values and identify properties in need of appraisal. The 311 mobile app also harnesses AI technology to guide users to the correct service request.

The Assessor-Recorder's Office, for instance, uses a machine-learning model to predict property values and identify properties in need of appraisal. The 311 mobile app also harnesses AI technology to guide users to the correct service request.

The Assessor-Recorder&#8217;s Office, for instance, uses a machine-learning model to predict property values and identify properties in need of appraisal. The 311 mobile app also harnesses AI technology to guide users to the correct service request.

But other cities are ahead of San Francisco when it comes to experimenting with artificial intelligence, and they are tapping companies just a hop-skip away from San Francisco City Hall like Hayden AI, Abnormal Security and Glass. Those startups are tackling tasks ranging from optimizing public transit to securing government data.

But other cities are ahead of San Francisco when it comes to experimenting with artificial intelligence, and they are tapping companies just a hop-skip away from San Francisco City Hall like Hayden AI, Abnormal Security and Glass. Those startups are tackling tasks ranging from optimizing public transit to securing government data.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-buses-better-with-ai">Making Buses Better With AI</h2>

Passengers wait for a MUNI bus on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco on Friday, April 1, 2022. San Francisco-based artificial intelligence startup Hayden AI has AI-equipped bus cameras for that can be installed into municipal vehicles like city buses to catch drivers who illegally park in bus only lanes which often cause delays and accidents.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/unnamed-file.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-212114"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Passengers wait for a Muni bus on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco on April 1, 2022. San Francisco-based artificial intelligence startup Hayden AI has AI-equipped cameras that can be installed on city buses to catch drivers who park in bus-only lanes.</figcaption></figure>

Hayden AI was inspired by CEO and co-founder Chris Carson’s experience riding a Muni bus. He noticed&nbsp;the driver was forced to manually record whenever a car stopped illegally in a bus zone. There had to be a better way, he thought.

Hayden AI was inspired by CEO and co-founder Chris Carson’s experience riding a Muni bus. He noticed&nbsp;the driver was forced to manually record whenever a car stopped illegally in a bus zone. There had to be a better way, he thought.

The San Francisco company has developed an AI-based camera technology for government-owned vehicles like buses to automatically catch scofflaws. In Philadelphia, a pilot involving seven bus lines highlighted 36,392 violations over a 70-day period, potentially totaling millions of dollars in fines. (The city did not ticket any offenders during the pilot.)&nbsp;

The San Francisco company has developed an AI-based camera technology for government-owned vehicles like buses to automatically catch scofflaws. In Philadelphia, a pilot involving seven bus lines highlighted 36,392 violations over a 70-day period, potentially totaling millions of dollars in fines. (The city did not ticket any offenders during the pilot.)&nbsp;

But there is a possibility that the technology could be adopted more broadly across bus lines for Philadelphia’s transit agency, called SEPTA. The city recently passed a bill permitting the use of automated cameras to enforce violations on bus-only lanes, using data from the pilot as evidence of the need.&nbsp;

But there is a possibility that the technology could be adopted more broadly across bus lines for Philadelphia’s transit agency, called SEPTA. The city recently passed a bill permitting the use of automated cameras to enforce violations on bus-only lanes, using data from the pilot as evidence of the need.&nbsp;

“Although 19% of vehicles were [caught], repeat offenders constituted 77% of violations, so we have some power users, you might say,” said Matt Zapson, a planner for SEPTA. The study found more than 10,000 bus riders were negatively affected by the blocked lanes, which delay buses and distract drivers.&nbsp;

“Although 19% of vehicles were [caught], repeat offenders constituted 77% of violations, so we have some power users, you might say,” said Matt Zapson, a planner for SEPTA. The study found more than 10,000 bus riders were negatively affected by the blocked lanes, which delay buses and distract drivers.&nbsp;

Jenna Fortunati, Hayden AI’s communications manager, said the company is not currently in conversations to upgrade San Francisco’s manual system—which it has had in place since 2014—but hopes to eventually work with the city.

Jenna Fortunati, Hayden AI’s communications manager, said the company is not currently in conversations to upgrade San Francisco’s manual system—which it has had in place since 2014—but hopes to eventually work with the city.

Hayden AI has proposals to incorporate its computer vision-embedded cameras into other municipal vehicles like street sweepers, to automatically ticket vehicles blocking their routes.&nbsp;

Hayden AI has proposals to incorporate its computer vision-embedded cameras into other municipal vehicles like street sweepers, to automatically ticket vehicles blocking their routes.&nbsp;

Cameras installed on buses could be used to also detect parking violations in bike lanes, a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/16/san-francisco-bike-lanes-illegal-parking/">long-standing problem in San Francisco</a>, Fortunati added.&nbsp;

San Francisco rarely enforces illegal parking in bike lanes. Why?

Cameras installed on buses could be used to also detect parking violations in bike lanes, a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/16/san-francisco-bike-lanes-illegal-parking/">long-standing problem in San Francisco</a>, Fortunati added.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sounding-the-alarm">Sounding the Alarm</h2>

Local governments are often low-hanging fruit for hackers with sprawling systems and limited IT budgets.&nbsp; This year, for example, the City of Oakland suffered a ransomware attack that led to a trove of private information being released onto the dark web.

Local governments are often low-hanging fruit for hackers with sprawling systems and limited IT budgets.&nbsp; This year, for example, the City of Oakland suffered a ransomware attack that led to a trove of private information being released onto the dark web.

San Francisco-based Abnormal Security uses AI to keep tabs on employee computer use for anomalous behavior—signs that a hacker has penetrated the system. The technology compiles a baseline of a user’s behavior in email, Slack and other workplace apps—and sounds an alarm whenever it notices something is off. The organization can then block access or force login changes, among other security measures.&nbsp;

San Francisco-based Abnormal Security uses AI to keep tabs on employee computer use for anomalous behavior—signs that a hacker has penetrated the system. The technology compiles a baseline of a user’s behavior in email, Slack and other workplace apps—and sounds an alarm whenever it notices something is off. The organization can then block access or force login changes, among other security measures.&nbsp;

Tas Jalali, head of cybersecurity at East Bay transportation agency AC Transit, said using Abnormal’s technology, his team was rapidly able to block account takeover attacks and phishing efforts. Outside of that more active role, Jalali said the software can filter through spam and “graymail” that can gum up employee inboxes, saving at least 120 employee hours a month.

Tas Jalali, head of cybersecurity at East Bay transportation agency AC Transit, said using Abnormal’s technology, his team was rapidly able to block account takeover attacks and phishing efforts. Outside of that more active role, Jalali said the software can filter through spam and “graymail” that can gum up employee inboxes, saving at least 120 employee hours a month.

The challenge of introducing its product to local government agencies boils down to the company’s software playing nicely with existing requirements and systems. For instance, AC Transit uses Microsoft’s email software—a common corporate standby. But some government agencies use antiquated email software that is incompatible with Abnormal’s technology.&nbsp;

The challenge of introducing its product to local government agencies boils down to the company’s software playing nicely with existing requirements and systems. For instance, AC Transit uses Microsoft’s email software—a common corporate standby. But some government agencies use antiquated email software that is incompatible with Abnormal’s technology.&nbsp;

The price of doing nothing is growing. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million, a 15% increase since 2020.&nbsp;

The price of doing nothing is growing. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million, a 15% increase since 2020.&nbsp;

“There&#8217;s a tremendous amount of potential damage that can be done when educational institutions or health care institutions that are affiliated with the city are hacked,” said Dan Shiebler, the head of machine learning at Abnormal Security. “Defending against that often means incorporating artificial intelligence.”

“There's a tremendous amount of potential damage that can be done when educational institutions or health care institutions that are affiliated with the city are hacked,” said Dan Shiebler, the head of machine learning at Abnormal Security. “Defending against that often means incorporating artificial intelligence.”

“There&#8217;s a tremendous amount of potential damage that can be done when educational institutions or health care institutions that are affiliated with the city are hacked,” said Dan Shiebler, the head of machine learning at Abnormal Security. “Defending against that often means incorporating artificial intelligence.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-e-commerce-to-city-hall">Bringing E-commerce to City Hall</h2>

Glass, another San Francisco startup, makes optimized e-commerce marketplaces for local governments and has partnered with the likes of Seattle, Long Beach and, most recently, Santa Monica. The City of San Francisco has not joined the e-commerce marketplace as of yet.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/INLINED5_SanFranciscoAI10052023.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-212116"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Glass, another San Francisco startup, makes optimized e-commerce marketplaces for local governments and has partnered with the likes of Seattle, Long Beach and, most recently, Santa Monica. </figcaption></figure>

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