Michael Barba

Mayor London Breed dove head first into some of the biggest debates over policing Tuesday when she seized on the perception that San Francisco is becoming less safe to call for more police and more police surveillance.

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Mayor London Breed dove head first into some of the biggest debates over policing Tuesday when she seized on the perception that San Francisco is becoming less safe to call for more police and more police surveillance.

During a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-announces-crackdown-on-tenderloin-crime-in-fiery-press-conference/">press conference</a> at City Hall, the mayor announced a series of crime-fighting initiatives that included more overtime funding for police to crack down on drug dealing in the Tenderloin and giving police live access to public security cameras during emergencies.

During a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-announces-crackdown-on-tenderloin-crime-in-fiery-press-conference/">press conference</a> at City Hall, the mayor announced a series of crime-fighting initiatives that included more overtime funding for police to crack down on drug dealing in the Tenderloin and giving police live access to public security cameras during emergencies.

While Breed acknowledged that her proposals would make people uncomfortable, the mayor said that she didn’t care. Spurred by viral videos of thieves breaking into cars and ransacking stores in Union Square, Breed said it was time to turn the tide on a public safety problem that has persisted in San Francisco for years and has only gotten worse.

While Breed acknowledged that her proposals would make people uncomfortable, the mayor said that she didn’t care. Spurred by viral videos of thieves breaking into cars and ransacking stores in Union Square, Breed said it was time to turn the tide on a public safety problem that has persisted in San Francisco for years and has only gotten worse.

“I know that San Francisco is a compassionate city,” said Breed, flanked by Police Chief Bill Scott and other city officials. “But we are not a city where anything goes. Our compassion should not be mistaken for weakness or indifference.”

“I know that San Francisco is a compassionate city,” said Breed, flanked by Police Chief Bill Scott and other city officials. “But we are not a city where anything goes. Our compassion should not be mistaken for weakness or indifference.”

The mayor came forward with her proposals as San Francisco and its viral videos continue to be paraded around conservative media as a national laughing stock and an example of the pitfalls of liberalism. While the concerns of an ever-increasing threat to public safety are largely <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceCommission/Commission%20Crime%20Trends%20Notes%2012.08.21.pdf">not borne out</a> by police data, there is a growing sense that crime is out of control in the city. And much of the blame is being pinned on progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin, who faces a recall election next year.

The mayor came forward with her proposals as San Francisco and its viral videos continue to be paraded around conservative media as a national laughing stock and an example of the pitfalls of liberalism. While the concerns of an ever-increasing threat to public safety are largely <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceCommission/Commission%20Crime%20Trends%20Notes%2012.08.21.pdf">not borne out</a> by police data, there is a growing sense that crime is out of control in the city. And much of the blame is being pinned on progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin, who faces a recall election next year.

Breed’s proposal to increase police funding stands in contrast to the demands of protesters who just a year ago called for slashing police budgets in response to the police killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. While the mayor supported calls to redirect police funding to the Black community, she now wants more police on the street.

Breed’s proposal to increase police funding stands in contrast to the demands of protesters who just a year ago called for slashing police budgets in response to the police killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. While the mayor supported calls to redirect police funding to the Black community, she now wants more police on the street.

Her proposal to change local law so that police can monitor surveillance cameras live in real time is also being viewed with scrutiny in light of an ongoing lawsuit filed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the ACLU. The lawsuit alleges that police violated a law preventing police from using new surveillance technologies when they gained live access to Union Square cameras to monitor looting during the summer 2020 protests.

Her proposal to change local law so that police can monitor surveillance cameras live in real time is also being viewed with scrutiny in light of an ongoing lawsuit filed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the ACLU. The lawsuit alleges that police violated a law preventing police from using new surveillance technologies when they gained live access to Union Square cameras to monitor looting during the summer 2020 protests.

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Brian Hofer, an Oakland-based privacy advocate who helped co-author the law, compared the response by Breed on Tuesday to Japanese Americans being put in internment camps after Pearl Harbor and the Patriot Act’s enactment after 9/11.

Brian Hofer, an Oakland-based privacy advocate who helped co-author the law, compared the response by Breed on Tuesday to Japanese Americans being put in internment camps after Pearl Harbor and the Patriot Act’s enactment after 9/11.

“We have these knee-jerk reactions in times of crisis and it ends up destroying your civil liberties,” said Hofer, the executive director of Secure Justice. “It always goes the wrong way toward a greater surveillance state, toward less due process, less civil liberties.”

“We have these knee-jerk reactions in times of crisis and it ends up destroying your civil liberties,” said Hofer, the executive director of Secure Justice. “It always goes the wrong way toward a greater surveillance state, toward less due process, less civil liberties.”

John Hamasaki, a criminal defense attorney and member of San Francisco’s Police Commission, called the proposals a “backlash to Black Lives Matter” and an example of the “police union seizing power.” He said he does not support officers gaining live access to cameras and questioned the efficacy of putting more police on the street.

John Hamasaki, a criminal defense attorney and member of San Francisco’s Police Commission, called the proposals a “backlash to Black Lives Matter” and an example of the “police union seizing power.” He said he does not support officers gaining live access to cameras and questioned the efficacy of putting more police on the street.

“We have been arresting and incarcerating dealers both at the state and the federal level,” he said. “And it hasn’t changed the circumstances on the ground in the Tenderloin.”

“We have been arresting and incarcerating dealers both at the state and the federal level,” he said. “And it hasn’t changed the circumstances on the ground in the Tenderloin.”

In addition to holding a press conference, Breed offered more details about her proposals in <a href="https://londonbreed.medium.com/a-safer-san-francisco-eb40d9d502e4">a Medium post</a>.

In addition to holding a press conference, Breed offered more details about her proposals in <a href="https://londonbreed.medium.com/a-safer-san-francisco-eb40d9d502e4">a Medium post</a>.

She plans to introduce a budget supplement in January to help the Police Department pay for overtime through the rest of the fiscal year. It’s part of a larger, multi-agency plan to address problems in the Tenderloin that includes not only a police response but social workers and clinicians offering wrap-around services to those in need.

She plans to introduce a budget supplement in January to help the Police Department pay for overtime through the rest of the fiscal year. It’s part of a larger, multi-agency plan to address problems in the Tenderloin that includes not only a police response but social workers and clinicians offering wrap-around services to those in need.

As for the surveillance proposal, Breed said it was “ridiculous” that police could not watch live feeds from surveillance cameras in Union Square when dozens of thieves ransacked stores last month in Union Square. She was referencing the 2019 ordinance from Supervisor Aaron Peskin at the center of the lawsuit from the EFF and ACLU.

As for the surveillance proposal, Breed said it was “ridiculous” that police could not watch live feeds from surveillance cameras in Union Square when dozens of thieves ransacked stores last month in Union Square. She was referencing the 2019 ordinance from Supervisor Aaron Peskin at the center of the lawsuit from the EFF and ACLU.

“There is a balance to be had,” Breed told reporters. “But right now if our officers cannot use cameras during a mass looting event, then that policy is out of balance.”

“There is a balance to be had,” Breed told reporters. “But right now if our officers cannot use cameras during a mass looting event, then that policy is out of balance.”

But Hofer, who co-authored the legislation, accused Breed of misleading the public with her statements about the ordinance. Hofer said that under current law, police can already use live surveillance if there is an imminent threat to life or serious injury, so long as they later notify the Board of Supervisors.

But Hofer, who co-authored the legislation, accused Breed of misleading the public with her statements about the ordinance. Hofer said that under current law, police can already use live surveillance if there is an imminent threat to life or serious injury, so long as they later notify the Board of Supervisors.

Also, police could be allowed to live monitor surveillance cameras if they submit a plan for its use to the Board of Supervisors for approval. However, Hofer said the department has not produced any such proposals.

Also, police could be allowed to live monitor surveillance cameras if they submit a plan for its use to the Board of Supervisors for approval. However, Hofer said the department has not produced any such proposals.

In a statement, Supervisor Peskin agreed.

In a statement, Supervisor Peskin agreed.

“The Mayor must be misinformed or hasn’t bothered reading the law that she’s trying to amend,” Peskin said.

“The Mayor must be misinformed or hasn’t bothered reading the law that she’s trying to amend,” Peskin said.

Breed backs more cops, more surveillance as public safety concerns swamp City Hall

Annie Gaus

San Francisco’s inability to agree on housing policy is nothing new. But with a state mandate looming, the city’s parochial squabbles over new housing development may do more than just frustrate pro-housing activists. They could also land the city in legal trouble.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s inability to agree on housing policy is nothing new. But with a state mandate looming, the city’s parochial squabbles over new housing development may do more than just frustrate pro-housing activists. They could also land the city in legal trouble.&nbsp;

That’s according to State Sen. Scott Wiener, who called the Board of Supervisors’ recent actions on housing policy “frustrating.” In June, the board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/fourplex-bill-passes-but-it-wont-create-much-more-housing/">passed a fourplex bill </a>so laden with caveats that Mayor London Breed vetoed it on grounds that it could actually hurt, not help housing development. Last week, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/hed-controversial-housing-amendment-heads-to-ballot-lawsuit-likely/">board voted</a> to send a charter amendment to the ballot that Wiener described as a “Trojan horse”—designed to confuse voters and sabotage another, more viable plan to build housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That’s according to State Sen. Scott Wiener, who called the Board of Supervisors’ recent actions on housing policy “frustrating.” In June, the board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/fourplex-bill-passes-but-it-wont-create-much-more-housing/">passed a fourplex bill </a>so laden with caveats that Mayor London Breed vetoed it on grounds that it could actually hurt, not help housing development. Last week, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/hed-controversial-housing-amendment-heads-to-ballot-lawsuit-likely/">board voted</a> to send a charter amendment to the ballot that Wiener described as a “Trojan horse”—designed to confuse voters and sabotage another, more viable plan to build housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“San Francisco&#8217;s entire housing system is rotten to the core,” Wiener said in an interview. “It needs to be dramatically changed to prioritize the creation of new housing, which is what state law requires.”

“San Francisco's entire housing system is rotten to the core,” Wiener said in an interview. “It needs to be dramatically changed to prioritize the creation of new housing, which is what state law requires.”

“San Francisco&#8217;s entire housing system is rotten to the core,” Wiener said in an interview. “It needs to be dramatically changed to prioritize the creation of new housing, which is what state law requires.”

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SFS_G_W_ROTTENCORE-1.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption>State Senator Scott Wiener discusses San Francisco’s housing policies in comparison to California state law on July 29, 2022 | The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Wiener, who has authored influential state housing bills like Senate Bill 9, which effectively ended single-family zoning statewide, told The Standard that San Francisco had skirted state housing laws for years by “ignoring” the state’s density bonus law, among other rules, and by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/supervisors-under-fire-vote-against-proposed-soma-apartment-building-sparks-furor-may-violate-state-law/">blocking projects like 469 Stevenson</a> on spurious grounds.&nbsp;

Wiener, who has authored influential state housing bills like Senate Bill 9, which effectively ended single-family zoning statewide, told The Standard that San Francisco had skirted state housing laws for years by “ignoring” the state’s density bonus law, among other rules, and by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/supervisors-under-fire-vote-against-proposed-soma-apartment-building-sparks-furor-may-violate-state-law/">blocking projects like 469 Stevenson</a> on spurious grounds.&nbsp;

“My view is that the state should sue San Francisco to enforce the housing model,” Wiener said.&nbsp;

“My view is that the state should sue San Francisco to enforce the housing model,” Wiener said.&nbsp;

Indeed, state housing regulators have been showing more teeth in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/housing-shell-game-supes-latest-actions-set-to-slow-new-housing-as-state-mandate-looms/">run-up to the Housing Element,</a> a draft housing plan that San Francisco and other counties must produce every eight years. San Francisco needs to submit a compliant plan to build about 82,000 new units—a sharp increase over the current pace of housing production—by the beginning of next year.

Indeed, state housing regulators have been showing more teeth in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/housing-shell-game-supes-latest-actions-set-to-slow-new-housing-as-state-mandate-looms/">run-up to the Housing Element,</a> a draft housing plan that San Francisco and other counties must produce every eight years. San Francisco needs to submit a compliant plan to build about 82,000 new units—a sharp increase over the current pace of housing production—by the beginning of next year.

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SFS_G_W_ILLEGAL.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption>Senator Wiener discusses the possibility of California suing San Francisco over alleged disregard for housing requirements on July 29, 2022 | The Standard</figcaption></figure>

In November, the state Department of Housing and Community Development <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/state-housing-officials-slam-san-francisco-over-housing-delays/">wrote a letter </a>slamming the Board of Supervisors’s decision to delay more than 800 new units of housing, including those at the Stevenson site. The same agency <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-07/SF-Statement-072122.pdf">publicly applauded</a> Mayor London Breed’s veto of the board’s fourplex bill last week, a move Wiener called “extraordinary.”&nbsp;

In November, the state Department of Housing and Community Development <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/state-housing-officials-slam-san-francisco-over-housing-delays/">wrote a letter </a>slamming the Board of Supervisors’s decision to delay more than 800 new units of housing, including those at the Stevenson site. The same agency <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-07/SF-Statement-072122.pdf">publicly applauded</a> Mayor London Breed’s veto of the board’s fourplex bill last week, a move Wiener called “extraordinary.”&nbsp;

Tougher talk from that state authority, combined with a <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/about/newsroom/docs/hau.press.release.pdf">beefed-up enforcement arm</a>, could set the stage for lawsuits either by the state or by individual developers whose projects are unduly delayed.&nbsp;

Tougher talk from that state authority, combined with a <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/about/newsroom/docs/hau.press.release.pdf">beefed-up enforcement arm</a>, could set the stage for lawsuits either by the state or by individual developers whose projects are unduly delayed.&nbsp;

“The attorneys general can sue the city on specific projects or on the entire system, and that has happened before,” explained Wiener. “The other thing that can happen is a developer can sue the city for illegally rejecting a project and the state can intervene [and] support the lawsuit.”

“The attorneys general can sue the city on specific projects or on the entire system, and that has happened before,” explained Wiener. “The other thing that can happen is a developer can sue the city for illegally rejecting a project and the state can intervene [and] support the lawsuit.”

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SFS_G_W_ENFORCEMENT.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption>Senator Wiener compares San Francisco's housing efforts to Los Angeles, and discusses how the state laws can be legally enforced on July 29, 2022 | The Standard </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SFS_G_W_ENFORCEMENT.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption>Senator Wiener compares San Francisco&#8217;s housing efforts to Los Angeles, and discusses how the state laws can be legally enforced on July 29, 2022 | The Standard </figcaption></figure>

In the meantime, there’s still no consensus at the Board of Supervisors on how to build a meaningful amount of new housing in the city.&nbsp;

In the meantime, there’s still no consensus at the Board of Supervisors on how to build a meaningful amount of new housing in the city.&nbsp;

With one fourplex bill dead, the board may consider an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/with-one-fourplex-bill-dead-another-rises-from-the-ashes/">alternative proposal,</a> authored by Supervisor Ahsha Safai, that was previously tabled. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who authored the vetoed fourplex bill, may also reintroduce another version later this year.&nbsp;

With one fourplex bill dead, the board may consider an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/with-one-fourplex-bill-dead-another-rises-from-the-ashes/">alternative proposal,</a> authored by Supervisor Ahsha Safai, that was previously tabled. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who authored the vetoed fourplex bill, may also reintroduce another version later this year.&nbsp;

Two other ballot measures related to housing production are slated for the November 8 ballot. One, backed by Mayor London Breed and pro-housing advocates, seeks to streamline housing projects that meet a certain threshold of affordability. The other, introduced by Supervisor Connie Chan, describes similar goals but tacks on additional requirements; pro-housing group Housing Action Coalition has threatened to<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/housing-fight-could-wind-up-in-court-with-advocates-planning-to-sue-over-ballot-measure/"> sue to block the measure</a>.&nbsp;

Two other ballot measures related to housing production are slated for the November 8 ballot. One, backed by Mayor London Breed and pro-housing advocates, seeks to streamline housing projects that meet a certain threshold of affordability. The other, introduced by Supervisor Connie Chan, describes similar goals but tacks on additional requirements; pro-housing group Housing Action Coalition has threatened to<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/housing-fight-could-wind-up-in-court-with-advocates-planning-to-sue-over-ballot-measure/"> sue to block the measure</a>.&nbsp;

‘Rotten to the core’: San Francisco could get sued over housing gridlock, says legislator

Garrett Leahy

The Cow Palace—a <a href="https://www.grandnationalrodeo.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longtime home for rodeos</a>, livestock expos and even <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/cow-palace-board-of-directors-votes-to-ban-gun-shows-in-daly-city/193296/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">controversial gun shows</a>—is now being considered for a whole new purpose: an RV and tiny home village for unsheltered people in San Francisco.

The Cow Palace—a <a href="https://www.grandnationalrodeo.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longtime home for rodeos</a>, livestock expos and even <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/cow-palace-board-of-directors-votes-to-ban-gun-shows-in-daly-city/193296/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">controversial gun shows</a>—is now being considered for a whole new purpose: an RV and tiny home village for unsheltered people in San Francisco.

Supervisor Joel Engardio, who represents the Sunset District, pitched the idea in a <a href="https://engardio.com/blog/sunset-tent" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 4 blog post</a>, saying&nbsp;he wants to convert untapped parking space at the Cow Palace into a place to provide “shelter, sanitation, and behavioral health services.” The proposal—which originated with Sup. Ahsha Safaí, whose district includes San Francisco&#8217;s portion of the Cow Palace parking lot—comes as San Francisco is fighting a court order that bars the city from clearing street encampments as long as the number of unhoused people exceeds the number of available shelter beds.

Supervisor Joel Engardio, who represents the Sunset District, pitched the idea in a <a href="https://engardio.com/blog/sunset-tent" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 4 blog post</a>, saying&nbsp;he wants to convert untapped parking space at the Cow Palace into a place to provide “shelter, sanitation, and behavioral health services.” The proposal—which originated with Sup. Ahsha Safaí, whose district includes San Francisco's portion of the Cow Palace parking lot—comes as San Francisco is fighting a court order that bars the city from clearing street encampments as long as the number of unhoused people exceeds the number of available shelter beds.

Supervisor Joel Engardio, who represents the Sunset District, pitched the idea in a <a href="https://engardio.com/blog/sunset-tent" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 4 blog post</a>, saying&nbsp;he wants to convert untapped parking space at the Cow Palace into a place to provide “shelter, sanitation, and behavioral health services.” The proposal—which originated with Sup. Ahsha Safaí, whose district includes San Francisco&#8217;s portion of the Cow Palace parking lot—comes as San Francisco is fighting a court order that bars the city from clearing street encampments as long as the number of unhoused people exceeds the number of available shelter beds.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/court-order-blocking-homeless-sweeps-leaves-residents-city-workers-in-ambiguity/">Court Order Blocking Homeless Sweeps Leaves Residents, City Workers in Ambiguity</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/court-order-blocking-homeless-sweeps-leaves-residents-city-workers-in-ambiguity/">Court Order Blocking Homeless Sweeps Leaves Residents, City Workers in Ambiguity</a>

A Department of Public Works employee prepares to bulldoze an unoccupied tent during an encampment clearing on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 in the Mission District in San Francisco. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3794-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153861"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Department of Public Works employee prepares to bulldoze an unoccupied tent during an encampment clearing on April 25, 2023, in San Francisco&#8217;s Mission District. | David Sjostedt/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3794-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153861"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Department of Public Works employee prepares to bulldoze an unoccupied tent during an encampment clearing on April 25, 2023, in San Francisco's Mission District. | David Sjostedt/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3794-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153861"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Department of Public Works employee prepares to bulldoze an unoccupied tent during an encampment clearing on April 25, 2023, in San Francisco&#8217;s Mission District. | David Sjostedt/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“We can’t afford to wait,” Engardio told The Standard in an email. “Let’s take bold action and create the shelter we need for several thousand homeless people and make the injunction moot.”

“We can’t afford to wait,” Engardio told The Standard in an email. “Let’s take bold action and create the shelter we need for several thousand homeless people and make the injunction moot.”

San Francisco’s intractable homelessness crisis has dialed up the pressure on the city to build more housing. Under a state mandate, the city needs to build 82,000 new homes by 2031.&nbsp;Engardio’s proposal would be the latest installment of RV parking and tiny homes projects in San Francisco aimed at stemming the housing crisis.

San Francisco’s intractable homelessness crisis has dialed up the pressure on the city to build more housing. Under a state mandate, the city needs to build 82,000 new homes by 2031.&nbsp;Engardio’s proposal would be the latest installment of RV parking and tiny homes projects in San Francisco aimed at stemming the housing crisis.

However, details around the housing proposal are murky and a supervisor representing Daly City had criticized Engardio for spitballing the idea in his blog before reaching out to neighboring officials in San Mateo County. He noted that such a project would require state funding and collaboration across several agencies.&nbsp;

However, details around the housing proposal are murky and a supervisor representing Daly City had criticized Engardio for spitballing the idea in his blog before reaching out to neighboring officials in San Mateo County. He noted that such a project would require state funding and collaboration across several agencies.&nbsp;

“It’s convenient to be a District 4 supervisor and then ship [homeless people] to Daly City,” Canepa said in a phone interview. “It’s not collaborative.”

“It’s convenient to be a District 4 supervisor and then ship [homeless people] to Daly City,” Canepa said in a phone interview. “It’s not collaborative.”

Engardio later reached out to him to discuss the proposal further, Canepa confirmed to The Standard.

Engardio later reached out to him to discuss the proposal further, Canepa confirmed to The Standard.

District 4 Supervisor candidate Joel Engardio speaks to a crowd at his Election Night party at Noriega Teriyaki House on Nov. 8, 2022. Engardio is running against incumbent Gordon Mar. | Chris Victorio for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionNight-engardio2-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-94289"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Joel Engardio speaks to a crowd at his election night party at Noriega Teriyaki House on Nov. 8, 2022. | Chris Victorio for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Engardio said his idea for the Cow Palace is still preliminary, but he plans to work with fellow Safaí to bring state officials into the fold. Other key players would include the Cow Palace’s board of directors and officials in San Mateo County, as the majority of the venue’s 15-acre parking lot sits on the other side of the county border.

Engardio said his idea for the Cow Palace is still preliminary, but he plans to work with fellow Safaí to bring state officials into the fold. Other key players would include the Cow Palace’s board of directors and officials in San Mateo County, as the majority of the venue’s 15-acre parking lot sits on the other side of the county border.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-28-at-4.21.16-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-176782"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A map shows how the Cow Palace resides directly on the border of San Francisco and Daly City. | Data SF</figcaption></figure>

However, he added that he was “more than willing” to meet with Engardio to explore putting housing at the Cow Palace.

However, he added that he was “more than willing” to meet with Engardio to explore putting housing at the Cow Palace.

Allison Keaney, CEO of the Cow Palace, said she had not been approached about any proposal of tiny homes or RV parking at the venue and declined to discuss whether a new housing village was viable. But this isn’t the first time the Cow Palace has been pitched for housing.

Allison Keaney, CEO of the Cow Palace, said she had not been approached about any proposal of tiny homes or RV parking at the venue and declined to discuss whether a new housing village was viable. But this isn’t the first time the Cow Palace has been pitched for housing.

“There have been discussions around the development and the shift of property,” Keaney said.

“There have been discussions around the development and the shift of property,” Keaney said.

San Francisco’s City Attorney’s Office, which is appealing the court order barring the clearing of homeless encampments, declined to comment on the feasibility of RV parking or tiny homes at Cow Palace.

San Francisco’s City Attorney’s Office, which is appealing the court order barring the clearing of homeless encampments, declined to comment on the feasibility of RV parking or tiny homes at Cow Palace.

Tiny homes projects have sprung up around San Francisco in recent years, and they’re intended to serve as temporary residences where formerly unhoused people can live as they obtain employment—and, in some cases, deal with substance abuse issues—before moving into permanent housing.

Tiny homes projects have sprung up around San Francisco in recent years, and they’re intended to serve as temporary residences where formerly unhoused people can live as they obtain employment—and, in some cases, deal with substance abuse issues—before moving into permanent housing.

Carpentry students build a tiny home for a design competition at Laney College in Oakland on June 28, 2016. | Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/FEATURED_TinyHomes02222023-2500x1682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-129194"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Carpentry students build a tiny home for a design competition at Laney College in Oakland on June 28, 2016. | Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

However, tiny homes can be costly to build in San Francisco and frequently face opposition from neighboring residents.

However, tiny homes can be costly to build in San Francisco and frequently face opposition from neighboring residents.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/building-tiny-homes-a-gigantic-task-in-broken-san-francisco/">Building Tiny Homes a Gigantic Task in Broken San Francisco</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/building-tiny-homes-a-gigantic-task-in-broken-san-francisco/">Building Tiny Homes a Gigantic Task in Broken San Francisco</a>

Safaí, whose district is next to Cow Palace, said he spoke with Engardio about the plan and supports it, along with expanding tiny homes across the city.

Safaí, whose district is next to Cow Palace, said he spoke with Engardio about the plan and supports it, along with expanding tiny homes across the city.

“We should be spreading these across San Francisco,&#8221; Safaí said in a phone interview. &#8220;They have been a great success.”

“We should be spreading these across San Francisco," Safaí said in a phone interview. "They have been a great success.”

“We should be spreading these across San Francisco,&#8221; Safaí said in a phone interview. &#8220;They have been a great success.”

Officials for the city’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing said they broadly support RV parking and tiny homes projects, and Mayor London Breed’s proposed budget would fund an existing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/bayview-vehicle-triage-center-exposes-the-challenge-of-alternative-shelter-approaches/">Vehicle Triage Center at Candlestick Point</a> to create roughly 600 new shelter beds.

Officials for the city’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing said they broadly support RV parking and tiny homes projects, and Mayor London Breed’s proposed budget would fund an existing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/bayview-vehicle-triage-center-exposes-the-challenge-of-alternative-shelter-approaches/">Vehicle Triage Center at Candlestick Point</a> to create roughly 600 new shelter beds.

RVs parked at the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center in San Francisco, Calif on Feb. 9, 2023. (Joe Dworetzky/Local News Matters)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BCN-20230420-MANYON-07-2500x1875.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-158053"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">RVs are parked at the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center in San Francisco on Feb. 9, 2023. | Joe Dworetzky/Local News Matters</figcaption></figure>

Cow Palace opened in 1941, but its roots date back to 1915, when business leaders observed the popularity of the livestock exposition at the Pan-Pacific International Exposition that year. They resolved to build a permanent structure for such events, according to the <a href="https://www.cowpalace.com/p/about-us/history#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20more%20memorable,Palace%20include%20the%20Ringling%20Bros.">Cow Palace’s website</a>.

Cow Palace opened in 1941, but its roots date back to 1915, when business leaders observed the popularity of the livestock exposition at the Pan-Pacific International Exposition that year. They resolved to build a permanent structure for such events, according to the <a href="https://www.cowpalace.com/p/about-us/history#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20more%20memorable,Palace%20include%20the%20Ringling%20Bros.">Cow Palace’s website</a>.

In 2019, state Sen. Scott Wiener introduced Senate Bill 281, which would have <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2019/04/24/housing-cow-palace-scott-wiener.html">transferred authority over Cow Palace</a> from the California Department of Food and Agriculture Division of Fairs and Expositions to a joint powers authority consisting of San Francisco, Daly City and San Mateo County. This regional group would have been charged with redeveloping the site into housing and commercial space, but the bill ultimately died.

In 2019, state Sen. Scott Wiener introduced Senate Bill 281, which would have <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2019/04/24/housing-cow-palace-scott-wiener.html">transferred authority over Cow Palace</a> from the California Department of Food and Agriculture Division of Fairs and Expositions to a joint powers authority consisting of San Francisco, Daly City and San Mateo County. This regional group would have been charged with redeveloping the site into housing and commercial space, but the bill ultimately died.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also <a href="https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/san-quentin-cow-palace-l-a-coliseum-would-go-on-market-under-plan-to-hel/">tried to sell the Cow Palace in 2009</a> along with other state-owned properties, including San Quentin State Penitentiary and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, to raise money for the cash-strapped state during the recession, but the proposal never went through.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also <a href="https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/san-quentin-cow-palace-l-a-coliseum-would-go-on-market-under-plan-to-hel/">tried to sell the Cow Palace in 2009</a> along with other state-owned properties, including San Quentin State Penitentiary and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, to raise money for the cash-strapped state during the recession, but the proposal never went through.

Despite being in the early stages, Engardio remains hopeful about reinventing the space surrounding the Cow Palace.

Despite being in the early stages, Engardio remains hopeful about reinventing the space surrounding the Cow Palace.

“This is an idea that will require a lot of negotiation, and it&#8217;s just the start of an idea,” Engardio said. “But it&#8217;s worth trying.”

“This is an idea that will require a lot of negotiation, and it's just the start of an idea,” Engardio said. “But it's worth trying.”

“This is an idea that will require a lot of negotiation, and it&#8217;s just the start of an idea,” Engardio said. “But it&#8217;s worth trying.”

This post has been updated to reflect that the idea for housing at the Cow Palace originated with Sup. Ahsha Safaí, and includes additional comment from San Mateo County supervisor David Canepa.

This post has been updated to reflect that the idea for housing at the Cow Palace originated with Sup. Ahsha Safaí, and includes additional comment from San Mateo County supervisor David Canepa.

A homeless shelter at the Cow Palace? San Francisco supervisor floats plan

Mike Ege

On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors faces a debate over a law that bans doing business with companies from a majority of U.S. states and will once again attempt to hold a major nonprofit&#8217;s feet to the fire for blocking collective bargaining.

On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors faces a debate over a law that bans doing business with companies from a majority of U.S. states and will once again attempt to hold a major nonprofit's feet to the fire for blocking collective bargaining.

On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors faces a debate over a law that bans doing business with companies from a majority of U.S. states and will once again attempt to hold a major nonprofit&#8217;s feet to the fire for blocking collective bargaining.

They will also reexamine governance for a long-troubled affordable housing community and receive a homework assignment.&nbsp;

They will also reexamine governance for a long-troubled affordable housing community and receive a homework assignment.&nbsp;

As always, wonks can seek out the rest in this week’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag042523_agenda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agenda</a>.&nbsp;

As always, wonks can seek out the rest in this week’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag042523_agenda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agenda</a>.&nbsp;

Debate Over the City’s &#8216;No-Fly Law&#8217;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debate-over-the-city-s-no-fly-law">Debate Over the City’s &#8216;No-Fly Law&#8217;</h2>

core/heading

<h2 id="h-debate-over-the-city-s-no-fly-law">Debate Over the City’s 'No-Fly Law'</h2>

<h2 id="h-debate-over-the-city-s-no-fly-law">Debate Over the City’s &#8216;No-Fly Law&#8217;</h2>

If supervisors accept a modular bathroom donation, a new public restroom could be installed at the Noe Valley Town Square. | Maryann Jones Thompson/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/noe-valley-farmers-market-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58672"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisors recently accepted a modular bathroom donation so a new public restroom could be installed at the Noe Valley Town Square. The donation was from a company based in Nevada and required a waiver of city law to accept. | Maryann Jones Thompson/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Section 12X of the city’s Administrative Code prohibits city government entities from doing business with companies based in states with laws that discriminate against LGBTQ+ persons, restrict access to abortion or make it difficult to vote.&nbsp;

Section 12X of the city’s Administrative Code prohibits city government entities from doing business with companies based in states with laws that discriminate against LGBTQ+ persons, restrict access to abortion or make it difficult to vote.&nbsp;

After successfully co-sponsoring a bill to exempt public works contracts from 12X, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has been working to pass a general repeal of the law.&nbsp;

After successfully co-sponsoring a bill to exempt public works contracts from 12X, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has been working to pass a general repeal of the law.&nbsp;

Six supervisors are co-sponsors, and the dialogue over the repeal has been long enough to make passage likely. But expect four votes in opposition, led by Supervisor Shamann Walton, who opposed the bill in committee. Reflecting pushback from labor and other advocacy groups, the proposed repeal will likely spark a long conversation.&nbsp;

Six supervisors are co-sponsors, and the dialogue over the repeal has been long enough to make passage likely. But expect four votes in opposition, led by Supervisor Shamann Walton, who opposed the bill in committee. Reflecting pushback from labor and other advocacy groups, the proposed repeal will likely spark a long conversation.&nbsp;

The law passed in late 2016 amid growing reactionary fervor nationwide: Around that time, states began passing laws denying LGBTQ+ persons access to medical care, a Georgia Congressman read <a href="https://rollcall.com/2016/05/26/homosexuals-worthy-of-death-bible-verse-read-before-key-vote/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Bible verse</a> into the record calling for the death of homosexuals, and a gunman killed 50 at the Pulse nightclub in Florida.&nbsp;

The law passed in late 2016 amid growing reactionary fervor nationwide: Around that time, states began passing laws denying LGBTQ+ persons access to medical care, a Georgia Congressman read <a href="https://rollcall.com/2016/05/26/homosexuals-worthy-of-death-bible-verse-read-before-key-vote/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Bible verse</a> into the record calling for the death of homosexuals, and a gunman killed 50 at the Pulse nightclub in Florida.&nbsp;

Authored by then-Supervisor Scott Wiener, 12X was meant to rally other progressive communities to leverage their economic power against states whose legislatures were passing discriminatory laws.

Authored by then-Supervisor Scott Wiener, 12X was meant to rally other progressive communities to leverage their economic power against states whose legislatures were passing discriminatory laws.

But recent economic pressures have led policymakers to reconsider whether it’s working. In one recent example, the law played into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-most-controversial-bathroom-lgbtq-rights/">the costs of installing public restrooms in parks</a>.&nbsp;

But recent economic pressures have led policymakers to reconsider whether it’s working. In one recent example, the law played into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-most-controversial-bathroom-lgbtq-rights/">the costs of installing public restrooms in parks</a>.&nbsp;

Moreover, a recent report from the supervisors’ Budget and Legislative Analyst&#8217;s Office found that the law is <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=6b85b2be0a&amp;e=3cefed07b4">poorly enforced</a>.&nbsp;

Moreover, a recent report from the supervisors’ Budget and Legislative Analyst's Office found that the law is <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=6b85b2be0a&amp;e=3cefed07b4">poorly enforced</a>.&nbsp;

Moreover, a recent report from the supervisors’ Budget and Legislative Analyst&#8217;s Office found that the law is <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=6b85b2be0a&amp;e=3cefed07b4">poorly enforced</a>.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-the-complex">Saving the Complex</h2>

<h2 id="h-saving-the-complex">Saving the Complex</h2>

Supervisor Dean Preston speaks at a rally outside City Hall advocating for affordable housing and a stop to gentrification in San Francisco Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/HCDLetter120122_INLINED.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-104025"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Dean Preston speaks at a rally outside City Hall advocating for affordable housing and a stop to gentrification in San Francisco on Nov. 15, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Midtown Park is a 139-unit cooperative housing complex in the Western Addition that the city inherited from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1968.&nbsp;

Midtown Park is a 139-unit cooperative housing complex in the Western Addition that the city inherited from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1968.&nbsp;

Since that time, <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/the-complex-the-city-falls-into-a-housing-paradox/article_c03139a6-284d-50c5-a594-58f3bb839e58.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its unique status and governance</a> had prompted successive administrations to let it run itself, with mixed results. In 2014, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development transferred management to the nonprofit Mercy Housing.&nbsp;

Since that time, <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/the-complex-the-city-falls-into-a-housing-paradox/article_c03139a6-284d-50c5-a594-58f3bb839e58.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its unique status and governance</a> had prompted successive administrations to let it run itself, with mixed results. In 2014, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development transferred management to the nonprofit Mercy Housing.&nbsp;

Many residents were decidedly unhappy with the arrangement, as Mercy proceeded to impose means-tested rent hikes on some residents who assumed they were under rent control. 

Many residents were decidedly unhappy with the arrangement, as Mercy proceeded to impose means-tested rent hikes on some residents who assumed they were under rent control.

A rent strike ensued, and supervisors stepped in to restore rent control in 2020, by which time Mercy Housing had withdrawn from management.

A rent strike ensued, and supervisors stepped in to restore rent control in 2020, by which time Mercy Housing had withdrawn from management.

Supervisor Dean Preston, who represents Midtown Park, has moved to ask the Local Agency Formation Commission to explore new management options for the complex. In the past, the city has used that commission to explore options like public power and banking.

Supervisor Dean Preston, who represents Midtown Park, has moved to ask the Local Agency Formation Commission to explore new management options for the complex. In the past, the city has used that commission to explore options like public power and banking.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-felton-institute-under-the-microscope">Felton Institute Under the Microscope</h2>

<h2 id="h-felton-institute-under-the-microscope">Felton Institute Under the Microscope</h2>

Supervisor Myrna Melgar during the Board of Supervisors meeting within the Board of Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/022723BOSRoundup-37-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-132318"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Myrna Melgar during the Board of Supervisors meeting within the Board of Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Supervisors will hold a special hearing at 3 p.m. Tuesday to examine worker grievances at the Felton Institute, a nonprofit that San Francisco contracts with for a range of behavioral health and other services.&nbsp;

Supervisors will hold a special hearing at 3 p.m. Tuesday to examine worker grievances at the Felton Institute, a nonprofit that San Francisco contracts with for a range of behavioral health and other services.&nbsp;

Employees have complained for years about low pay and overwork, as well as attempts by the nonprofit to <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11940014/inside-the-long-uphill-battle-to-unionize-workers-at-one-bay-area-nonprofit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">block union organizing</a>. Supervisor Myrna Melgar has been attempting to craft a labor peace deal with the nonprofit, which refused to answer questions at a prior hearing.

Employees have complained for years about low pay and overwork, as well as attempts by the nonprofit to <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11940014/inside-the-long-uphill-battle-to-unionize-workers-at-one-bay-area-nonprofit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">block union organizing</a>. Supervisor Myrna Melgar has been attempting to craft a labor peace deal with the nonprofit, which refused to answer questions at a prior hearing.

Breed backs more cops, more surveillance as public safety concerns swamp City Hall

‘Rotten to the core’: San Francisco could get sued over housing gridlock, says legislator

A homeless shelter at the Cow Palace? San Francisco supervisor floats plan

San Francisco supervisors could repeal law that boycotts most U.S. states

Teen says SF cop used drugs, had sex with her. He got a $240K salary anyway

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Breed backs more cops, more surveillance as public safety concerns swamp City Hall

‘Rotten to the core’: San Francisco could get sued over housing gridlock, says legislator

A homeless shelter at the Cow Palace? San Francisco supervisor floats plan

San Francisco supervisors could repeal law that boycotts most U.S. states

Teen says SF cop used drugs, had sex with her. He got a $240K salary anyway