Mike Ege

An effort by a coalition of progressive groups to remove three members of what is supposed to be a non-partisan Redistricting Task Force, which is being considered Friday by the SF Elections Commission, has thrown the process of drawing new district supervisor lines into chaos, with no clear solution in sight.

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An effort by a coalition of progressive groups to remove three members of what is supposed to be a non-partisan Redistricting Task Force, which is being considered Friday by the SF Elections Commission, has thrown the process of drawing new district supervisor lines into chaos, with no clear solution in sight.

Technically, the fight involves how to draw a new map that will take into account population shifts—primarily a surge in population in what is now District 6 and includes SoMa and the Tenderloin. A <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/redistricting-is-hard-under-pressure-task-force-riles-up-sf-political-groups/">committee of volunteers</a> appointed by the mayor, the Board of Supervisors and the Elections Commission is supposed to manage a public input process and make the final decisions.

Technically, the fight involves how to draw a new map that will take into account population shifts—primarily a surge in population in what is now District 6 and includes SoMa and the Tenderloin. A <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/redistricting-is-hard-under-pressure-task-force-riles-up-sf-political-groups/">committee of volunteers</a> appointed by the mayor, the Board of Supervisors and the Elections Commission is supposed to manage a public input process and make the final decisions.

But the process this year is instead showing how the city’s bitter political divide between so-called moderates and progressives is undermining routine governance.

But the process this year is instead showing how the city’s bitter political divide between so-called moderates and progressives is undermining routine governance.

The current crisis arose after progressive political groups and their allies on the Board of Supervisors, unhappy with the maps the Task Force was putting forward, mobilized supporters Wednesday to demand that the Elections Commission <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-elections-commission-may-remove-redistricting-task-force-members/">remove its three appointees</a> to the nine-member task force.

The current crisis arose after progressive political groups and their allies on the Board of Supervisors, unhappy with the maps the Task Force was putting forward, mobilized supporters Wednesday to demand that the Elections Commission <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-elections-commission-may-remove-redistricting-task-force-members/">remove its three appointees</a> to the nine-member task force.

The Commission agreed to consider that unprecedented step in the wake of packed demonstrations and testimony at both the Redistricting Task Force and Elections Commission meetings, which were happening in adjacent rooms in City Hall on Wednesday.

The Commission agreed to consider that unprecedented step in the wake of packed demonstrations and testimony at both the Redistricting Task Force and Elections Commission meetings, which were happening in adjacent rooms in City Hall on Wednesday.

Organizers from San Francisco Rising, an alliance of progressive groups, asked attendees sitting in an overflow room inside City Hall to impugn the integrity of the Election Commission appointees and demand that the commission remove. That came after the Task Force voted to approve a new interim map that veered further away from San Francisco Rising’s preferred map.&nbsp;

Organizers from San Francisco Rising, an alliance of progressive groups, asked attendees sitting in an overflow room inside City Hall to impugn the integrity of the Election Commission appointees and demand that the commission remove. That came after the Task Force voted to approve a new interim map that veered further away from San Francisco Rising’s preferred map.&nbsp;

According to sources who were listening to the proceedings–no video or minutes are available of the meeting as of press time– the Elections Commission voted to consider removing the task force members after one commissioner apparently left the room. They also consulted a deputy city attorney who said that they had the authority to remove the task force members, and that remaining task force members could go forward with the process.&nbsp;

According to sources who were listening to the proceedings–no video or minutes are available of the meeting as of press time– the Elections Commission voted to consider removing the task force members after one commissioner apparently left the room. They also consulted a deputy city attorney who said that they had the authority to remove the task force members, and that remaining task force members could go forward with the process.&nbsp;

“It’s very concerning that the Elections Commission would consider this move,” says John Trasvina, a former dean of the University of San Francisco law school and former elections commissioner. “They are being led into making a political judgment, when their strength is that they are supposed to be a non-political body…removal based on a decision regarding an interim map risks crossing a line.”

“It’s very concerning that the Elections Commission would consider this move,” says John Trasvina, a former dean of the University of San Francisco law school and former elections commissioner. “They are being led into making a political judgment, when their strength is that they are supposed to be a non-political body…removal based on a decision regarding an interim map risks crossing a line.”

SF Rising took the lead on organizing at City Hall and in the media in favor of a “Community Unity Map,” which prioritizes keeping district lines in place so that the various communities of interest are kept together.&nbsp;

SF Rising took the lead on organizing at City Hall and in the media in favor of a “Community Unity Map,” which prioritizes keeping district lines in place so that the various communities of interest are kept together.&nbsp;

<h2 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-accusations-lack-evidence-of-misconduct">Accusations lack evidence of misconduct </h2>

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<h2 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-accusations-lack-evidence-of-misconduct">Accusations lack evidence of misconduct </h2>

San Francisco Rising was formed in 2009 to advocate for the interests of a number of nonprofit and grassroots groups which have traditionally been part of the progressive movement in San Francisco: affordable housing developers and advocates, and other community organizing groups. Among their affiliate partners are the Chinese Progressive Association, PODER, and the South of Market Community Action Network. They’ve claimed credit for recent progressive political victories in venues ranging from budget fights at City Hall to ballot initiatives such as Proposition L, an increase in tax on businesses with excessive CEO pay.&nbsp;

San Francisco Rising was formed in 2009 to advocate for the interests of a number of nonprofit and grassroots groups which have traditionally been part of the progressive movement in San Francisco: affordable housing developers and advocates, and other community organizing groups. Among their affiliate partners are the Chinese Progressive Association, PODER, and the South of Market Community Action Network. They’ve claimed credit for recent progressive political victories in venues ranging from budget fights at City Hall to ballot initiatives such as Proposition L, an increase in tax on businesses with excessive CEO pay.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, social media posts from SF Rising and the League of Pissed off Voters–another influential progressive group that publishes election guides–urged the elections commission to &#8220;investigate&#8221; its appointees, cloaking a call to remove three members in rhetoric about protecting democracy by stopping a #ModCoup. Some of these tweets were accompanied by graphics of the targeted task force members, citing their professional and even personal backgrounds as evidence of a lack of integrity.

On Wednesday, social media posts from SF Rising and the League of Pissed off Voters–another influential progressive group that publishes election guides–urged the elections commission to "investigate" its appointees, cloaking a call to remove three members in rhetoric about protecting democracy by stopping a #ModCoup. Some of these tweets were accompanied by graphics of the targeted task force members, citing their professional and even personal backgrounds as evidence of a lack of integrity.

On Wednesday, social media posts from SF Rising and the League of Pissed off Voters–another influential progressive group that publishes election guides–urged the elections commission to &#8220;investigate&#8221; its appointees, cloaking a call to remove three members in rhetoric about protecting democracy by stopping a #ModCoup. Some of these tweets were accompanied by graphics of the targeted task force members, citing their professional and even personal backgrounds as evidence of a lack of integrity.

Tweets from supervisors Dean Preston and Connie Chan echoed that rhetoric, with Chan praising the League of Pissed Off Voters’ coverage and Preston speaking at a rally outside City Hall Wednesday. Supervisor Aaron Peskin was also present, later telling the Chronicle that the commission’s move to consider removal was warranted.&nbsp;

Tweets from supervisors Dean Preston and Connie Chan echoed that rhetoric, with Chan praising the League of Pissed Off Voters’ coverage and Preston speaking at a rally outside City Hall Wednesday. Supervisor Aaron Peskin was also present, later telling the Chronicle that the commission’s move to consider removal was warranted.&nbsp;

The ACLU and the Asian Law Caucus also weighed in with concerns.

The ACLU and the Asian Law Caucus also weighed in with concerns.

Still, there don’t appear to be any specific allegations of misconduct. The three task force members–vice chair Ditka Reiner, Raynell Cooper, and Chasel Lee–defended themselves in a statement released Thursday.&nbsp;

Still, there don’t appear to be any specific allegations of misconduct. The three task force members–vice chair Ditka Reiner, Raynell Cooper, and Chasel Lee–defended themselves in a statement released Thursday.&nbsp;

“The necessary changes that we and our colleagues have been poring over painstakingly for weeks now are difficult decisions and we are doing our best to weigh the many variables at play,” the statement reads. “We are trying to do so in a collaborative process that reflects the concerns we’ve heard from stakeholders.”

“The necessary changes that we and our colleagues have been poring over painstakingly for weeks now are difficult decisions and we are doing our best to weigh the many variables at play,” the statement reads. “We are trying to do so in a collaborative process that reflects the concerns we’ve heard from stakeholders.”

“I have not seen any evidence that there is any corruption in the redistricting process so far,” says Jason McDaniel, professor of politics at San Francisco State. “It is perfectly legitimate for people and community groups to advocate for their desired redistricting outcomes… [but it’s also] important to recognize that there are negative impacts that arise when political leaders stoke outrage without any evidence to undermine the legitimacy of the redistricting process.

“I have not seen any evidence that there is any corruption in the redistricting process so far,” says Jason McDaniel, professor of politics at San Francisco State. “It is perfectly legitimate for people and community groups to advocate for their desired redistricting outcomes… [but it’s also] important to recognize that there are negative impacts that arise when political leaders stoke outrage without any evidence to undermine the legitimacy of the redistricting process.

The possible removal of the appointees sparked outrage among elected officials and moderate political groups. Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Supervisors Matt Haney, Catherine Stefani, Ahsha Safai and Rafael Mandelman have all condemned the move.&nbsp;

The possible removal of the appointees sparked outrage among elected officials and moderate political groups. Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Supervisors Matt Haney, Catherine Stefani, Ahsha Safai and Rafael Mandelman have all condemned the move.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a number of groups reacted to the move by organizing volunteers themselves. Center-left and moderate groups including the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, Edwin Lee Democratic Club, District 2 Democratic Club, and GrowSF have also made public calls to speak out against the removal of the task force members, seeking to pack the Friday meeting with statements defending the three members.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a number of groups reacted to the move by organizing volunteers themselves. Center-left and moderate groups including the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, Edwin Lee Democratic Club, District 2 Democratic Club, and GrowSF have also made public calls to speak out against the removal of the task force members, seeking to pack the Friday meeting with statements defending the three members.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The <a href="https://twitter.com/SFElections?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SFElections</a> Commission decision to schedule a meeting considering the removal of <a href="https://twitter.com/RedistrictSF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RedistrictSF</a> members at the behest of supervisors is not about fair elections. It’s about results for a particular group &amp; undermines a fair and transparent democratic process. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DefendDemocracy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DefendDemocracy</a> <a href="https://t.co/g5j2NBrKBJ">pic.twitter.com/g5j2NBrKBJ</a>&mdash; Edwin M. Lee Asian Pacific Democratic Club (@EdLeeDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdLeeDems/status/1512474442969989122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

No matter what the Elections Committee decides at Friday’s hastily arranged meeting—which as of this writing promises to extend late into Friday evening—the end result of this fight may be the destruction of public confidence in the redistricting process, with ripple effects beyond just the task force itself.&nbsp;

No matter what the Elections Committee decides at Friday’s hastily arranged meeting—which as of this writing promises to extend late into Friday evening—the end result of this fight may be the destruction of public confidence in the redistricting process, with ripple effects beyond just the task force itself.&nbsp;

“In one act, the Elections Commission, the Board of Supervisors, and the Task Force could suffer a loss of integrity,” says Trasvina.&nbsp;

“In one act, the Elections Commission, the Board of Supervisors, and the Task Force could suffer a loss of integrity,” says Trasvina.&nbsp;

Effort to oust task force members turns citizen-led redistricting into partisan war

This week, the Board of Supervisors ended up kicking the can down the road on controversial housing legislation, including an upzoning plan that was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/fourplexpalooza-continues-supes-wrestle-with-westside-development/">picked apart in committee</a>.&nbsp;

This week, the Board of Supervisors ended up kicking the can down the road on controversial housing legislation, including an upzoning plan that was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/fourplexpalooza-continues-supes-wrestle-with-westside-development/">picked apart in committee</a>.&nbsp;

They also heard about the pitfall-laden road to restoring Laguna Honda Hospital’s federal funding, new legislation targeting open-air drug dealing and some stark foreshadowing for the coming budget process. (As always, wonks looking for the full kit and caboodle can check out the <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag061422_agenda.pdf">complete agenda</a>.)

They also heard about the pitfall-laden road to restoring Laguna Honda Hospital’s federal funding, new legislation targeting open-air drug dealing and some stark foreshadowing for the coming budget process. (As always, wonks looking for the full kit and caboodle can check out the <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag061422_agenda.pdf">complete agenda</a>.)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-housing-bills-back-to-development-hell">Housing Bills: Back to Development Hell</h2>

<h2 id="h-housing-bills-back-to-development-hell">Housing Bills: Back to Development Hell</h2>

When District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced legislation last year to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/a-fourplex-on-each-lot-in-debate-over-upzoning-sfs-westside-one-proposal-emerges-as-the-strongest/">legalize denser housing</a> in districts zoned for single-family homes, there was some optimism among housing advocates. Since that time, the legislation has endured the political equivalent of development hell, with multiple amendments in committee and at the Planning Commission.&nbsp;

When District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced legislation last year to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/a-fourplex-on-each-lot-in-debate-over-upzoning-sfs-westside-one-proposal-emerges-as-the-strongest/">legalize denser housing</a> in districts zoned for single-family homes, there was some optimism among housing advocates. Since that time, the legislation has endured the political equivalent of development hell, with multiple amendments in committee and at the Planning Commission.&nbsp;

The bill, paired with another by District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin to curb certain “micro unit” developments, was expected to pass Tuesday, but Mandelman asked that the items be continued due to advice from the city attorney, who recommended further amendments.&nbsp;

The bill, paired with another by District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin to curb certain “micro unit” developments, was expected to pass Tuesday, but Mandelman asked that the items be continued due to advice from the city attorney, who recommended further amendments.&nbsp;

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Over time, supervisors offered affordability amendments which evolved into making new units developed under the ordinance subject to rent control, among other potentially onerous restrictions.</li><li>The Planning Commission suggested allowing duplexes in districts zoned for single-family housing, but in doing so also exempts San Francisco from state laws that expedite approval for such projects, allowing a return to the discretionary permitting model favored by NIMBYs.</li><li>The Peskin bill would essentially ban certain kinds of studio apartments in the Tenderloin and Chinatown. It’s also being continued since state law won’t allow it to be enacted without the density bill also passing.</li><li>The two bills are the latest round in the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/housing-shell-game-supes-latest-actions-set-to-slow-new-housing-as-state-mandate-looms/">housing policy shell game</a> that housing advocates—including Mayor London Breed and California lawmakers like state Sen. Scott Wiener—say supervisors have been playing against their wishes and those of the public.&nbsp;</li><li>Another showdown over the future of housing in the city is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/rent-control-on-new-units-sped-up-construction-and-new-housing-governance-at-city-hall-promised-by-supes-in-raft-of-fall-ballot-measures/">coming to the November ballot</a>. The mayor and a coalition of housing advocates are gathering support for Affordable Homes Now, which aims to speed up many affordable and market-rate housing projects.</li><li>District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan has fielded a rival measure with more stringent affordability requirements. Meanwhile, Peskin has proffered a measure to expand rent control to some new housing, and District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston wants to spin off and reorganize the Mayor’s Office of Housing.</li></ul>

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<ul><li>Over time, supervisors offered affordability amendments which evolved into making new units developed under the ordinance subject to rent control, among other potentially onerous restrictions.</li><li>The Planning Commission suggested allowing duplexes in districts zoned for single-family housing, but in doing so also exempts San Francisco from state laws that expedite approval for such projects, allowing a return to the discretionary permitting model favored by NIMBYs.</li><li>The Peskin bill would essentially ban certain kinds of studio apartments in the Tenderloin and Chinatown. It’s also being continued since state law won’t allow it to be enacted without the density bill also passing.</li><li>The two bills are the latest round in the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/housing-shell-game-supes-latest-actions-set-to-slow-new-housing-as-state-mandate-looms/">housing policy shell game</a> that housing advocates—including Mayor London Breed and California lawmakers like state Sen. Scott Wiener—say supervisors have been playing against their wishes and those of the public.&nbsp;</li><li>Another showdown over the future of housing in the city is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/rent-control-on-new-units-sped-up-construction-and-new-housing-governance-at-city-hall-promised-by-supes-in-raft-of-fall-ballot-measures/">coming to the November ballot</a>. The mayor and a coalition of housing advocates are gathering support for Affordable Homes Now, which aims to speed up many affordable and market-rate housing projects.</li><li>District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan has fielded a rival measure with more stringent affordability requirements. Meanwhile, Peskin has proffered a measure to expand rent control to some new housing, and District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston wants to spin off and reorganize the Mayor’s Office of Housing.</li></ul>

Laguna Honda’s “Kafkaesque” Road to Recertification

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-laguna-honda-s-kafkaesque-road-to-recertification">Laguna Honda’s “Kafkaesque” Road to Recertification</h2>

<h2 id="h-laguna-honda-s-kafkaesque-road-to-recertification">Laguna Honda’s “Kafkaesque” Road to Recertification</h2>

The meeting also included a hearing on the crisis at Laguna Honda Hospital, which revealed the dilemma the facility now faces: in order to be recertified for federal funding, the hospital has to close down temporarily, forcing close to 700 patients to be transferred or be discharged.&nbsp;

The meeting also included a hearing on the crisis at Laguna Honda Hospital, which revealed the dilemma the facility now faces: in order to be recertified for federal funding, the hospital has to close down temporarily, forcing close to 700 patients to be transferred or be discharged.&nbsp;

Here’s some of what was uncovered:

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Laguna Honda’s patients receive different kinds of long-term care, from rehabilitation to hospice care. It’s the kind of facility that most other cities have given up on. The hospital has been in operation in one form or another for over 150 years.&nbsp;</li><li>Federal regulators <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/the-last-alms-house-laguna-honda-faces-daunting-overhaul-to-satisfy-federal-regulators/">issued warnings</a> to the facility over incidents involving resident patients who left the hospital during the day and then returned suffering from drug overdoses, as well as isolated safety and sanitation violations.</li><li>The incidents reflect a change in the patient population at Laguna Honda, where younger people—often in conservatorship or other behavioral health care—are increasingly admitted.</li><li>The violations culminated in a decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to terminate Laguna Honda’s participation in its programs, which account for up to two-thirds of the hospital’s budget. That is, up to $15 million a month.</li><li>Health Network and interim hospital director Roland Pickens outlined the process, which revealed good news and bad news. First, the good news: recertification could happen by year’s end. The bad news? The hospital will have to transfer or discharge patients, and there are only a handful of beds available in the city—most would have to be transferred elsewhere in the state.&nbsp;</li><li>Mandelman deemed the process “Kafkaesque” and “mind boggling.” Preston called it “bonkers.” Board President Shamann Walton questioned any assurances that the hospital has a chance of regaining certification.</li><li>Representatives of the hospital union SEIU 1021, as well as public commenters, urged the city to take the issue up the chain of command—anything to avoid shutting down the hospital.&nbsp;</li><li>In 1999, the last time the facility fell under federal scrutiny, 73% of San Francisco <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Laguna-Honda-launches-campaign-for-bond-measure-3068420.php">voters approved a $300 million bond</a> to rebuild it.</li><li>The hearing has been continued to Sept. 13.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Laguna Honda’s patients receive different kinds of long-term care, from rehabilitation to hospice care. It’s the kind of facility that most other cities have given up on. The hospital has been in operation in one form or another for over 150 years.&nbsp;</li><li>Federal regulators <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/the-last-alms-house-laguna-honda-faces-daunting-overhaul-to-satisfy-federal-regulators/">issued warnings</a> to the facility over incidents involving resident patients who left the hospital during the day and then returned suffering from drug overdoses, as well as isolated safety and sanitation violations.</li><li>The incidents reflect a change in the patient population at Laguna Honda, where younger people—often in conservatorship or other behavioral health care—are increasingly admitted.</li><li>The violations culminated in a decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to terminate Laguna Honda’s participation in its programs, which account for up to two-thirds of the hospital’s budget. That is, up to $15 million a month.</li><li>Health Network and interim hospital director Roland Pickens outlined the process, which revealed good news and bad news. First, the good news: recertification could happen by year’s end. The bad news? The hospital will have to transfer or discharge patients, and there are only a handful of beds available in the city—most would have to be transferred elsewhere in the state.&nbsp;</li><li>Mandelman deemed the process “Kafkaesque” and “mind boggling.” Preston called it “bonkers.” Board President Shamann Walton questioned any assurances that the hospital has a chance of regaining certification.</li><li>Representatives of the hospital union SEIU 1021, as well as public commenters, urged the city to take the issue up the chain of command—anything to avoid shutting down the hospital.&nbsp;</li><li>In 1999, the last time the facility fell under federal scrutiny, 73% of San Francisco <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Laguna-Honda-launches-campaign-for-bond-measure-3068420.php">voters approved a $300 million bond</a> to rebuild it.</li><li>The hearing has been continued to Sept. 13.</li></ul>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-business-and-budget-foreshadowing">New Business and Budget Foreshadowing</h2>

<h2 id="h-new-business-and-budget-foreshadowing">New Business and Budget Foreshadowing</h2>

Supervisor Hillary Ronen, center, advanced legislation Monday in the Rules Committee to bar San Francisco police from storing crime victim DNA for more than 60 days in an effort to make sure this evidence is not used as a tool to investigate the victims as suspects in other cases. I File photo by Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IA7A6776-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-45966"/><figcaption>Supervisor Hillary Ronen, center I File photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IA7A6776-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-45966"/><figcaption>Supervisor Hillary Ronen, center I File photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

Supervisors held an emergency hearing on yet another beleaguered behavioral health provider: the recently merged Baker Places and Positive Resource Center. The facility provides drug treatment and care for AIDS patients at a number of locations, including a recently built “Hummingbird Center” psychiatric respite center in the Mission.&nbsp;

Supervisors held an emergency hearing on yet another beleaguered behavioral health provider: the recently merged Baker Places and Positive Resource Center. The facility provides drug treatment and care for AIDS patients at a number of locations, including a recently built “Hummingbird Center” psychiatric respite center in the Mission.&nbsp;

The nature of the hearing prompted District 9 Supervisor and Budget Chair Hillary Ronen to let slip a bit of a shocker about the coming budget process.&nbsp;

The nature of the hearing prompted District 9 Supervisor and Budget Chair Hillary Ronen to let slip a bit of a shocker about the coming budget process.&nbsp;

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Mayor London Breed, along with Mandelman and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, sponsored grant agreement amendments totaling $3.2 million to bail the nonprofit out of fiscal problems that threatened to shut it down. </li><li>Most of Mandelman and Dorsey’s colleagues were downright incredulous. Ronen, Peskin, Walton, along with District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar and District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safai, demanded clearer answers from staffers at the Department of Public Health, which they didn’t get. </li><li>Ronen noted that $1.5 billion in add-backs to the city budget were being requested by departments. That’s right, $1.5 billion—the highest amount of requests received in city history. It’s pretty certain that not all would be granted, but Ronen said “she couldn’t sleep at night” because of the list. </li><li>Ronen moved that the combined aid in the related legislation be reduced to $1.25 million, as long as the funds be used only for staff pay and preventing patient displacement—at least until DPH could provide more information. The amended ordinances passed unanimously.</li><li>More budget foreshadowing was introduced when Supervisor Chan, along with Peskin and District 4 Supervisor Gordon Mar, said they want $118 million to create an “API Equity Fund” as reparations for past policies that discriminated against people of Asian descent. The funds, which would be used by nonprofit groups for community reinvestment, would come out of the city’s rainy day reserves. Read more about it <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/118m-from-city-reserves-for-asian-american-reparations-four-supes-want-it-mayor-breed-is-against-it/">here</a>.</li><li>During Roll Call, Dorsey introduced legislation to create “Right to Recovery” drug enforcement zones where people looking for substance-use treatment can be shielded from drug use and dealing. Read more about that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/sup-dorsey-proposes-right-to-recovery-zones-with-targeted-drug-enforcement/">here</a>.</li><li>Finally Preston introduced a resolution urging alternative plans for the Plaza East public housing in the Western Addition, where Mayor Breed grew up. He voiced concern over MBS’ plans to include 300 market-rate units, and instead urged the builder to make any additions below market-rate where possible. </li></ul>

<ul><li>Mayor London Breed, along with Mandelman and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, sponsored grant agreement amendments totaling $3.2 million to bail the nonprofit out of fiscal problems that threatened to shut it down. </li><li>Most of Mandelman and Dorsey’s colleagues were downright incredulous. Ronen, Peskin, Walton, along with District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar and District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safai, demanded clearer answers from staffers at the Department of Public Health, which they didn’t get. </li><li>Ronen noted that $1.5 billion in add-backs to the city budget were being requested by departments. That’s right, $1.5 billion—the highest amount of requests received in city history. It’s pretty certain that not all would be granted, but Ronen said “she couldn’t sleep at night” because of the list. </li><li>Ronen moved that the combined aid in the related legislation be reduced to $1.25 million, as long as the funds be used only for staff pay and preventing patient displacement—at least until DPH could provide more information. The amended ordinances passed unanimously.</li><li>More budget foreshadowing was introduced when Supervisor Chan, along with Peskin and District 4 Supervisor Gordon Mar, said they want $118 million to create an “API Equity Fund” as reparations for past policies that discriminated against people of Asian descent. The funds, which would be used by nonprofit groups for community reinvestment, would come out of the city’s rainy day reserves. Read more about it <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/118m-from-city-reserves-for-asian-american-reparations-four-supes-want-it-mayor-breed-is-against-it/">here</a>.</li><li>During Roll Call, Dorsey introduced legislation to create “Right to Recovery” drug enforcement zones where people looking for substance-use treatment can be shielded from drug use and dealing. Read more about that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/sup-dorsey-proposes-right-to-recovery-zones-with-targeted-drug-enforcement/">here</a>.</li><li>Finally Preston introduced a resolution urging alternative plans for the Plaza East public housing in the Western Addition, where Mayor Breed grew up. He voiced concern over MBS’ plans to include 300 market-rate units, and instead urged the builder to make any additions below market-rate where possible. </li></ul>

Laguna Honda gets a health check, housing bills get a raincheck: Supervisors’ roundup

Michael Barba

City supervisors are giving trash-hauling giant Recology two choices following revelations that the firm may have overcharged San Francisco customers even more than its $95 million payout last year in a corruption scandal settlement.

City supervisors are giving trash-hauling giant Recology two choices following revelations that the firm may have overcharged San Francisco customers even more than its $95 million payout last year in a corruption scandal settlement.

Recology can either back a ballot measure to reform the process for setting garbage rates in San Francisco or risk losing its lucrative monopoly on trash collection in the city that helped the firm build a West Coast empire.

Recology can either back a ballot measure to reform the process for setting garbage rates in San Francisco or risk losing its lucrative monopoly on trash collection in the city that helped the firm build a West Coast empire.

“There’s a carrot and stick, and they can choose,” Supervisor Aaron Peskin told The Standard. “If they want to rumble, we’re ready to rumble.”

“There’s a carrot and stick, and they can choose,” Supervisor Aaron Peskin told The Standard. “If they want to rumble, we’re ready to rumble.”

Peskin introduced two proposed ballot measures Tuesday to fix shortcomings in the rate-setting process exposed in the fallout from a federal corruption probe into former Public Works head Mohammed Nuru. One of the proposals is a middle-of-the-road reform measure that is supported by all 11 members of the Board of Supervisors and Mayor London Breed. The other option is a more aggressive proposal that would not only reform the process but potentially break up Recology’s monopoly by introducing competition into the system.

Peskin introduced two proposed ballot measures Tuesday to fix shortcomings in the rate-setting process exposed in the fallout from a federal corruption probe into former Public Works head Mohammed Nuru. One of the proposals is a middle-of-the-road reform measure that is supported by all 11 members of the Board of Supervisors and Mayor London Breed. The other option is a more aggressive proposal that would not only reform the process but potentially break up Recology’s monopoly by introducing competition into the system.

Recology is facing mounting calls for reform from supervisors as the Nuru scandal continues to unfold. As The Standard first reported Tuesday, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/sf-investigates-recology-for-more-overbilling-after-95-million-payout-tied-to-corruption-scandal/">the Controller’s Office is investigating whether Recology improperly charged ratepayers</a> beyond the $94.5 million the firm agreed to refund last March as part of a settlement with the City Attorney’s Office.

Recology is facing mounting calls for reform from supervisors as the Nuru scandal continues to unfold. As The Standard first reported Tuesday, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/sf-investigates-recology-for-more-overbilling-after-95-million-payout-tied-to-corruption-scandal/">the Controller’s Office is investigating whether Recology improperly charged ratepayers</a> beyond the $94.5 million the firm agreed to refund last March as part of a settlement with the City Attorney’s Office.

Peskin said he plans to move forward with the nuclear option—giving other companies the option to apply for permits to collect trash in San Francisco—if Recology does not stop gathering signatures to place its own watered-down measure on the June ballot. Recology’s proposal includes some but not all of the reforms supported by the mayor and every supervisor.

Peskin said he plans to move forward with the nuclear option—giving other companies the option to apply for permits to collect trash in San Francisco—if Recology does not stop gathering signatures to place its own watered-down measure on the June ballot. Recology’s proposal includes some but not all of the reforms supported by the mayor and every supervisor.

Peskin already has the three co-sponsors he needs—Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton and supervisors Hillary Ronen and Connie Chan—to begin the process of putting the proposed competition measure on the ballot, but he said he would prefer to go with the moderate proposal.

Peskin already has the three co-sponsors he needs—Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton and supervisors Hillary Ronen and Connie Chan—to begin the process of putting the proposed competition measure on the ballot, but he said he would prefer to go with the moderate proposal.

“We thought that we were being friendly,” Peskin said. “Instead they are biting the hand that feeds.”

“We thought that we were being friendly,” Peskin said. “Instead they are biting the hand that feeds.”

Many on the Board of Supervisors say they were troubled by news of the controller’s investigation. Seven supervisors—Peskin, Walton, Ronen, Chan, Rafael Mandleman, Ahsha Safai and Gordon Mar—each expressed concerns to The Standard about Recology’s billing practices.&nbsp;

Many on the Board of Supervisors say they were troubled by news of the controller’s investigation. Seven supervisors—Peskin, Walton, Ronen, Chan, Rafael Mandleman, Ahsha Safai and Gordon Mar—each expressed concerns to The Standard about Recology’s billing practices.&nbsp;

Ronen questioned why the potential overcharging currently under review was not caught in an earlier investigation that resulted in the <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2021/03/04/herreras-public-integrity-investigation-saves-sf-ratepayers-100m-in-excessive-garbage-fees/">eight-figure settlement.</a>

Ronen questioned why the potential overcharging currently under review was not caught in an earlier investigation that resulted in the <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2021/03/04/herreras-public-integrity-investigation-saves-sf-ratepayers-100m-in-excessive-garbage-fees/">eight-figure settlement.</a>

“The fact that San Francisco residents were already ripped off by a company that has a monopoly over providing services to the city to begin with has already got us enough concerned,” Ronen said.

“The fact that San Francisco residents were already ripped off by a company that has a monopoly over providing services to the city to begin with has already got us enough concerned,” Ronen said.

Safai said the controller’s ongoing investigation only increased the need for the Board of Supervisors to take action following earlier developments in the scandal. In September, three local Recology companies—Recology San Francisco, Recology Golden Gate and Recology Sunset Scavenger—admitted to conspiring to bribe Nuru for his help in raising garbage rates.

Safai said the controller’s ongoing investigation only increased the need for the Board of Supervisors to take action following earlier developments in the scandal. In September, three local Recology companies—Recology San Francisco, Recology Golden Gate and Recology Sunset Scavenger—admitted to conspiring to bribe Nuru for his help in raising garbage rates.

“If the controller has serious concerns, then so do I,” Safai said. “I think Recology is going to have to disprove that they didn’t overcharge. And if they did, they’re gonna have to owe the ratepayers more money again.”

“If the controller has serious concerns, then so do I,” Safai said. “I think Recology is going to have to disprove that they didn’t overcharge. And if they did, they’re gonna have to owe the ratepayers more money again.”

Mandelman said he was not yet briefed on the controller’s investigation and has a “lot of open questions.”

Mandelman said he was not yet briefed on the controller’s investigation and has a “lot of open questions.”

Mar said Recology’s monopoly is ripe for abuse, while Chan noted that the firm needs to be held accountable.

Mar said Recology’s monopoly is ripe for abuse, while Chan noted that the firm needs to be held accountable.

Mayor Breed and the City Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the controller’s investigation.

Mayor Breed and the City Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the controller’s investigation.

Supervisors are all rallying around a middle-ground proposal that would reform the rate-setting process by transitioning oversight of proposed rate increases from the director of Public Works to the controller. The proposal would also allow the city to regulate commercial rates and bypass voters when changing the rate-setting process in the future.

Supervisors are all rallying around a middle-ground proposal that would reform the rate-setting process by transitioning oversight of proposed rate increases from the director of Public Works to the controller. The proposal would also allow the city to regulate commercial rates and bypass voters when changing the rate-setting process in the future.

The big difference between the moderate reform proposal and the Recology initiative is the provision to allow City Hall to amend the process going forward without asking voters.

The big difference between the moderate reform proposal and the Recology initiative is the provision to allow City Hall to amend the process going forward without asking voters.

The most aggressive proposal, meanwhile, would inject competition into the rate-setting process by allowing companies to bid on permits for collecting trash in the city that are all currently held by Recology.

The most aggressive proposal, meanwhile, would inject competition into the rate-setting process by allowing companies to bid on permits for collecting trash in the city that are all currently held by Recology.

Peskin said developments in the Nuru scandal last year showed that the city’s rate-setting process was “crying out for reform.”

Peskin said developments in the Nuru scandal last year showed that the city’s rate-setting process was “crying out for reform.”

He added, “The most recent revelations that they didn’t come clean with what they owed the ratepayers is just another turd in Recology’s punchbowl.”

He added, “The most recent revelations that they didn’t come clean with what they owed the ratepayers is just another turd in Recology’s punchbowl.”

Nuclear option to break up Recology’s trash-hauling monopoly now on the table

Josh Koehn

Of all the hysteria to arise in San Francisco during the pandemic, perhaps the most on-brand controversy for a city so insular and hyperbolic concerns a 1.5-mile stretch of asphalt.

Of all the hysteria to arise in San Francisco during the pandemic, perhaps the most on-brand controversy for a city so insular and hyperbolic concerns a 1.5-mile stretch of asphalt.

The fight over whether John F. Kennedy Drive—the road that traverses Golden Gate Park—should remain car-free has led to accusations of shadow lobbying, financial shell games, ageism, ableism, cronyism, elitism and racism. And many of them are legitimate.

The fight over whether John F. Kennedy Drive—the road that traverses Golden Gate Park—should remain car-free has led to accusations of shadow lobbying, financial shell games, ageism, ableism, cronyism, elitism and racism. And many of them are legitimate.

The emotional and expensive battle, now at more than a quarter-million dollars in total spending, is hardly over: A final decision by the city’s Board of Supervisors is likely still weeks away. But the war entered a new phase Tuesday when Supervisor Connie Chan, whose vote is crucial because she&nbsp; represents the district where Golden Gate Park is located, weighed in with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/chan-proposes-cars-back-on-jfk-drive-heading-east-only/">a plan to reopen the road to cars</a> after spending months confusing everyone about where she stood on the issue.&nbsp;

The emotional and expensive battle, now at more than a quarter-million dollars in total spending, is hardly over: A final decision by the city’s Board of Supervisors is likely still weeks away. But the war entered a new phase Tuesday when Supervisor Connie Chan, whose vote is crucial because she&nbsp; represents the district where Golden Gate Park is located, weighed in with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/chan-proposes-cars-back-on-jfk-drive-heading-east-only/">a plan to reopen the road to cars</a> after spending months confusing everyone about where she stood on the issue.&nbsp;

If her proposal or something like it ultimately carries the day, Chan and other pro-car politicians, including board President Shamann Walton, will undoubtedly cast it as a victory for equity—keeping the park’s majestic green spaces accessible to seniors, the disabled and people of color from the east side of the city.

If her proposal or something like it ultimately carries the day, Chan and other pro-car politicians, including board President Shamann Walton, will undoubtedly cast it as a victory for equity—keeping the park’s majestic green spaces accessible to seniors, the disabled and people of color from the east side of the city.

But the expensive lobbying campaign to prevent JFK Drive’s permanent conversion into a space for walking, biking, skating and letting children play has little to do with these concerns.&nbsp;

But the expensive lobbying campaign to prevent JFK Drive’s permanent conversion into a space for walking, biking, skating and letting children play has little to do with these concerns.&nbsp;

Rather, the debate is being influenced by one of the city’s most powerful lobbying firms, which is being paid by San Francisco’s wealthiest and most politically influential cultural institution: the Fine Arts Museums. The city agency partners with a tightly affiliated non-profit called The Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums (COFAM) to run the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor.&nbsp;

Rather, the debate is being influenced by one of the city’s most powerful lobbying firms, which is being paid by San Francisco’s wealthiest and most politically influential cultural institution: the Fine Arts Museums. The city agency partners with a tightly affiliated non-profit called The Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums (COFAM) to run the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor.&nbsp;

For the de Young, which lost millions in admissions revenue during the pandemic and is still seeing less than half its pre-Covid attendance, the closure of JFK Drive—and the loss of about 300 free parking spaces along the street—is seen as an existential threat.&nbsp;

For the de Young, which lost millions in admissions revenue during the pandemic and is still seeing less than half its pre-Covid attendance, the closure of JFK Drive—and the loss of about 300 free parking spaces along the street—is seen as an existential threat.&nbsp;

On a recent tour of the museum, Helena Nordström, the spokesperson for the Fine Arts Museums agency but an employee of COFAM, told The Standard that officials are “incredibly desperate” to see JFK Drive reopened.&nbsp;

On a recent tour of the museum, Helena Nordström, the spokesperson for the Fine Arts Museums agency but an employee of COFAM, told The Standard that officials are “incredibly desperate” to see JFK Drive reopened.&nbsp;

Museum officials are adamant—although they have no definitive proof—that the loss of the parking spaces along JFK Drive is the most likely reason visitor attendance has not recovered. An 800-plus-space parking garage that&#8217;s supposed to serve the museum routinely sits empty because it charges too much, they say, and for convoluted, only-in-San Francisco reasons, cutting the price is not an option.

Museum officials are adamant—although they have no definitive proof—that the loss of the parking spaces along JFK Drive is the most likely reason visitor attendance has not recovered. An 800-plus-space parking garage that's supposed to serve the museum routinely sits empty because it charges too much, they say, and for convoluted, only-in-San Francisco reasons, cutting the price is not an option.

Museum officials are adamant—although they have no definitive proof—that the loss of the parking spaces along JFK Drive is the most likely reason visitor attendance has not recovered. An 800-plus-space parking garage that&#8217;s supposed to serve the museum routinely sits empty because it charges too much, they say, and for convoluted, only-in-San Francisco reasons, cutting the price is not an option.

Seeing no other avenues, museum officials launched an intense lobbying blitz on JFK Drive early last year. And they might yet prevail.&nbsp;

Seeing no other avenues, museum officials launched an intense lobbying blitz on JFK Drive early last year. And they might yet prevail.&nbsp;

Accusations of ‘Recreational Redlining’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accusations-of-recreational-redlining">Accusations of ‘Recreational Redlining’</h2>

<h2 id="h-accusations-of-recreational-redlining">Accusations of ‘Recreational Redlining’</h2>

It was just four days after the de Young began fully welcoming back guests on March 6, 2021, that the museum’s pressure campaign began in earnest.&nbsp;

It was just four days after the de Young began fully welcoming back guests on March 6, 2021, that the museum’s pressure campaign began in earnest.&nbsp;

Platinum Advisors, a powerful national lobbying firm whose deep local connections date back to Willie Brown’s time as mayor, started going to work on Supervisor Chan. The lobbyists contacted her four times over the next two weeks, according to disclosures required by the city’s Ethics Commission.

Platinum Advisors, a powerful national lobbying firm whose deep local connections date back to Willie Brown’s time as mayor, started going to work on Supervisor Chan. The lobbyists contacted her four times over the next two weeks, according to disclosures required by the city’s Ethics Commission.

Supervisors Connie Chan, Hillary Ronen and Shamann Walton listen to Mayor London Breed’s State of the City address on March 9, 2022. Platinum Advisors targeted Chan and Walton most frequently. | Camille Cohen

Supervisors Connie Chan, Hillary Ronen and Shamann Walton listen to Mayor London Breed’s State of the City address on March 9, 2022. Platinum Advisors targeted Chan and Walton most frequently. | Camille Cohen

On March 23, Platinum lobbyist Ryan Blake reached out to Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton. And that same day, Ike Kwon, the chief operating officer for the California Academy of Sciences, met with Supervisor Ahsha Safai about JFK Drive.&nbsp;

On March 23, Platinum lobbyist Ryan Blake reached out to Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton. And that same day, Ike Kwon, the chief operating officer for the California Academy of Sciences, met with Supervisor Ahsha Safai about JFK Drive.&nbsp;

Two days later, Kwon shared an internal memo with Safai that included the phrase “recreational redlining,” a term equating the lack of parking from JFK Drive’s closure to the racist U.S. government housing policies of the mid-1950s that made it much harder for Black people to buy homes.

Two days later, Kwon shared an internal memo with Safai that included the phrase “recreational redlining,” a term equating the lack of parking from JFK Drive’s closure to the racist U.S. government housing policies of the mid-1950s that made it much harder for Black people to buy homes.

That same day, Safai and Walton both sent out tweets calling for the reopening of JFK Drive.&nbsp;

That same day, Safai and Walton both sent out tweets calling for the reopening of JFK Drive.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/shamannwalton/status/1374428465202487296?s=20&amp;t=MBQUtoD0r54LXThfQbF3MQ
</div></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">So excited to be in the orange tier and have businesses, gyms and other activities opening back up. I am now wondering when Bayview folks, Mission folks and Black and Brown people, can have access to JFK Drive in Golden Gate park again.&mdash; Shamann Walton (@shamannwalton) <a href="https://twitter.com/shamannwalton/status/1374428465202487296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“We were laughing about it afterwards because people were wondering if we had coordinated about it anyway, but we did not,” Safai told The Standard, adding that “recreational redlining” was a term he was not familiar with until hearing Walton use it. “That was a message he was really running with and presenting.”

“We were laughing about it afterwards because people were wondering if we had coordinated about it anyway, but we did not,” Safai told The Standard, adding that “recreational redlining” was a term he was not familiar with until hearing Walton use it. “That was a message he was really running with and presenting.”

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1374436896894373899?s=20&amp;t=k1rFT2hgGUWY6DKIRcWnHA
</div></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Open up JFK drive. Residents of the Excelsior, OMI, Outer Mission, Bayview and all neighbors of the Southern portion of the City need to have access to the park as well. Closing JFK takes away access to GGP attractions for many SF families and many communities of color.&mdash; Ahsha Safai 安世輝 (@Ahsha_Safai) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1374436896894373899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Safai said his main concern is “working with families, seniors and disabled, forcing people to think about access for all.”

Safai said his main concern is “working with families, seniors and disabled, forcing people to think about access for all.”

Two days after the tweets, on March 28, a column by Walton in the <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/closing-jfk-drive-is-recreational-redlining/">San Francisco Examiner</a> called for re-opening the road and slammed the closure as “elitist, ableist and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/supervisor-walton-car-free-jfk-golden-gate-park-segregationist/">segregationist</a>.”

Two days after the tweets, on March 28, a column by Walton in the <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/closing-jfk-drive-is-recreational-redlining/">San Francisco Examiner</a> called for re-opening the road and slammed the closure as “elitist, ableist and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/supervisor-walton-car-free-jfk-golden-gate-park-segregationist/">segregationist</a>.”

“The lack of transparency and backdoor conversations to close JFK Drive without adequate community input from all San Francisco communities is unacceptable,” Walton wrote. He also used the term “recreational redlining,” which a Google search suggests is a term that had never previously graced the internet.

“The lack of transparency and backdoor conversations to close JFK Drive without adequate community input from all San Francisco communities is unacceptable,” Walton wrote. He also used the term “recreational redlining,” which a Google search suggests is a term that had never previously graced the internet.

Walton and Platinum Advisors did not respond to The Standard’s requests for comment.

Walton and Platinum Advisors did not respond to The Standard’s requests for comment.

In a phone interview, Kwon said his memo was more about raising awareness amongst the supervisors, and the Academy, which is located in the park just south of de Young, is not necessarily opposed to keeping the road permanently car-free.

In a phone interview, Kwon said his memo was more about raising awareness amongst the supervisors, and the Academy, which is located in the park just south of de Young, is not necessarily opposed to keeping the road permanently car-free.

Regardless of the origins of the term “recreational redlining,” Walton’s incendiary column prompted a fierce backlash from car-free proponents.&nbsp;

Regardless of the origins of the term “recreational redlining,” Walton’s incendiary column prompted a fierce backlash from car-free proponents.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parents-take-charge">Parents Take Charge&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 id="h-parents-take-charge">Parents Take Charge&nbsp;</h2>

A seemingly overmatched adversary, especially for one of the city’s savviest institutional operators, led the charge: a non-profit called Kid Safe SF, formed just weeks after Walton’s column appeared.

A seemingly overmatched adversary, especially for one of the city’s savviest institutional operators, led the charge: a non-profit called Kid Safe SF, formed just weeks after Walton’s column appeared.

The group bills itself as an advocacy organization made up of tech-savvy parents, dog walkers, environmentalists, cyclists and roller skaters.&nbsp;

The group bills itself as an advocacy organization made up of tech-savvy parents, dog walkers, environmentalists, cyclists and roller skaters.&nbsp;

Volunteers with Kid Safe SF speak to passersby on JFK Drive on March 5, 2022. | Sophie Bearman

Volunteers with Kid Safe SF speak to passersby on JFK Drive on March 5, 2022. | Sophie Bearman

“Kid Safe didn’t exist in the spring of last year, but then we [made a public records request for] some documents, and we found [museums officials] were advocating all of the supervisors to put cars back on JFK,” said Matt Brezina, an organizer with Kid Safe SF and a safe streets advocate in the city since 2016.&nbsp;

“Kid Safe didn’t exist in the spring of last year, but then we [made a public records request for] some documents, and we found [museums officials] were advocating all of the supervisors to put cars back on JFK,” said Matt Brezina, an organizer with Kid Safe SF and a safe streets advocate in the city since 2016.&nbsp;

“We basically looked around, a bunch of parents, and were like, ‘We can’t let this happen. This is about our kids’ safety.’ If we don’t defend this space, one of the best things that ever happened for our children is going to disappear.”

“We basically looked around, a bunch of parents, and were like, ‘We can’t let this happen. This is about our kids’ safety.’ If we don’t defend this space, one of the best things that ever happened for our children is going to disappear.”

The group moved fast, dropping more than $136,000 in April and May on advertising that championed JFK Drive’s closure as a win for children, safe streets and the environment.

The group moved fast, dropping more than $136,000 in April and May on advertising that championed JFK Drive’s closure as a win for children, safe streets and the environment.

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