George Kelly

Police and business owners think they may have caught a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags “Goer” on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods.&nbsp;

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Police and business owners think they may have caught a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags “Goer” on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism after a witness directed officers to stop him on Howard Street between Seventh and Eighth streets in SoMa. Wabl was still in jail as of Monday afternoon, according to official records.

Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism after a witness directed officers to stop him on Howard Street between Seventh and Eighth streets in SoMa. Wabl was still in jail as of Monday afternoon, according to official records.

Adam Mesnick, owner of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/27/celebrated-soma-deli-hit-by-break-in-outspoken-owner-vows-quick-reopening/">SoMa restaurant Deli Board</a>, posted a video to X/Twitter Sunday documenting the arrest.&nbsp;

Celebrated SoMa deli hit by break-in, outspoken owner vows quick reopening

Adam Mesnick, owner of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/27/celebrated-soma-deli-hit-by-break-in-outspoken-owner-vows-quick-reopening/">SoMa restaurant Deli Board</a>, posted a video to X/Twitter Sunday documenting the arrest.&nbsp;

&#8220;I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, &#8216;There he is!&#8217;” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom.&#8221;

"I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, 'There he is!'” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom."

&#8220;I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, &#8216;There he is!&#8217;” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom.&#8221;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/24/sf-street-artist-swipes-city-property-sells-it-online-for-thousands/">San Francisco Street Artist Swipes City Property, Sells It Online for Thousands</a>

SF street artist swipes city property, sells it online for thousands

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/24/sf-street-artist-swipes-city-property-sells-it-online-for-thousands/">San Francisco Street Artist Swipes City Property, Sells It Online for Thousands</a>

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_PROJECT_VERT.00_06_53_10.Still010.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_GOER_ARREST.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism. Police and business owners suspect Wabl of being a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags "Goer" on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_PROJECT_VERT.00_06_53_10.Still010.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_GOER_ARREST.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism. Police and business owners suspect Wabl of being a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags &#8220;Goer&#8221; on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods. </figcaption></figure>

It&#8217;s unclear what &#8220;Goer&#8221; means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

It's unclear what "Goer" means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

It&#8217;s unclear what &#8220;Goer&#8221; means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

An Instagram account linked to someone Brian Wabl includes references to a dog called Goer.

An Instagram account linked to someone Brian Wabl includes references to a dog called Goer.

‘For Years We’ve Been Cleaning Up After This Guy’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-years-we-ve-been-cleaning-up-after-this-guy">‘For Years We’ve Been Cleaning Up After This Guy’</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-years-we-ve-been-cleaning-up-after-this-guy">‘For Years We’ve Been Cleaning Up After This Guy’</h2>

On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1882" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti &#8216;Goer&#8217; tag mars a bald eagle&#8217;s plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti 'Goer' tag mars a bald eagle's plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti &#8216;Goer&#8217; tag mars a bald eagle&#8217;s plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

Mesnick, who sits on the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/code-brown-doom-scooping-at-san-franciscos-scavenger-hunt-from-hell/">SoMa West Community Benefit District board</a>, slammed graffiti as its second-most troubling scourge after trash.

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Mesnick, who sits on the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/code-brown-doom-scooping-at-san-franciscos-scavenger-hunt-from-hell/">SoMa West Community Benefit District board</a>, slammed graffiti as its second-most troubling scourge after trash.

“The assumption is that it&#8217;s multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who&#8217;s the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we&#8217;ve been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

“The assumption is that it's multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who's the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we've been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

“The assumption is that it&#8217;s multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who&#8217;s the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we&#8217;ve been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/san-francisco-mayor-home-spraypainted-over-banko-brown-killing/">Vandals Spray-Paint Mayor Breed’s Home With Graffiti About Banko Brown Killing</a>

Vandals spray-paint Mayor Breed’s home with graffiti about Banko Brown killing

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/san-francisco-mayor-home-spraypainted-over-banko-brown-killing/">Vandals Spray-Paint Mayor Breed’s Home With Graffiti About Banko Brown Killing</a>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags across the district over several years.

They shift tons of trash from San Francisco&#8217;s streets: You&#8217;ve never heard of them

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of "Goer" tags across the district over several years.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags across the district over several years.

Each yellow dot represents graffiti that was cleaned up by the SoMa West CBD between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.   

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1317" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image-5.png?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211674"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Each yellow dot represents graffiti that was cleaned up by the SoMa West Community Benefit District between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image-5.png?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211674"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Each yellow dot represents graffiti that was cleaned up by the SoMa West Community Benefit District between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

The community benefit district has a full-time staffer who tackles graffiti, as well as other team members who clean tags as found, Martin told The Standard. In the 12 months from July 2022, the district removed 9,759 tags, or 26 per day on average.&nbsp;The district doesn&#8217;t collect data on the types of tags it removes and was unable to provide a count on &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags it has cleaned up.

The community benefit district has a full-time staffer who tackles graffiti, as well as other team members who clean tags as found, Martin told The Standard. In the 12 months from July 2022, the district removed 9,759 tags, or 26 per day on average.&nbsp;The district doesn't collect data on the types of tags it removes and was unable to provide a count on "Goer" tags it has cleaned up.

The community benefit district has a full-time staffer who tackles graffiti, as well as other team members who clean tags as found, Martin told The Standard. In the 12 months from July 2022, the district removed 9,759 tags, or 26 per day on average.&nbsp;The district doesn&#8217;t collect data on the types of tags it removes and was unable to provide a count on &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags it has cleaned up.

‘Goer’ Branding&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-goer-branding-nbsp">‘Goer’ Branding&nbsp;</h2>

A 'Goer' branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma's window signage in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231016_184559226.jpg?w=2430" alt="" class="wp-image-211663"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A &#8220;Goer&#8221; branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma&#8217;s window signage in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231016_184559226.jpg?w=2430" alt="" class="wp-image-211663"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A "Goer" branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma's window signage in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231016_184559226.jpg?w=2430" alt="" class="wp-image-211663"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A &#8220;Goer&#8221; branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma&#8217;s window signage in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

The tagger left a different mark in late September, branding “Goer” into Bay of Burma’s storefront window signage on Folsom Street—a block from where Wabl was arrested Sunday.

The tagger left a different mark in late September, branding “Goer” into Bay of Burma’s storefront window signage on Folsom Street—a block from where Wabl was arrested Sunday.

Co-owner and Manager Ryan Zin told The Standard Bay of Burma was held up in an armed robbery on Sept. 13 for cash. Less than two weeks later, the brand appeared in the window’s sticker signage. It still reflects a “Goer” shadow on a table inside the restaurant on sunny days. The San Francisco Police Department has been contacted for confirmation of the armed robbery but did not immediately respond.

Co-owner and Manager Ryan Zin told The Standard Bay of Burma was held up in an armed robbery on Sept. 13 for cash. Less than two weeks later, the brand appeared in the window’s sticker signage. It still reflects a “Goer” shadow on a table inside the restaurant on sunny days. The San Francisco Police Department has been contacted for confirmation of the armed robbery but did not immediately respond.

“We’re planning to put up new stickers in a couple of days,” Zin said. “It’s annoying.”&nbsp;

“We’re planning to put up new stickers in a couple of days,” Zin said. “It’s annoying.”&nbsp;

Inside the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, midday sunlight sends the shadow of a tag singed into a front window's sticker late last month onto a wooden countertop inside.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1882" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012394.jpg?w=2500" alt="Inside the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, midday sunlight sends the shadow of a tag singed into a front window's sticker late last month onto a wooden countertop inside." class="wp-image-211533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Midday sunlight sends the shadow of a &#8220;Goer&#8221; tag into the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco. The window sticker signage was burned with the tag in September.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012394.jpg?w=2500" alt="Inside the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, midday sunlight sends the shadow of a tag singed into a front window's sticker late last month onto a wooden countertop inside." class="wp-image-211533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Midday sunlight sends the shadow of a "Goer" tag into the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco. The window sticker signage was burned with the tag in September.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012394.jpg?w=2500" alt="Inside the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, midday sunlight sends the shadow of a tag singed into a front window's sticker late last month onto a wooden countertop inside." class="wp-image-211533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Midday sunlight sends the shadow of a &#8220;Goer&#8221; tag into the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco. The window sticker signage was burned with the tag in September.</figcaption></figure>

Nearby on Folsom Street, The Bike Connection Sales Associate James Bergquist said Monday he’s used to seeing all kinds of graffiti posted along two walls and a railing outside the store on the corner of Seventh Street. Bergquist said he often sees the graffiti being painted over. Bergquist has seen the branding, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nearby on Folsom Street, The Bike Connection Sales Associate James Bergquist said Monday he’s used to seeing all kinds of graffiti posted along two walls and a railing outside the store on the corner of Seventh Street. Bergquist said he often sees the graffiti being painted over. Bergquist has seen the branding, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It was done fairly artistically, even for being, you know, graffiti,” Bergquist said.

“It was done fairly artistically, even for being, you know, graffiti,” Bergquist said.

The Standard walked around Seventh and Folsom streets on Monday and saw seven &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags in various forms, including fluorescent green spray paint on a street corner, yellow marker pen on a gray wall outside <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/03/polarizing-owner-of-high-profile-oakland-restaurant-hi-felicia-announces-successor-project/">Sluts wine bar</a>, what appears to be faded yellow glue on a Folsom Street sidewalk and white spray paint under a street art mural depiction of an eagle on Langton Street.

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The Standard walked around Seventh and Folsom streets on Monday and saw seven "Goer" tags in various forms, including fluorescent green spray paint on a street corner, yellow marker pen on a gray wall outside <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/03/polarizing-owner-of-high-profile-oakland-restaurant-hi-felicia-announces-successor-project/">Sluts wine bar</a>, what appears to be faded yellow glue on a Folsom Street sidewalk and white spray paint under a street art mural depiction of an eagle on Langton Street.

The Standard walked around Seventh and Folsom streets on Monday and saw seven &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags in various forms, including fluorescent green spray paint on a street corner, yellow marker pen on a gray wall outside <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/03/polarizing-owner-of-high-profile-oakland-restaurant-hi-felicia-announces-successor-project/">Sluts wine bar</a>, what appears to be faded yellow glue on a Folsom Street sidewalk and white spray paint under a street art mural depiction of an eagle on Langton Street.

On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, two tags in fluorescent green spray paint mark a sidewalk and curb.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1882" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012388.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, two tags in fluorescent green spray paint mark a sidewalk and curb." class="wp-image-211531"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco&#8217;s SoMa, two fluorescent green spray paint tags mark a sidewalk and curb.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012388.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, two tags in fluorescent green spray paint mark a sidewalk and curb." class="wp-image-211531"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco's SoMa, two fluorescent green spray paint tags mark a sidewalk and curb.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012388.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, two tags in fluorescent green spray paint mark a sidewalk and curb." class="wp-image-211531"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco&#8217;s SoMa, two fluorescent green spray paint tags mark a sidewalk and curb.</figcaption></figure>

Wabl was booked into San Francisco County Jail at 1:21 p.m. Sunday and held on $90,000 of bail. Police said the investigation remains open. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office did not initially respond to a question about whether Wabl had been charged; the Public Defender’s Office said it had little information to share Monday but added that Wabl had not yet been arraigned or appointed an attorney.

Wabl was booked into San Francisco County Jail at 1:21 p.m. Sunday and held on $90,000 of bail. Police said the investigation remains open. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office did not initially respond to a question about whether Wabl had been charged; the Public Defender’s Office said it had little information to share Monday but added that Wabl had not yet been arraigned or appointed an attorney.

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency spokesman Stephen Chun told The Standard that the agency had been awarded a $3 million grant from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/10/09/state-announces-114-5-million-in-clean-california-grants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clean California initiative</a> to clean up bus stops and train stations in the Downtown, SoMa and parts of Chinatown neighborhoods <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/san-francisco-apec-summit-xi-jinping-joe-biden/">ahead of APEC in November</a>.

San Francisco is hosting a global summit in 5 weeks. Many details are still TBD

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency spokesman Stephen Chun told The Standard that the agency had been awarded a $3 million grant from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/10/09/state-announces-114-5-million-in-clean-california-grants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clean California initiative</a> to clean up bus stops and train stations in the Downtown, SoMa and parts of Chinatown neighborhoods <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/san-francisco-apec-summit-xi-jinping-joe-biden/">ahead of APEC in November</a>.

San Francisco graffiti ‘kingpin’ suspect arrested as thousands of tags sweep city

Mike Ege

This week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will hold a pivotal vote in the ongoing saga over the Castro Theatre. The board will also vote to approve a labor agreement with the city’s firefighters and urge a name change for one of Golden Gate Park’s more charming attractions.&nbsp;

This week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will hold a pivotal vote in the ongoing saga over the Castro Theatre. The board will also vote to approve a labor agreement with the city’s firefighters and urge a name change for one of Golden Gate Park’s more charming attractions.&nbsp;

Apart from regular business, supervisors may also address the closely-watched Banko Brown case: Board President Aaron Peskin said Monday that he&#8217;ll be introducing a resolution <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/push-for-state-federal-investigations-into-banko-browns-killing-after-da-declines-to-charge-shooter/">urging the California Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Justice</a> to review the evidence after District Attorney Brooke Jenkins reaffirmed her initial decision not to charge Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, a Walgreens security guard who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-shooting-guard-who-killed-banko-brown-gives-interview/">fatally shot Brown last month.</a>

Apart from regular business, supervisors may also address the closely-watched Banko Brown case: Board President Aaron Peskin said Monday that he'll be introducing a resolution <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/push-for-state-federal-investigations-into-banko-browns-killing-after-da-declines-to-charge-shooter/">urging the California Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Justice</a> to review the evidence after District Attorney Brooke Jenkins reaffirmed her initial decision not to charge Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, a Walgreens security guard who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-shooting-guard-who-killed-banko-brown-gives-interview/">fatally shot Brown last month.</a>

Apart from regular business, supervisors may also address the closely-watched Banko Brown case: Board President Aaron Peskin said Monday that he&#8217;ll be introducing a resolution <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/push-for-state-federal-investigations-into-banko-browns-killing-after-da-declines-to-charge-shooter/">urging the California Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Justice</a> to review the evidence after District Attorney Brooke Jenkins reaffirmed her initial decision not to charge Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, a Walgreens security guard who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-shooting-guard-who-killed-banko-brown-gives-interview/">fatally shot Brown last month.</a>

Later in the week, the board’s Government Audit and Oversight Committee is scheduled to hold multiple hearings on some of the city’s hot-button topics, ranging from police overtime to the political antics of one of San Francisco’s most influential affordable housing operators.&nbsp;

Later in the week, the board’s Government Audit and Oversight Committee is scheduled to hold multiple hearings on some of the city’s hot-button topics, ranging from police overtime to the political antics of one of San Francisco’s most influential affordable housing operators.&nbsp;

As always, the wonks can sift thoroughly through the details in this week’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/event/2023/bag051623_agenda" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agenda</a>.&nbsp;

As always, the wonks can sift thoroughly through the details in this week’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/event/2023/bag051623_agenda" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agenda</a>.&nbsp;

Castro Drama Premieres at the Full Board&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-castro-drama-premieres-at-the-full-board">Castro Drama Premieres at the Full Board&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 id="h-castro-drama-premieres-at-the-full-board">Castro Drama Premieres at the Full Board&nbsp;</h2>

On Tuesday, a pivotal vote on the future of the Castro Theatre will likely dominate the board’s regular agenda.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a pivotal vote on the future of the Castro Theatre will likely dominate the board’s regular agenda.&nbsp;

At issue is one in a number of planned changes to the landmark status and zoning uses of the legendary cinema—in this case, what changes the operator Another Planet Entertainment can make to the main level. Another Planet is seeking to modify the floor to accommodate uses other than film screenings.

At issue is one in a number of planned changes to the landmark status and zoning uses of the legendary cinema—in this case, what changes the operator Another Planet Entertainment can make to the main level. Another Planet is seeking to modify the floor to accommodate uses other than film screenings.

Preservationists <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/take-a-seat-the-castro-theatre-is-about-to-become-very-expensive/">have other ideas</a>, and the result has been public comment marathons at the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/massive-crowd-of-angry-cinephiles-show-up-for-public-meeting-on-castro-theatre-plan/">Historic Preservation Commission</a> and the supervisors’ Land Use and Transportation Committee.&nbsp;

Preservationists <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/take-a-seat-the-castro-theatre-is-about-to-become-very-expensive/">have other ideas</a>, and the result has been public comment marathons at the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/massive-crowd-of-angry-cinephiles-show-up-for-public-meeting-on-castro-theatre-plan/">Historic Preservation Commission</a> and the supervisors’ Land Use and Transportation Committee.&nbsp;

The 100-year-old Castro Theatre was the site of raucous town hall on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2022 as hundreds of cinema fans and LGBTQ+ community members filled its seats to express their opinions about Another Planet Entertainment’s planned changes to the venue, which include changes to the venue’s lower-floor seats. Peter-Astrid Kane/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Castro-INLINE-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67931"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 100-year-old Castro Theatre was the site of raucous town hall on Aug. 12, 2022, as cinema fans and LGBTQ+ community members voiced opinions about Another Planet Entertainment’s planned changes to the venue. | Peter-Astrid Kane/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The commission approved the proposed changes. But Board President Aaron Peskin and District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston, both members of the land use committee, amended the plan to mandate fixed seating and sent it to the full board. Peskin also has a beef with Another Planet over promised renovations to the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=923870e582&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">that reportedly haven’t materialized</a>.&nbsp;

The commission approved the proposed changes. But Board President Aaron Peskin and District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston, both members of the land use committee, amended the plan to mandate fixed seating and sent it to the full board. Peskin also has a beef with Another Planet over promised renovations to the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=923870e582&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">that reportedly haven’t materialized</a>.&nbsp;

Committee chair and District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar opposed the amendment, and the Castro’s home supervisor, Rafael Mandelman, isn’t a fan either. He’s announced that <a href="https://hoodline.com/2023/05/supervisor-mandelman-to-propose-removing-castro-theatre-fixed-seating-language-at-tuesday-s-full-board-meeting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he will offer amendments to change the legislation back</a>.&nbsp;

Committee chair and District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar opposed the amendment, and the Castro’s home supervisor, Rafael Mandelman, isn’t a fan either. He’s announced that <a href="https://hoodline.com/2023/05/supervisor-mandelman-to-propose-removing-castro-theatre-fixed-seating-language-at-tuesday-s-full-board-meeting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he will offer amendments to change the legislation back</a>.&nbsp;

“It has been my hope all along to find a resolution that [&#8230;] activates the Theater as much as possible, contributes to the neighborhood economy and allows for much-needed and long-deferred investments in the building,” said Mandelman in a statement.&nbsp;

“It has been my hope all along to find a resolution that [...] activates the Theater as much as possible, contributes to the neighborhood economy and allows for much-needed and long-deferred investments in the building,” said Mandelman in a statement.&nbsp;

“It has been my hope all along to find a resolution that [&#8230;] activates the Theater as much as possible, contributes to the neighborhood economy and allows for much-needed and long-deferred investments in the building,” said Mandelman in a statement.&nbsp;

Given the number of people who have been organized over this issue, the Castro Theatre discussion will likely take up most of the board’s time on Tuesday. The vote on the matter will also be close. Hopefully, there will be an intermission, but you’ll have to bring your own popcorn.&nbsp;

Given the number of people who have been organized over this issue, the Castro Theatre discussion will likely take up most of the board’s time on Tuesday. The vote on the matter will also be close. Hopefully, there will be an intermission, but you’ll have to bring your own popcorn.&nbsp;

And in case you thought this was the end of the Castro Theatre saga, there’s almost certain to be sequels. The Planning and Historic Preservation Commissions <a href="https://sfplanning.org/sites/default/files/agendas/2023-05/20230518_jnthpc_cal%20%28ID%201368618%29.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">are holding a joint meeting Thursday</a> to discuss more changes to the theater, including zoning changes to allow nighttime entertainment and bar uses on the first and second floors. Stay tuned.&nbsp;

And in case you thought this was the end of the Castro Theatre saga, there’s almost certain to be sequels. The Planning and Historic Preservation Commissions <a href="https://sfplanning.org/sites/default/files/agendas/2023-05/20230518_jnthpc_cal%20%28ID%201368618%29.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">are holding a joint meeting Thursday</a> to discuss more changes to the theater, including zoning changes to allow nighttime entertainment and bar uses on the first and second floors. Stay tuned.&nbsp;

Firefighters’ Agreements, Stow Lake Name Change

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-firefighters-agreements-stow-lake-name-change">Firefighters’ Agreements, Stow Lake Name Change</h2>

<h2 id="h-firefighters-agreements-stow-lake-name-change">Firefighters’ Agreements, Stow Lake Name Change</h2>

Firefighters carry equipment along 22nd Avenue. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SunsetHouseFire02092023-21-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-124601"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Firefighters carry equipment along 22nd Avenue. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SunsetHouseFire02092023-21-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-124601"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Firefighters carry equipment along 22nd Avenue. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The board is also set to approve new labor agreements <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=a140fb9edc&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">for the city’s firefighters</a> Tuesday. The agreement includes wage increases of 10.75% over three years, retention and holiday premiums, and a pilot program for emergency childcare reimbursement for those working mandatory overtime.&nbsp;

The board is also set to approve new labor agreements <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=a140fb9edc&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">for the city’s firefighters</a> Tuesday. The agreement includes wage increases of 10.75% over three years, retention and holiday premiums, and a pilot program for emergency childcare reimbursement for those working mandatory overtime.&nbsp;

The agreements were recommended unanimously by the board’s oversight committee on May 4, despite concerns over yet another major department relying on mandatory overtime to provide full service. During public comment, firefighters testified to retention and staffing issues.

The agreements were recommended unanimously by the board’s oversight committee on May 4, despite concerns over yet another major department relying on mandatory overtime to provide full service. During public comment, firefighters testified to retention and staffing issues.

The board approved $65 million for additional overtime for ambulance personnel <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-supervisors-question-shooting-charges-5-day-power-outage/">May 2</a>, and $25 million in additional overtime for police <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-pass-police-overtime-bill-hear-qualms-over-shelter-policy/">March 21</a> after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-mayor-supervisors-set-for-showdown-over-police-funding/">a long political fight</a>.&nbsp;

The board approved $65 million for additional overtime for ambulance personnel <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-supervisors-question-shooting-charges-5-day-power-outage/">May 2</a>, and $25 million in additional overtime for police <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-pass-police-overtime-bill-hear-qualms-over-shelter-policy/">March 21</a> after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-mayor-supervisors-set-for-showdown-over-police-funding/">a long political fight</a>.&nbsp;

Another notable vote Tuesday is <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=2fd079b6ab&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">a long-percolating resolution</a> urging the Recreation and Park Department to come up with a new name for Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.&nbsp;

Another notable vote Tuesday is <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=2fd079b6ab&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">a long-percolating resolution</a> urging the Recreation and Park Department to come up with a new name for Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.&nbsp;

The lake’s namesake, 19th century Assemblymember William Stow, was a virulent antisemite who <a href="https://jweekly.com/2022/10/19/s-f-supes-resolution-would-rename-golden-gate-parks-stow-lake-named-for-politician-who-proposed-jew-tax/?utm_source=The+San+Francisco+Standard&amp;utm_campaign=cdc44f92a8-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_05_12_11_35&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_-cdc44f92a8-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">actually proposed a “Jew Tax”</a> designed to bankrupt Jewish-owned businesses.&nbsp;

The lake’s namesake, 19th century Assemblymember William Stow, was a virulent antisemite who <a href="https://jweekly.com/2022/10/19/s-f-supes-resolution-would-rename-golden-gate-parks-stow-lake-named-for-politician-who-proposed-jew-tax/?utm_source=The+San+Francisco+Standard&amp;utm_campaign=cdc44f92a8-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_05_12_11_35&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_-cdc44f92a8-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">actually proposed a “Jew Tax”</a> designed to bankrupt Jewish-owned businesses.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thursday-hearings-star-todco-pg-e">Thursday Hearings Star TODCO, PG&amp;E</h2>

<h2 id="h-thursday-hearings-star-todco-pg-e">Thursday Hearings Star TODCO, PG&amp;E</h2>

John Elberling poses for a portrait in the courtyard of his long-time home, an apartment complex he helped develop decades ago, in the SoMa district of San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 29, 2022. Elberling is the Vice President of TODCO—a SoMA-based affordable housing group that exercises significant political power in the City. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PropKScrewup082622-17-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-72302"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Elberling poses for a portrait on Aug. 29, 2022. Elberling is the vice president of TODCO—a SoMA-based affordable housing group that exercises significant political power in the city. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Wonks who are tired of the Castro Theatre drama might wish to save their SFGovTV viewing for <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/gao051823_agenda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this Thursday’s meeting</a> of the Government Audit and Oversight Committee, which will feature several blockbuster hearings:

Wonks who are tired of the Castro Theatre drama might wish to save their SFGovTV viewing for <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/gao051823_agenda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this Thursday’s meeting</a> of the Government Audit and Oversight Committee, which will feature several blockbuster hearings:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Management of police overtime. Committee chair Preston, one of two dissenters when the board <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=4eb9f9a1db&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">approved $25 million in overtime on March 21,</a> requested <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-to-hash-out-on-demand-shelter-plan-extend-eviction-freeze/">an audit of police overtime practices</a> back in March.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Management of police overtime. Committee chair Preston, one of two dissenters when the board <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=4eb9f9a1db&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">approved $25 million in overtime on March 21,</a> requested <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-to-hash-out-on-demand-shelter-plan-extend-eviction-freeze/">an audit of police overtime practices</a> back in March.&nbsp;

core/list-item

<li>Management of police overtime. Committee chair Preston, one of two dissenters when the board <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=4eb9f9a1db&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">approved $25 million in overtime on March 21,</a> requested <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-to-hash-out-on-demand-shelter-plan-extend-eviction-freeze/">an audit of police overtime practices</a> back in March.&nbsp;</li>

core/list

<ul><li>Management of police overtime. Committee chair Preston, one of two dissenters when the board <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=4eb9f9a1db&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">approved $25 million in overtime on March 21,</a> requested <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-to-hash-out-on-demand-shelter-plan-extend-eviction-freeze/">an audit of police overtime practices</a> back in March.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Pacific Gas and Electric’s fire and outage response issues. Peskin requested this hearing over slow response to a March 26 fire in Jackson Square, which ended up causing a five-day power outage affecting <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=56cbd363b2&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">almost 10,000 customers</a>. </li>



<li>City contracts with <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=d4d92e7a7e&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">controversial affordable housing operator TODCO</a> (Tenants and Owners Development Corporation). As reported earlier by The Standard, TODCO and its powerful director, John Elberling, diverted funds <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">that could’ve gone toward tenants</a> to political campaigning.&nbsp;Over the last 10 years, TODCO has more than doubled its revenues while cutting the share of revenue it spends on its low-income and disabled residents. Instead, it’s ramped up political spending, including $450,000 on <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=a32180fa2a&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">an ill-conceived “Amazon Tax”</a> that had to be yanked from the ballot last year.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Pacific Gas and Electric’s fire and outage response issues. Peskin requested this hearing over slow response to a March 26 fire in Jackson Square, which ended up causing a five-day power outage affecting <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=56cbd363b2&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">almost 10,000 customers</a>.

<li>Pacific Gas and Electric’s fire and outage response issues. Peskin requested this hearing over slow response to a March 26 fire in Jackson Square, which ended up causing a five-day power outage affecting <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=56cbd363b2&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">almost 10,000 customers</a>. </li>

City contracts with <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=d4d92e7a7e&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">controversial affordable housing operator TODCO</a> (Tenants and Owners Development Corporation). As reported earlier by The Standard, TODCO and its powerful director, John Elberling, diverted funds <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">that could’ve gone toward tenants</a> to political campaigning.&nbsp;Over the last 10 years, TODCO has more than doubled its revenues while cutting the share of revenue it spends on its low-income and disabled residents. Instead, it’s ramped up political spending, including $450,000 on <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=a32180fa2a&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">an ill-conceived “Amazon Tax”</a> that had to be yanked from the ballot last year.&nbsp;

<li>City contracts with <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=d4d92e7a7e&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">controversial affordable housing operator TODCO</a> (Tenants and Owners Development Corporation). As reported earlier by The Standard, TODCO and its powerful director, John Elberling, diverted funds <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">that could’ve gone toward tenants</a> to political campaigning.&nbsp;Over the last 10 years, TODCO has more than doubled its revenues while cutting the share of revenue it spends on its low-income and disabled residents. Instead, it’s ramped up political spending, including $450,000 on <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=a32180fa2a&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">an ill-conceived “Amazon Tax”</a> that had to be yanked from the ballot last year.&nbsp;</li>

<ul><li>Pacific Gas and Electric’s fire and outage response issues. Peskin requested this hearing over slow response to a March 26 fire in Jackson Square, which ended up causing a five-day power outage affecting <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=56cbd363b2&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">almost 10,000 customers</a>. </li><li>City contracts with <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=d4d92e7a7e&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">controversial affordable housing operator TODCO</a> (Tenants and Owners Development Corporation). As reported earlier by The Standard, TODCO and its powerful director, John Elberling, diverted funds <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">that could’ve gone toward tenants</a> to political campaigning.&nbsp;Over the last 10 years, TODCO has more than doubled its revenues while cutting the share of revenue it spends on its low-income and disabled residents. Instead, it’s ramped up political spending, including $450,000 on <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=a32180fa2a&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">an ill-conceived “Amazon Tax”</a> that had to be yanked from the ballot last year.&nbsp;</li></ul>

No word on what the reviews will be, but there’s definitely something for everyone here.&nbsp;

No word on what the reviews will be, but there’s definitely something for everyone here.&nbsp;

Battle over SF’s Castro Theatre comes to a head in pivotal board vote

Josh Koehn

An unusual plan to grill Mayor London Breed on the city’s drug crisis in an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/peskin-challenges-breed-come-to-un-plaza-and-address-drug-crisis/">open-air forum Tuesday at United Nations Plaza</a>—one of San Francisco’s worst drug hot spots—is moving forward in what could be must-see political theater.

An unusual plan to grill Mayor London Breed on the city’s drug crisis in an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/peskin-challenges-breed-come-to-un-plaza-and-address-drug-crisis/">open-air forum Tuesday at United Nations Plaza</a>—one of San Francisco’s worst drug hot spots—is moving forward in what could be must-see political theater.

Aaron Peskin, president of the Board of Supervisors, called for the board’s monthly Q&amp;A session with the mayor to be held outdoors at U.N. Plaza to draw more attention to the city’s inability to adequately address drug-dealing and deadly overdoses.

Aaron Peskin, president of the Board of Supervisors, called for the board’s monthly Q&amp;A session with the mayor to be held outdoors at U.N. Plaza to draw more attention to the city’s inability to adequately address drug-dealing and deadly overdoses.

But a lot could go wrong in what some City Hall insiders are calling a performative stunt. The public showdown requires coordination from numerous departments and staff, and no shortage of surprises could crop up in the outdoor plaza known for drugs and petty crime.&nbsp;

But a lot could go wrong in what some City Hall insiders are calling a performative stunt. The public showdown requires coordination from numerous departments and staff, and no shortage of surprises could crop up in the outdoor plaza known for drugs and petty crime.&nbsp;

The Standard decided to take a closer look at the unprecedented hearing—the board was created in 1856, and city officials believe no meeting has ever been convened in such a fashion—as well as lay out who stands to win and lose in this political power struggle.&nbsp;

The Standard decided to take a closer look at the unprecedented hearing—the board was created in 1856, and city officials believe no meeting has ever been convened in such a fashion—as well as lay out who stands to win and lose in this political power struggle.&nbsp;

A large crowd of p[eople hang out in United Nations Plaza in San Francisco on May 11, 2023. | Jason Henry for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RealUNPlaza040523_-0037-2500x1667.jpg" alt="People gathered in UN Plaza" class="wp-image-161967"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A large crowd of people hang out in United Nations Plaza in San Francisco on May 11, 2023. | Jason Henry for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RealUNPlaza040523_-0037-2500x1667.jpg" alt="People gathered in UN Plaza" class="wp-image-161967"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A large crowd of people hang out in United Nations Plaza in San Francisco on May 11, 2023. | Jason Henry for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drugs-take-center-stage">Drugs Take Center Stage</h2>

On April 12, Peskin announced that a future meeting would be held at U.N. Plaza for the specific purpose of challenging Breed on her and the city’s record in confronting open-air drug-dealing. Drug overdoses claimed the lives of 1,908 people in San Francisco from 2020 through 2022, and more than <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/heres-what-chp-will-actually-do-in-downtown-sf-to-battle-fentanyl-crisis/">200 people have died from drug overdoses this year</a>.

On April 12, Peskin announced that a future meeting would be held at U.N. Plaza for the specific purpose of challenging Breed on her and the city’s record in confronting open-air drug-dealing. Drug overdoses claimed the lives of 1,908 people in San Francisco from 2020 through 2022, and more than <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/heres-what-chp-will-actually-do-in-downtown-sf-to-battle-fentanyl-crisis/">200 people have died from drug overdoses this year</a>.

Police are expected to clear the area, and staff will set up tables and cameras to livestream the meeting starting at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Supervisors are allowed to question the mayor every month on a rotating basis, and this meeting will allow questions from representatives of Districts 1-4: Supervisors Connie Chan, Catherine Stefani, Peskin and Joel Engardio.

Police are expected to clear the area, and staff will set up tables and cameras to livestream the meeting starting at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Supervisors are allowed to question the mayor every month on a rotating basis, and this meeting will allow questions from representatives of Districts 1-4: Supervisors Connie Chan, Catherine Stefani, Peskin and Joel Engardio.

Engardio and Stefani said they do not plan to ask questions, while Chan said in a text message she supports the outdoor hearing.

Engardio and Stefani said they do not plan to ask questions, while Chan said in a text message she supports the outdoor hearing.

“To be frank, we have conversations on tackling the public health crisis on our streets in City Hall daily, but it is critical for the public to witness our mayor and all 11 members of the Board of Supervisors having that very dialogue with U.N. Plaza as the backdrop,” Chan said.

“To be frank, we have conversations on tackling the public health crisis on our streets in City Hall daily, but it is critical for the public to witness our mayor and all 11 members of the Board of Supervisors having that very dialogue with U.N. Plaza as the backdrop,” Chan said.

Peskin said he intends to ferret out more details on how the city is working with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/gavin-newsom-tells-sfpd-to-work-with-national-guard-chp-against-drug-crisis/">National Guard and California Highway Patrol to disrupt drug trafficking</a>, especially around U.N. Plaza.

Peskin said he intends to ferret out more details on how the city is working with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/gavin-newsom-tells-sfpd-to-work-with-national-guard-chp-against-drug-crisis/">National Guard and California Highway Patrol to disrupt drug trafficking</a>, especially around U.N. Plaza.

“It was declared a crisis, but we haven&#8217;t actually treated it like a crisis,” he said, adding that the city often pushes drug dealers to another corner without a long-term strategy.

“It was declared a crisis, but we haven't actually treated it like a crisis,” he said, adding that the city often pushes drug dealers to another corner without a long-term strategy.

“It was declared a crisis, but we haven&#8217;t actually treated it like a crisis,” he said, adding that the city often pushes drug dealers to another corner without a long-term strategy.

Mayor London Breed (left) and Supervisor Aaron Peskin (right). | Art by Sophie Bearman

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/breedpeskin-2-2.jpg" alt="Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin" class="wp-image-40742"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed, left, and Supervisor Aaron Peskin will likely square off at Tuesday’s meeting over San Francisco’s response to the drug crisis. | Art by Sophie Bearman</figcaption></figure>

Once the Q&amp;A portion of the meeting is completed, supervisors and staff will return to City Hall to hold the rest of the regular weekly meeting.&nbsp;

Once the Q&amp;A portion of the meeting is completed, supervisors and staff will return to City Hall to hold the rest of the regular weekly meeting.&nbsp;

This may seem like a spectacle for what’s normally a 15-minute affair, but Peskin said he might hold a second Q&amp;A with the mayor at 16th and Mission streets—another known hot spot for drug activity. And he insisted it won’t be a “dog-and-pony show.”

This may seem like a spectacle for what’s normally a 15-minute affair, but Peskin said he might hold a second Q&amp;A with the mayor at 16th and Mission streets—another known hot spot for drug activity. And he insisted it won’t be a “dog-and-pony show.”

“It’s about focusing the government and decision makers&#8217; attention on how to effectively fix these spots,” Peskin told The Standard.&nbsp;

“It’s about focusing the government and decision makers' attention on how to effectively fix these spots,” Peskin told The Standard.&nbsp;

“It’s about focusing the government and decision makers&#8217; attention on how to effectively fix these spots,” Peskin told The Standard.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-could-go-wrong">What Could Go Wrong?</h2>

Holding court at U.N. Plaza could quickly go off the rails for a variety of reasons, as there are risks on all sides in trying to hold the mayor’s feet to the fire in public.&nbsp;

Holding court at U.N. Plaza could quickly go off the rails for a variety of reasons, as there are risks on all sides in trying to hold the mayor’s feet to the fire in public.&nbsp;

One issue is whether this is a good use of taxpayer time and money. Peskin said his request to hold the meeting at U.N. Plaza will cost $4,650: $2,000 for the SF Gov TV equipment, $2,000 for “media services” and $650 for Board of Supervisors tablecloths.

One issue is whether this is a good use of taxpayer time and money. Peskin said his request to hold the meeting at U.N. Plaza will cost $4,650: $2,000 for the SF Gov TV equipment, $2,000 for “media services” and $650 for Board of Supervisors tablecloths.

People sit with their belongings in United Nations Plaza in San Francisco on May 11, 2023. | Jason Henry for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RealUNPlaza040523_-0053-2500x1667.jpg" alt="People gathered in UN Plaza with there belongings" class="wp-image-162003"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People sit with their belongings in United Nations Plaza in San Francisco on May 11, 2023. | Jason Henry for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RealUNPlaza040523_-0053-2500x1667.jpg" alt="People gathered in UN Plaza with there belongings" class="wp-image-162003"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People sit with their belongings in United Nations Plaza in San Francisco on May 11, 2023. | Jason Henry for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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