Kevin Truong

We’ve all seen the sign taped to the register at the corner deli or behind the bar at the neighborhood watering hole: “We have the right to refuse service to anyone.” But exactly how far does that right extend?

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We’ve all seen the sign taped to the register at the corner deli or behind the bar at the neighborhood watering hole: “We have the right to refuse service to anyone.” But exactly how far does that right extend?

The owners of Hilda and Jesse, a North Beach breakfast spot, won’t be testing their right in front of a judge, though they are certainly learning a thing or two in the court of public opinion.

The owners of Hilda and Jesse, a North Beach breakfast spot, won’t be testing their right in front of a judge, though they are certainly learning a thing or two in the court of public opinion.

The restaurant stirred controversy by refusing to serve three uniformed police officers last Friday. According to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXFgTZirt2c/">a since-deleted statement</a> on the restaurant’s Instagram account, staff were made uncomfortable by the presence of the officers and the weapons they carried.&nbsp;

The restaurant stirred controversy by refusing to serve three uniformed police officers last Friday. According to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXFgTZirt2c/">a since-deleted statement</a> on the restaurant’s Instagram account, staff were made uncomfortable by the presence of the officers and the weapons they carried.&nbsp;

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“We respect the San Francisco Police Department and are grateful for the work they do,” the post read. “We welcome them into the restaurant when they are off duty, out of uniform, and without their weapons.”

“We respect the San Francisco Police Department and are grateful for the work they do,” the post read. “We welcome them into the restaurant when they are off duty, out of uniform, and without their weapons.”

It didn’t take long for the restaurant&#8217;s Yelp and Google pages to be flooded with negative reviews. On Sunday, the owners <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHgPRxv1eg/">released an apology</a>, calling the decision “a mistake” and “a teachable moment for us as we repair and continue to build bridges with the SFPD.”

It didn’t take long for the restaurant's Yelp and Google pages to be flooded with negative reviews. On Sunday, the owners <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHgPRxv1eg/">released an apology</a>, calling the decision “a mistake” and “a teachable moment for us as we repair and continue to build bridges with the SFPD.”

It didn’t take long for the restaurant&#8217;s Yelp and Google pages to be flooded with negative reviews. On Sunday, the owners <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHgPRxv1eg/">released an apology</a>, calling the decision “a mistake” and “a teachable moment for us as we repair and continue to build bridges with the SFPD.”

Outside of this “teachable moment,” the question of whether a private business may deny service to a customer has a lot to do with the identity of the individual being shown the door.

Outside of this “teachable moment,” the question of whether a private business may deny service to a customer has a lot to do with the identity of the individual being shown the door.

Federal and state law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical conditions, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, disability, gentic information and age. California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, which applies to all businesses in California, also prohibits businesses from engaging in discrimination against those protected classes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Federal and state law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical conditions, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, disability, gentic information and age. California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, which applies to all businesses in California, also prohibits businesses from engaging in discrimination against those protected classes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Michael Bracamontes, a partner at San Francisco law firm Bracamontes and Vlasak, said a private business like Hilda and Jesse is legally allowed to deny service to police officers in uniform because they are not a member of a delimited protected category. Businesses are also allowed to enforce a specific dress code, he observed. Think “no shoes, no shirt, no service.” Such a rule is permissible under federal and state law because it does not single out any protected group or characteristic.

Michael Bracamontes, a partner at San Francisco law firm Bracamontes and Vlasak, said a private business like Hilda and Jesse is legally allowed to deny service to police officers in uniform because they are not a member of a delimited protected category. Businesses are also allowed to enforce a specific dress code, he observed. Think “no shoes, no shirt, no service.” Such a rule is permissible under federal and state law because it does not single out any protected group or characteristic.

Bracamontes said the law is quite clear in determining when a business can legally deny service to a customer and a blanket ban on police officers, for instance, doesn’t run afoul of restrictions.&nbsp;

Bracamontes said the law is quite clear in determining when a business can legally deny service to a customer and a blanket ban on police officers, for instance, doesn’t run afoul of restrictions.&nbsp;

“Businesses are allowed to serve whomever they choose, but they are not allowed to discriminate based on a member of a protected class,” Bracamontes said. “It seems like a risky policy to put in place for obvious reasons, but it’s not against the law.

“Businesses are allowed to serve whomever they choose, but they are not allowed to discriminate based on a member of a protected class,” Bracamontes said. “It seems like a risky policy to put in place for obvious reasons, but it’s not against the law.

It’s a distinction that police department leadership seems to understand, even as they criticize the decision itself.

It’s a distinction that police department leadership seems to understand, even as they criticize the decision itself.

“The San Francisco Police Department stands for safety with respect, even when it means respecting wishes that our officers and I find discouraging and personally disappointing,” SFPD Chief Bill Scott tweeted in response to the Hilda and Jesse news.

“The San Francisco Police Department stands for safety with respect, even when it means respecting wishes that our officers and I find discouraging and personally disappointing,” SFPD Chief Bill Scott tweeted in response to the Hilda and Jesse news.

The controversy around Hilda and Jesse’s denial of service is part of a larger conversation around the presence of uniformed police officers in public spaces.&nbsp;

The controversy around Hilda and Jesse’s denial of service is part of a larger conversation around the presence of uniformed police officers in public spaces.&nbsp;

In one recent example, the Pride Alliance of the San Francisco Police Department was barred by festival organizers from participating in the city’s 2021 pride parade in uniform, in part due to an incident at the 2019 parade where police used force against protesters who blocked the parade route.

In one recent example, the Pride Alliance of the San Francisco Police Department was barred by festival organizers from participating in the city’s 2021 pride parade in uniform, in part due to an incident at the 2019 parade where police used force against protesters who blocked the parade route.

While Hilda and Jesse backtracked on their earlier decision, some local businesses have created overarching policies regarding service to police officers. Oakland’s Hasta Muerte Coffee made headlines in 2018 when they codified a policy of <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-coffee-shop-refuses-to-serve-police-12742145.php">refusing to serve</a> uniformed officers. The controversy led to attacks online against the business and protests outside the café’s storefront.&nbsp;

While Hilda and Jesse backtracked on their earlier decision, some local businesses have created overarching policies regarding service to police officers. Oakland’s Hasta Muerte Coffee made headlines in 2018 when they codified a policy of <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-coffee-shop-refuses-to-serve-police-12742145.php">refusing to serve</a> uniformed officers. The controversy led to attacks online against the business and protests outside the café’s storefront.&nbsp;

Still, the cooperative café has continued to limit service to uniformed officers and has a section of its website labeled No Cops that <a href="https://hastamuertecoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HMC-online-booklet-v05312021.pdf">details the cooperative’s philosophy</a> around minimizing police presence at its business and in the community writ large.&nbsp;

Still, the cooperative café has continued to limit service to uniformed officers and has a section of its website labeled No Cops that <a href="https://hastamuertecoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HMC-online-booklet-v05312021.pdf">details the cooperative’s philosophy</a> around minimizing police presence at its business and in the community writ large.&nbsp;

“We were trying to create a welcoming and inclusive neighborhood spot for people of the town—including those who fear police because of routine mistreatment—namely the usual targets of racial profiling, and especially formerly incarcerated, undocumented, queer, trans, and Black friends and family and neighbors. As we discussed all this, the only thing that made sense to us was to ask police not to enter or spend time at our cafe,” Hasta Muere wrote in their document.

“We were trying to create a welcoming and inclusive neighborhood spot for people of the town—including those who fear police because of routine mistreatment—namely the usual targets of racial profiling, and especially formerly incarcerated, undocumented, queer, trans, and Black friends and family and neighbors. As we discussed all this, the only thing that made sense to us was to ask police not to enter or spend time at our cafe,” Hasta Muere wrote in their document.

Bracamontes said for businesses considering a similar policy, it’s important to consider the business impacts of a huge social media uproar and an adversarial relationship with law enforcement, even if the threat of litigation remains small.&nbsp;

Bracamontes said for businesses considering a similar policy, it’s important to consider the business impacts of a huge social media uproar and an adversarial relationship with law enforcement, even if the threat of litigation remains small.&nbsp;

“What happened in SF certainly was not a great public relations move, but there’s nothing per se illegal about it,” Bracamontes said. “It’s a pretty risky position to take. If you decide to ban all firefighters at your restaurant, you’ve got to imagine they’d be slower to respond if you end up having a fire.”

“What happened in SF certainly was not a great public relations move, but there’s nothing per se illegal about it,” Bracamontes said. “It’s a pretty risky position to take. If you decide to ban all firefighters at your restaurant, you’ve got to imagine they’d be slower to respond if you end up having a fire.”

Can they do that? SF restaurant’s refusal of cops likely legal

Sarah Wright

The city&#8217;s fight over fourplexes is finally over, but amendments piled on an original bill mean it won’t have nearly the impact that its creator intended. 

The city's fight over fourplexes is finally over, but amendments piled on an original bill mean it won’t have nearly the impact that its creator intended.

The city&#8217;s fight over fourplexes is finally over, but amendments piled on an original bill mean it won’t have nearly the impact that its creator intended.

“It&#8217;s a consensus,” Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who authored the legislation, told The Standard. “I’m just not thrilled with where the consensus is, but it&#8217;s as good as we’re going to get through the board, apparently.”

“It's a consensus,” Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who authored the legislation, told The Standard. “I’m just not thrilled with where the consensus is, but it's as good as we’re going to get through the board, apparently.”

“It&#8217;s a consensus,” Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who authored the legislation, told The Standard. “I’m just not thrilled with where the consensus is, but it&#8217;s as good as we’re going to get through the board, apparently.”

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors passed Mandelman&#8217;s fourplex legislation, which had originally sought to legalize fouplexes citywide, in a 6-4 vote. Board President Shamann Walton and Supervisors Ahsha Safaí, Catherine Stefani and Matt Dorsey voted against the bill. 

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors passed Mandelman's fourplex legislation, which had originally sought to legalize fouplexes citywide, in a 6-4 vote. Board President Shamann Walton and Supervisors Ahsha Safaí, Catherine Stefani and Matt Dorsey voted against the bill.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors passed Mandelman&#8217;s fourplex legislation, which had originally sought to legalize fouplexes citywide, in a 6-4 vote. Board President Shamann Walton and Supervisors Ahsha Safaí, Catherine Stefani and Matt Dorsey voted against the bill.

Mandelman’s initial version came in response to Senate Bill 9, state legislation that effectively ended single-family zoning in California by allowing two units on every lot. In his original version of the bill, Mandelman aimed to expand on SB 9 and allow four units on every lot in San Francisco and six on corner lots. 

Mandelman’s initial version came in response to Senate Bill 9, state legislation that effectively ended single-family zoning in California by allowing two units on every lot. In his original version of the bill, Mandelman aimed to expand on SB 9 and allow four units on every lot in San Francisco and six on corner lots.

But during its journey through the Land Use and Transportation Committee, the legislation was weighed down by amendments that limit who can use the law to build new units. The most significant amendment, proposed by Supervisor Dean Preston, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/a-fourplex-on-each-lot-in-debate-over-upzoning-sfs-westside-one-proposal-emerges-as-the-strongest/">requires landlords to have inherited or owned the building for five years prior to developing it</a>, effectively cutting developers who seek to buy homes to convert to multi-unit housing out of the equation.

But during its journey through the Land Use and Transportation Committee, the legislation was weighed down by amendments that limit who can use the law to build new units. The most significant amendment, proposed by Supervisor Dean Preston, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/a-fourplex-on-each-lot-in-debate-over-upzoning-sfs-westside-one-proposal-emerges-as-the-strongest/">requires landlords to have inherited or owned the building for five years prior to developing it</a>, effectively cutting developers who seek to buy homes to convert to multi-unit housing out of the equation.

“I think it&#8217;s an attempt to thwart our state bill,” said Safaí on Tuesday. “This legislation at the end of the day will make it more difficult to build housing in our city.”

“I think it's an attempt to thwart our state bill,” said Safaí on Tuesday. “This legislation at the end of the day will make it more difficult to build housing in our city.”

“I think it&#8217;s an attempt to thwart our state bill,” said Safaí on Tuesday. “This legislation at the end of the day will make it more difficult to build housing in our city.”

Mandelman worries this bodes poorly for the board’s appetite for action on addressing the city’s housing crisis, and the city&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/housing-shell-game-supes-latest-actions-set-to-slow-new-housing-as-state-mandate-looms/">ability to craft a state-mandated housing plan that makes room for 82,000 units by 2031</a> that it must submit to the state by early next year.

Mandelman worries this bodes poorly for the board’s appetite for action on addressing the city’s housing crisis, and 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/">ability to craft a state-mandated housing plan that makes room for 82,000 units by 2031</a> that it must submit to the state by early next year.

Mandelman worries this bodes poorly for the board’s appetite for action on addressing the city’s housing crisis, and the city&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/housing-shell-game-supes-latest-actions-set-to-slow-new-housing-as-state-mandate-looms/">ability to craft a state-mandated housing plan that makes room for 82,000 units by 2031</a> that it must submit to the state by early next year.

“We’re not going to build tens of thousands of units if we’re relying on individual property owners to do that,” Mandelman said.&nbsp;

“We’re not going to build tens of thousands of units if we’re relying on individual property owners to do that,” Mandelman said.&nbsp;

The state’s housing department won’t comment on the current version of the city’s Housing Element Update—the state-mandated housing plan the city is required to craft once every eight years—while it’s still under review. But San Francisco’s struggles to approve housing have caught the eye of state regulators.

The state’s housing department won’t comment on the current version of the city’s Housing Element Update—the state-mandated housing plan the city is required to craft once every eight years—while it’s still under review. But San Francisco’s struggles to approve housing have caught the eye of state regulators.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development recently sent <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing-element/docs/sfrsanfrancisco-ta-020122.pdf">two</a> <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing-element/docs/sfrsanfrancisco-loi-ta-112221.pdf">letters</a> voicing concern about the Board of Supervisors’ rejection of proposed housing projects at 469 Stevenson and 450 O’Farrell Streets last year. Those cases—and a larger investigation into the city’s approvals practices—remain open, <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2022/06/13/hcd-san-francisco-investigations-rhna.html?utm_source=The+San+Francisco+Standard&amp;utm_campaign=34ed588107-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_06_07_06_53_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_f81e82e2a3-34ed588107-">a new report from the San Francisco Business Times</a> found.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development recently sent <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing-element/docs/sfrsanfrancisco-ta-020122.pdf">two</a> <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing-element/docs/sfrsanfrancisco-loi-ta-112221.pdf">letters</a> voicing concern about the Board of Supervisors’ rejection of proposed housing projects at 469 Stevenson and 450 O’Farrell Streets last year. Those cases—and a larger investigation into the city’s approvals practices—remain open, <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2022/06/13/hcd-san-francisco-investigations-rhna.html?utm_source=The+San+Francisco+Standard&amp;utm_campaign=34ed588107-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_06_07_06_53_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_f81e82e2a3-34ed588107-">a new report from the San Francisco Business Times</a> found.

According to the state, it takes longer for San Francisco than any other county in California to entitle and then permit a project, at 450 days versus 524 days on average. And the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/despite-reforms-san-francisco-is-building-fewer-homes-now-than-before/">housing pipeline looks to be slowing,</a> according to a recent report from the city’s planning department.

According to the state, it takes longer for San Francisco than any other county in California to entitle and then permit a project, at 450 days versus 524 days on average. And the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/despite-reforms-san-francisco-is-building-fewer-homes-now-than-before/">housing pipeline looks to be slowing,</a> according to a recent report from the city’s planning department.

“San Francisco needs to reform fundamentally how it approves housing and put an end to the endless hearings and appeals,” state Sen. Scott Wiener, who is critical of the amendments to Mandelman’s bill, told The Standard. “The city needs to produce a housing element that is real and is likely to result in housing.”

“San Francisco needs to reform fundamentally how it approves housing and put an end to the endless hearings and appeals,” state Sen. Scott Wiener, who is critical of the amendments to Mandelman’s bill, told The Standard. “The city needs to produce a housing element that is real and is likely to result in housing.”

Fourplex bill passes but won’t create much housing

Josh Koehn

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/let-the-good-times-roll-sf-nightlife-hopeful-as-bars-and-venues-fill-again/">The party</a> will go later and tolerance levels will be tested—for both drinkers and bartenders—in certain California cities if a resurrected bill from two San Francisco state legislators is approved.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/let-the-good-times-roll-sf-nightlife-hopeful-as-bars-and-venues-fill-again/">The party</a> will go later and tolerance levels will be tested—for both drinkers and bartenders—in certain California cities if a resurrected bill from two San Francisco state legislators is approved.

State Sen. Scott Wiener and newly minted Assemblymember Matt Haney will introduce legislation Friday that would allow bars, nightclubs and restaurants—but not liquor stores—in “several major pilot cities” across California to continue serving drinks as late as 4 a.m. <a href="https://www.abc.ca.gov/education/merchant-education/on-sale-licensee-informational-guide/hours-of-sale/">Current state law</a> requires establishments serving alcoholic beverages to serve their last drink before 2 a.m.&nbsp;

State Sen. Scott Wiener and newly minted Assemblymember Matt Haney will introduce legislation Friday that would allow bars, nightclubs and restaurants—but not liquor stores—in “several major pilot cities” across California to continue serving drinks as late as 4 a.m. <a href="https://www.abc.ca.gov/education/merchant-education/on-sale-licensee-informational-guide/hours-of-sale/">Current state law</a> requires establishments serving alcoholic beverages to serve their last drink before 2 a.m.&nbsp;

“Nightlife is part of our cities’ cultural heart, and we should give cities the flexible tools to make their nightlife as vibrant and world-class as possible,” Wiener said in a statement. “California’s one-size-fits-all approach to nightlife—requiring all alcohol sales to end at 2 am, whether in downtown LA or a rural small town—makes no sense. It’s time to allow cities that want to extend their nightlife the ability to do so.”

“Nightlife is part of our cities’ cultural heart, and we should give cities the flexible tools to make their nightlife as vibrant and world-class as possible,” Wiener said in a statement. “California’s one-size-fits-all approach to nightlife—requiring all alcohol sales to end at 2 am, whether in downtown LA or a rural small town—makes no sense. It’s time to allow cities that want to extend their nightlife the ability to do so.”

In 2018, Wiener pushed a similar bill, SB 905, to allow bars in the following California cities to extend their hours: San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Sacramento, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Coachella, Cathedral City and Palm Springs. The new proposal would apply to those same cities.

In 2018, Wiener pushed a similar bill, SB 905, to allow bars in the following California cities to extend their hours: San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Sacramento, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Coachella, Cathedral City and Palm Springs. The new proposal would apply to those same cities.

SB 905 passed through both houses of the Legislature, but then-Gov.<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/gov-brown-vetoes-bill-extending-bar-hours-to-4-a-m/"> Jerry Brown vetoed it</a>. In his decision, Brown wrote that “we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 (am).”

SB 905 passed through both houses of the Legislature, but then-Gov.<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/gov-brown-vetoes-bill-extending-bar-hours-to-4-a-m/"> Jerry Brown vetoed it</a>. In his decision, Brown wrote that “we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 (am).”

Assemblymember Haney noted in a statement that the pandemic has hurt all of California’s economy, “but nightlife has been especially hard hit.”&nbsp;

Assemblymember Haney noted in a statement that the pandemic has hurt all of California’s economy, “but nightlife has been especially hard hit.”&nbsp;

“We’ve lost so many historic venues and bars, it is going to take years to rebuild,” he said. “We need to do everything we can to support and encourage this part of our culture and economy. Extending hours to 4am even a few days a week will save historic businesses, create thousands of jobs, and support arts, culture and community.&#8221;

“We’ve lost so many historic venues and bars, it is going to take years to rebuild,” he said. “We need to do everything we can to support and encourage this part of our culture and economy. Extending hours to 4am even a few days a week will save historic businesses, create thousands of jobs, and support arts, culture and community."

“We’ve lost so many historic venues and bars, it is going to take years to rebuild,” he said. “We need to do everything we can to support and encourage this part of our culture and economy. Extending hours to 4am even a few days a week will save historic businesses, create thousands of jobs, and support arts, culture and community.&#8221;

The proposed bill, which is being sponsored by the City and County of San Francisco, would give the pilot cities the option to extend hours or stick with the current rules on closing time. Cities could also implement limited areas and days of the week if they so choose. Any plan would need to be submitted to Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for approval, and community input and public notice would also be required.&nbsp;

The proposed bill, which is being sponsored by the City and County of San Francisco, would give the pilot cities the option to extend hours or stick with the current rules on closing time. Cities could also implement limited areas and days of the week if they so choose. Any plan would need to be submitted to Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for approval, and community input and public notice would also be required.&nbsp;

If passed, the bill would come up for a sunset review in five years.

If passed, the bill would come up for a sunset review in five years.

A press conference to release more details on the proposal will be held Friday morning at Beaux, a popular gay bar in the Castro. Other people expected to speak at the event include: Honey Mahogany, a member of the STUD Collective drag group and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/d6-race-heats-up-honey-mahogany-challenges-matt-dorsey-for-supervisor/">newly announced candidate for District 6 supervisor</a>; Maria Davis, owner of St. Mary’s Pub; and Ben Bleiman, a managing partner of Tonic Nightlife Group.&nbsp;

A press conference to release more details on the proposal will be held Friday morning at Beaux, a popular gay bar in the Castro. Other people expected to speak at the event include: Honey Mahogany, a member of the STUD Collective drag group and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/d6-race-heats-up-honey-mahogany-challenges-matt-dorsey-for-supervisor/">newly announced candidate for District 6 supervisor</a>; Maria Davis, owner of St. Mary’s Pub; and Ben Bleiman, a managing partner of Tonic Nightlife Group.&nbsp;

Bleiman is also the president of the San Francisco Bar Alliance, which has<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-bars-restaurants-covid-police-vaccination-rules/"> advocated for the city’s nightlife industry</a> throughout the pandemic. Wiener’s legislation appears to be a direct response to the hardships many small business owners in the bar industry have been facing since the shutdown in March 2020.

Bleiman is also the president of the San Francisco Bar Alliance, which has<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-bars-restaurants-covid-police-vaccination-rules/"> advocated for the city’s nightlife industry</a> throughout the pandemic. Wiener’s legislation appears to be a direct response to the hardships many small business owners in the bar industry have been facing since the shutdown in March 2020.

Last call at 4 a.m.? SF legislators renew push to keep bars open later

David Sjostedt

Businesses in Union Square are adding extra holiday decorations to their storefronts this year in the form of plywood barriers, making for an unusual holiday scene on Monday as tourists shopped and relaxed in the city’s central plaza.&nbsp;

Businesses in Union Square are adding extra holiday decorations to their storefronts this year in the form of plywood barriers, making for an unusual holiday scene on Monday as tourists shopped and relaxed in the city’s central plaza.&nbsp;

Families ice-skated beneath the Union Square Christmas tree, shoppers browsed the luxury storefronts that remained open and lines of tourists waded past police vehicles to board tour buses. Visitors trickling into Union Square ahead of Thanksgiving and the Black Friday shopping weekend were unruffled by the visible fallout of a weekend crime spree in the area that saw several luxury stores damaged and ransacked.&nbsp;

Families ice-skated beneath the Union Square Christmas tree, shoppers browsed the luxury storefronts that remained open and lines of tourists waded past police vehicles to board tour buses. Visitors trickling into Union Square ahead of Thanksgiving and the Black Friday shopping weekend were unruffled by the visible fallout of a weekend crime spree in the area that saw several luxury stores damaged and ransacked.&nbsp;

Samantha Strickler, a tourist from Wyoming, arrived in the city on Saturday and said she wasn’t fazed by news of this past weekend’s break-ins, which caused extensive losses and damage at nearby shops on Friday night.&nbsp;

Samantha Strickler, a tourist from Wyoming, arrived in the city on Saturday and said she wasn’t fazed by news of this past weekend’s break-ins, which caused extensive losses and damage at nearby shops on Friday night.&nbsp;

“I would not have felt unsafe without all the police officers down here,” Strickler said. “I didn’t really have any nerves coming in. It just seems like overkill.”&nbsp;

“I would not have felt unsafe without all the police officers down here,” Strickler said. “I didn’t really have any nerves coming in. It just seems like overkill.”&nbsp;

City and law enforcement officials sprung into action over the weekend following a string of brazen thefts on Friday night targeting Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Lauren, Bloomingdale’s and other retailers in and around Union Square. The next morning, Mayor London Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott announced a plan to increase police presence in the area and enact legislation that would ban vehicles from the plaza in an effort to deter store burglaries.&nbsp;

City and law enforcement officials sprung into action over the weekend following a string of brazen thefts on Friday night targeting Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Lauren, Bloomingdale’s and other retailers in and around Union Square. The next morning, Mayor London Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott announced a plan to increase police presence in the area and enact legislation that would ban vehicles from the plaza in an effort to deter store burglaries.&nbsp;

While many business owners in the area worry that crime concerns could scare away customers, several questioned the efficacy of the city’s reaction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While many business owners in the area worry that crime concerns could scare away customers, several questioned the efficacy of the city’s reaction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Isaac Ayala, a store manager at Journey’s shoes in Union Square, said he had just locked his doors when he saw police cars zipping by on Friday night.

Isaac Ayala, a store manager at Journey’s shoes in Union Square, said he had just locked his doors when he saw police cars zipping by on Friday night.

“It makes me uneasy in the sense that it’s obviously going to drive down sales,” Ayala said. “Yes the police are here and they’re readily available, but it also makes it seem like once they’re gone everything’s going to go back to the way it was…What about after the holiday season? I’m still going to have all of this inventory. It’s going to be vulnerable.”&nbsp;

“It makes me uneasy in the sense that it’s obviously going to drive down sales,” Ayala said. “Yes the police are here and they’re readily available, but it also makes it seem like once they’re gone everything’s going to go back to the way it was…What about after the holiday season? I’m still going to have all of this inventory. It’s going to be vulnerable.”&nbsp;

In July, in an effort to aid the city’s economic recovery, SFPD deployed 26 additional officers to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-deploy-additional-police-officers-tourist-areas/">areas popular with tourists</a>. London Breed later followed the announcement by offering up to $100,000 rewards for people who report information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-offers-100000-cash-rewards-to-bust-criminal-fencing-rackets/">organized fencing operations</a>.&nbsp;

In July, in an effort to aid the city’s economic recovery, SFPD deployed 26 additional officers to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-deploy-additional-police-officers-tourist-areas/">areas popular with tourists</a>. London Breed later followed the announcement by offering up to $100,000 rewards for people who report information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-offers-100000-cash-rewards-to-bust-criminal-fencing-rackets/">organized fencing operations</a>.&nbsp;

According to SFPD, vandals targeted eight retail stores in the city, including JINS eyewear on Powell Street.&nbsp;

According to SFPD, vandals targeted eight retail stores in the city, including JINS eyewear on Powell Street.&nbsp;

Chris Carranza, a team lead at JINS, said that about five people broke into the store and stole over 100 eyeglass frames at around 1 a.m. Saturday morning. He said he isn’t expecting the burglary to drive down holiday sales.&nbsp;

Chris Carranza, a team lead at JINS, said that about five people broke into the store and stole over 100 eyeglass frames at around 1 a.m. Saturday morning. He said he isn’t expecting the burglary to drive down holiday sales.&nbsp;

“The holiday season is a big time for optical stores in general. People want to use their insurance before the year ends, so it shouldn’t affect us too much,” Carranza said. “There are already cops patrolling all the time. I guess we were just caught on a really bad night.”

“The holiday season is a big time for optical stores in general. People want to use their insurance before the year ends, so it shouldn’t affect us too much,” Carranza said. “There are already cops patrolling all the time. I guess we were just caught on a really bad night.”

Joseph Amster, who’s known by some as Emperor Norton for his reenactment of the city’s former self-appointed Emperor, has guided tours of San Francisco for ten years but said he hasn’t noticed a significant increase in crime during that time. He worries that the decision to restrict cars downtown may have an adverse impact on businesses.&nbsp;

Joseph Amster, who’s known by some as Emperor Norton for his reenactment of the city’s former self-appointed Emperor, has guided tours of San Francisco for ten years but said he hasn’t noticed a significant increase in crime during that time. He worries that the decision to restrict cars downtown may have an adverse impact on businesses.&nbsp;

“I don’t think London Breed’s announcement of limiting car parking around Union Square is going to make a huge difference to safety,” Amster said. “In fact, I think it might cut down the amount of people that come here and might impact businesses in a negative way.”&nbsp;

“I don’t think London Breed’s announcement of limiting car parking around Union Square is going to make a huge difference to safety,” Amster said. “In fact, I think it might cut down the amount of people that come here and might impact businesses in a negative way.”&nbsp;

SFPD booked nine suspects on various charges of theft, conspiring to commit crime and carrying firearms in connection with the thefts that occurred in Union Square over the weekend, according to an SFPD spokesperson. Six of the suspects have addresses in San Francisco, while the other three are from Concord, Riverdale, and Oakland.&nbsp;

SFPD booked nine suspects on various charges of theft, conspiring to commit crime and carrying firearms in connection with the thefts that occurred in Union Square over the weekend, according to an SFPD spokesperson. Six of the suspects have addresses in San Francisco, while the other three are from Concord, Riverdale, and Oakland.&nbsp;

All but one of the suspects remain in custody at the time of publication.

All but one of the suspects remain in custody at the time of publication.

Merchants remain uneasy, but shoppers unfazed following Union Square thefts

Correction: A previous version of this article said a suspect was arrested on charges relating to meth. However, SFPD <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-magic-mushrooms-police-meth/">gave out incorrect information</a> to The Standard, a police spokesperson said: &#8220;In our initial synopsis of the incident, we misspoke on the charges placed on [the suspect]. There were no charges related to methamphetamine placed on [the suspect]. The charges placed on [him] were related to psilocybin.&#8221;

Correction: A previous version of this article said a suspect was arrested on charges relating to meth. However, SFPD <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-magic-mushrooms-police-meth/">gave out incorrect information</a> to The Standard, a police spokesperson said: "In our initial synopsis of the incident, we misspoke on the charges placed on [the suspect]. There were no charges related to methamphetamine placed on [the suspect]. The charges placed on [him] were related to psilocybin."

Correction: A previous version of this article said a suspect was arrested on charges relating to meth. However, SFPD <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-magic-mushrooms-police-meth/">gave out incorrect information</a> to The Standard, a police spokesperson said: &#8220;In our initial synopsis of the incident, we misspoke on the charges placed on [the suspect]. There were no charges related to methamphetamine placed on [the suspect]. The charges placed on [him] were related to psilocybin.&#8221;

San Francisco police arrested a business owner for allegedly selling magic mushrooms from his Haight Street shop after raiding it in November.

San Francisco police arrested a business owner for allegedly selling magic mushrooms from his Haight Street shop after raiding it in November.

The District Attorney&#8217;s Office charged the suspect with three felony counts for selling, possessing and maintaining a place of business for the purpose of selling psilocybin, otherwise known as magic mushrooms.

The District Attorney's Office charged the suspect with three felony counts for selling, possessing and maintaining a place of business for the purpose of selling psilocybin, otherwise known as magic mushrooms.

The District Attorney&#8217;s Office charged the suspect with three felony counts for selling, possessing and maintaining a place of business for the purpose of selling psilocybin, otherwise known as magic mushrooms.

Bobbi’s on Haight, a shop that launched in October, was open for a little over a month before police raided the business on Nov. 23, arresting its owner, a 38-year-old man, for allegedly possessing psilocybin with intent to sell.&nbsp;

Bobbi’s on Haight, a shop that launched in October, was open for a little over a month before police raided the business on Nov. 23, arresting its owner, a 38-year-old man, for allegedly possessing psilocybin with intent to sell.&nbsp;

The building was registered to sell retail merchandise, according to city records.&nbsp;

The building was registered to sell retail merchandise, according to city records.&nbsp;

The shop reportedly sold clothes and branded merchandise, but also allegedly sold psychedelic magic mushrooms. Two separate sources confirmed to The Standard that they had knowledge of magic mushrooms being sold at the store during the time it was open.

The shop reportedly sold clothes and branded merchandise, but also allegedly sold psychedelic magic mushrooms. Two separate sources confirmed to The Standard that they had knowledge of magic mushrooms being sold at the store during the time it was open.

Adam Egelman, who lives across the street from the former business, said he was disturbed by the “show of force” from SFPD.

Adam Egelman, who lives across the street from the former business, said he was disturbed by the “show of force” from SFPD.

“I still don’t think the police response was warranted,” Egelman said. “It was the day before Thanksgiving at 5 p.m. It didn’t seem there was actual danger.”

“I still don’t think the police response was warranted,” Egelman said. “It was the day before Thanksgiving at 5 p.m. It didn’t seem there was actual danger.”

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SF city leaders <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/san-francisco-has-effectively-decriminalized-mushrooms-now-what/">effectively decriminalized magic mushrooms</a> in September. And State Sen. Scott Wiener introduced a bill Tuesday that would essentially legalize magic mushrooms and other psychedelics for personal use in California. The city has yet to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sfs-push-to-decriminalize-psychedelics-could-unlock-a-whole-new-trip-for-underground-merchants/">create a path forward</a> for businesses to sell them legally.&nbsp;

SF city leaders <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/san-francisco-has-effectively-decriminalized-mushrooms-now-what/">effectively decriminalized magic mushrooms</a> in September. And State Sen. Scott Wiener introduced a bill Tuesday that would essentially legalize magic mushrooms and other psychedelics for personal use in California. The city has yet to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sfs-push-to-decriminalize-psychedelics-could-unlock-a-whole-new-trip-for-underground-merchants/">create a path forward</a> for businesses to sell them legally.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, SFPD has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/police-target-drug-users-in-tenderloin-crackdown-we-have-to-disrupt-this-activity/">ramped up its efforts to arrest drug dealers and users</a> in recent months and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-chesa-boudin-fentanyl-court-data-drug-dealing-immigration/">concerns around open-air drug markets</a> are said to be part of the reason for the successful recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

Meanwhile, SFPD has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/police-target-drug-users-in-tenderloin-crackdown-we-have-to-disrupt-this-activity/">ramped up its efforts to arrest drug dealers and users</a> in recent months and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-chesa-boudin-fentanyl-court-data-drug-dealing-immigration/">concerns around open-air drug markets</a> are said to be part of the reason for the successful recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

Local leaders often debate the effectiveness of arresting drug dealers. Harm reduction experts <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/as-the-drug-overdose-crisis-rages-city-fails-to-collect-data-needed-to-fight-it/">argue that police raids create an unpredictable supply</a>, increasing the likelihood of overdoses when it comes to dangerous drugs, while critics contend that the city has made it too easy for drug dealers to stay in business <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/sf-supervisor-asks-health-department-to-get-real-on-drug-treatment/">without providing sufficient treatment options</a> for those suffering the negative effects of addictive substances.&nbsp;

Local leaders often debate the effectiveness of arresting drug dealers. Harm reduction experts <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/as-the-drug-overdose-crisis-rages-city-fails-to-collect-data-needed-to-fight-it/">argue that police raids create an unpredictable supply</a>, increasing the likelihood of overdoses when it comes to dangerous drugs, while critics contend that the city has made it too easy for drug dealers to stay in business <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/sf-supervisor-asks-health-department-to-get-real-on-drug-treatment/">without providing sufficient treatment options</a> for those suffering the negative effects of addictive substances.&nbsp;

San Francisco magic mushroom shop raided

You're invited to an exclusive, hands-on cocktail class at Lower Nob Hill’s stylish DACHA, where you’ll shake, stir, sip, and show off.

Summer Cocktail Class

Join researcher and nonprofit director Bill Delzell for a private reception exploring a time capsule that still feels relevant today.

In the early 1980s, a Bay Area picker stumbled upon something incredible: a plastic garbage bag filled with 2,042 processed 35mm color slides and 102 rolls of carefully labeled black-and-white film. The images — all 8,417 of them — captured a seminal moment in San Francisco counterculture, from 1966 through the 1967 Summer of Love to 1970.

The photographer remains unknown, and most of the photos have gone unseen — until now.

Join researcher and nonprofit director Bill Delzell for a private reception exploring a time capsule that still feels relevant today. Based on a story by San Francisco Standard culture reporter Sam Mondros.

Find/Seek: Stories and Photos from San Francisco's Past
Tuesday, May 20
6pm-8:30pm
Four One Nine
419 Tenth Street
San Francisco

Complimentary wine and bites. 
Invitation only for guests 21 and over.

Find/Seek: Stories and Photos from San Francisco’s Past

We’re partnering with the San Francisco Ballet Young Patrons Circle to bring you an unforgettable experience.

🩰 Join us for a special night at the San Francisco Ballet

Join us for the launch of Taste of SF, a members-only culinary series from The San Francisco Standard

You’re invited: Truffle-making class at Dandelion Chocolate

Join Stripe CEO Patrick Collison, UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood, and UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons for a vital conversation on how the Bay Area's unique blend of tech innovation and world-class research drives global medical breakthroughs.

Test: Live In-Person Partay

The San Francisco Unified School District faces massive budget shortfalls and declining enrollment following a turbulent year marked by leadership changes and halted plans to close schools.

Two members of the Board of Education — former educator Phil Kim and Deputy City Attorney and SFUSD parent Jaime Huling — join The Standard’s senior editor Annie Gaus and politics reporter Han Li for a live discussion about the school district’s challenges and the path forward. The guests will also answer questions submitted by the audience.

Fixing SF schools with Board of Education leaders

Robert Saleh was the off-season's first step, what comes next?

Kawakami & Lombardi Talk 49ers

San Francisco voters approved Proposition K, the ballot measure that closed the Great Highway to cars to create a park, but the election inflamed tensions between neighbors who were both for and against it. Supervisor Joel Engardio represents the Sunset, where the Great Highway resides, and joins The Standard’s political reporters Han Li and Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez to talk about the park’s future and how the neighborhood may heal after the contentious election. We’ll take your questions during the livestream.

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San Francisco magic mushroom shop raided