Kevin Truong

A California state Senate committee pushing for more funding for Bay Area Rapid Transit and other regional agencies has lost a member, with East Bay representative Steve Glazer calling it quits in a letter on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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A California state Senate committee pushing for more funding for Bay Area Rapid Transit and other regional agencies has lost a member, with East Bay representative Steve Glazer calling it quits in a letter on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Glazer, whose district spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties, wrote in <a href="https://sd07.senate.ca.gov/updates/letter-resignation-bay-area-public-transit-committee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a resignation letter</a> addressed to Sen. Scott Wiener that Bay Area leaders have failed to hold BART financially accountable.

Glazer, whose district spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties, wrote in <a href="https://sd07.senate.ca.gov/updates/letter-resignation-bay-area-public-transit-committee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a resignation letter</a> addressed to Sen. Scott Wiener that Bay Area leaders have failed to hold BART financially accountable.

Wiener formed the Senate Select Committee on Bay Area Public Transit to help study regional public transit challenges in the Bay Area and drum up support for funding from the state&#8217;s budget.

Wiener formed the Senate Select Committee on Bay Area Public Transit to help study regional public transit challenges in the Bay Area and drum up support for funding from the state's budget.

Wiener formed the Senate Select Committee on Bay Area Public Transit to help study regional public transit challenges in the Bay Area and drum up support for funding from the state&#8217;s budget.

“I recognize and support the pressing need for the state to invest in public transit agencies throughout the Bay Area given the financial uncertainty that looms over these systems,” Glazer wrote. “However, there is no guarantee that these agencies will spend taxpayer dollars sensibly without adequate oversight of their expenditures.”

“I recognize and support the pressing need for the state to invest in public transit agencies throughout the Bay Area given the financial uncertainty that looms over these systems,” Glazer wrote. “However, there is no guarantee that these agencies will spend taxpayer dollars sensibly without adequate oversight of their expenditures.”

In particular, he <a href="https://grandjury.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Grand.Jury_.Report.2022.for_.ITD_.Web_.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cited a 2022 report</a> from the Alameda County Grand Jury that found that BART’s board, management and unions engaged in a “pattern of obstruction” against its Office of the Inspector General.

In particular, he <a href="https://grandjury.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Grand.Jury_.Report.2022.for_.ITD_.Web_.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cited a 2022 report</a> from the Alameda County Grand Jury that found that BART’s board, management and unions engaged in a “pattern of obstruction” against its Office of the Inspector General.

That office was responsible for a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/bart-probes-350k-homeless-contract-ethics-violations/">series of recent probes</a> that found conflict-of-interest violations by employees-turned-contractors, a BART employee who faked their work hours for more than a year and a homeless outreach program that only got one person into a residential treatment facility after two years.&nbsp;

That office was responsible for a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/bart-probes-350k-homeless-contract-ethics-violations/">series of recent probes</a> that found conflict-of-interest violations by employees-turned-contractors, a BART employee who faked their work hours for more than a year and a homeless outreach program that only got one person into a residential treatment facility after two years.&nbsp;

Glazer had previously tried to strengthen the independence and oversight powers of the Inspector General’s Office through legislation, but the bill was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year at the request of the BART Board of Directors.

Glazer had previously tried to strengthen the independence and oversight powers of the Inspector General’s Office through legislation, but the bill was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year at the request of the BART Board of Directors.

In a statement, Wiener said he was &#8220;disappointed&#8221; by Glazer&#8217;s resignation and added that Senate Bill 1488, Glazer&#8217;s BART accountability bill, passed the legislature with &#8220;near-unanimous&#8221; support from the Bay Area delegation before being vetoed.

In a statement, Wiener said he was "disappointed" by Glazer's resignation and added that Senate Bill 1488, Glazer's BART accountability bill, passed the legislature with "near-unanimous" support from the Bay Area delegation before being vetoed.

In a statement, Wiener said he was &#8220;disappointed&#8221; by Glazer&#8217;s resignation and added that Senate Bill 1488, Glazer&#8217;s BART accountability bill, passed the legislature with &#8220;near-unanimous&#8221; support from the Bay Area delegation before being vetoed.

“Our public transportation systems serve a huge number of Bay Area residents, including in my district and Senator Glazer’s district, and it’s important for all of us to participate in the process, as our transit systems face an existential funding crisis and the very real prospect of entering a financial death spiral,&#8221; said Wiener. &#8220;I have enormous respect for Senator Glazer, and he will have an open door to return to the committee if he chooses to do so.”

“Our public transportation systems serve a huge number of Bay Area residents, including in my district and Senator Glazer’s district, and it’s important for all of us to participate in the process, as our transit systems face an existential funding crisis and the very real prospect of entering a financial death spiral," said Wiener. "I have enormous respect for Senator Glazer, and he will have an open door to return to the committee if he chooses to do so.”

“Our public transportation systems serve a huge number of Bay Area residents, including in my district and Senator Glazer’s district, and it’s important for all of us to participate in the process, as our transit systems face an existential funding crisis and the very real prospect of entering a financial death spiral,&#8221; said Wiener. &#8220;I have enormous respect for Senator Glazer, and he will have an open door to return to the committee if he chooses to do so.”

BART Board Member Bevan Dufty said he and Board President Janice Li spoke with Glazer about his concerns during a recent trip to Sacramento and are working with lawmakers to find a consensus.

BART Board Member Bevan Dufty said he and Board President Janice Li spoke with Glazer about his concerns during a recent trip to Sacramento and are working with lawmakers to find a consensus.

&#8220;We will certainly continue working with the senator and appreciate his important role,&#8221; Dufty said.

"We will certainly continue working with the senator and appreciate his important role," Dufty said.

&#8220;We will certainly continue working with the senator and appreciate his important role,&#8221; Dufty said.

Local transit agencies including BART, Muni and Caltrain face serious fiscal cliffs as federal relief aid runs out and ridership fails to recover to pre-pandemic levels. BART alone <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/SFCTA_Board_TransitFiscalCliffUpdateBART%2CMuni%2CCaltrainPRESENTATION_2023-02-28.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">could see deficits</a> totaling more than $1.1 billion from 2023 through 2028.

Local transit agencies including BART, Muni and Caltrain face serious fiscal cliffs as federal relief aid runs out and ridership fails to recover to pre-pandemic levels. BART alone <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/SFCTA_Board_TransitFiscalCliffUpdateBART%2CMuni%2CCaltrainPRESENTATION_2023-02-28.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">could see deficits</a> totaling more than $1.1 billion from 2023 through 2028.

BART General Manager Bob Powers has said <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/bart-edges-closer-to-fiscal-disaster-as-it-hopes-for-a-savior/">that the system</a> would need to “invert our funding structure” to survive its forthcoming financial crisis. That would likely only be possible with a major influx of new funding from state or federal sources. Glazer’s letter echoes existing skepticism among some policymakers to that prospect.&nbsp;

BART General Manager Bob Powers has said <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/bart-edges-closer-to-fiscal-disaster-as-it-hopes-for-a-savior/">that the system</a> would need to “invert our funding structure” to survive its forthcoming financial crisis. That would likely only be possible with a major influx of new funding from state or federal sources. Glazer’s letter echoes existing skepticism among some policymakers to that prospect.&nbsp;

“We need to fundamentally transform the way BART operates and the [Inspector General’s Office] should be in the lead on this,” said BART board member Debora Allen. “Instead, the majority of BART board directors, unions and [executive] staff continue to focus on the &#8216;more money please!&#8217; approach. That will only produce more of the same failed policies we see now.”

“We need to fundamentally transform the way BART operates and the [Inspector General’s Office] should be in the lead on this,” said BART board member Debora Allen. “Instead, the majority of BART board directors, unions and [executive] staff continue to focus on the 'more money please!' approach. That will only produce more of the same failed policies we see now.”

“We need to fundamentally transform the way BART operates and the [Inspector General’s Office] should be in the lead on this,” said BART board member Debora Allen. “Instead, the majority of BART board directors, unions and [executive] staff continue to focus on the &#8216;more money please!&#8217; approach. That will only produce more of the same failed policies we see now.”

Lawmaker quits Bay Area transit committee, citing BART mismanagement

Michael Barba

A former Afghan interpreter who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder was likely in the midst of a mental health crisis when San Francisco police shot and killed him in South of Market last week.

A former Afghan interpreter who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder was likely in the midst of a mental health crisis when San Francisco police shot and killed him in South of Market last week.

Ajmal Amani, 41, was charging toward two officers with a kitchen knife in his hand and screaming incoherently when police shot him at around 8 a.m. last Friday, according to newly released surveillance video and body-camera footage of the shooting.

Ajmal Amani, 41, was charging toward two officers with a kitchen knife in his hand and screaming incoherently when police shot him at around 8 a.m. last Friday, according to newly released surveillance video and body-camera footage of the shooting.

The San Francisco Police Department released the footage and audio recordings from the case at a virtual meeting Wednesday, where authorities detailed the shooting.

The San Francisco Police Department released the footage and audio recordings from the case at a virtual meeting Wednesday, where authorities detailed the shooting.

The encounter unfolded in a hallway of the Covered Wagon Hotel, a residential hotel where Amani lived near Fifth and Folsom streets, when officers responded to 911 calls reporting a man with a knife inside the building.

The encounter unfolded in a hallway of the Covered Wagon Hotel, a residential hotel where Amani lived near Fifth and Folsom streets, when officers responded to 911 calls reporting a man with a knife inside the building.

“I guess he’s having a really bad episode this morning,” one 911 caller, who police identified as a case manager for Amani, said in a recording.

“I guess he’s having a really bad episode this morning,” one 911 caller, who police identified as a case manager for Amani, said in a recording.

Amani could be seen confronting other people inside the building with the kitchen knife before officers arrived and tried to talk to him.

Amani could be seen confronting other people inside the building with the kitchen knife before officers arrived and tried to talk to him.

“Shut the fuck up!” Amani can be heard shouting. “Leave me the fuck alone!”

“Shut the fuck up!” Amani can be heard shouting. “Leave me the fuck alone!”

Amani then ran toward the officers while “screaming unintelligibly,” police Cmdr. Paul Yep said during the virtual meeting.

Amani then ran toward the officers while “screaming unintelligibly,” police Cmdr. Paul Yep said during the virtual meeting.

The SF Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/man-shot-and-killed-by-sf-police-was-former-afghan-interpreter/">first reported Tuesday</a> that those officers are John Quinlan, a rookie who joined the force last March, and Danny De Leon Garcia, a three-year veteran.

The SF Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/man-shot-and-killed-by-sf-police-was-former-afghan-interpreter/">first reported Tuesday</a> that those officers are John Quinlan, a rookie who joined the force last March, and Danny De Leon Garcia, a three-year veteran.

Yep confirmed those names and said Quinlan fired four rounds at Amani with a pistol, while De Leon Garcia shot at him three times with a beanbag gun. Quinlan is on paid administrative leave, while De Leon Garcia is not on leave because he did not fire his gun, a police spokesperson said.

Yep confirmed those names and said Quinlan fired four rounds at Amani with a pistol, while De Leon Garcia shot at him three times with a beanbag gun. Quinlan is on paid administrative leave, while De Leon Garcia is not on leave because he did not fire his gun, a police spokesperson said.

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Amani was taken to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and pronounced dead.

Amani was taken to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and pronounced dead.

During the meeting, Police Chief Bill Scott said the department puts a lot of resources toward training officers to resolve mental health incidents peacefully whenever possible.

During the meeting, Police Chief Bill Scott said the department puts a lot of resources toward training officers to resolve mental health incidents peacefully whenever possible.

&#8220;It&#8217;s our responsibility and goal and intention to have better outcomes and not have these types of outcomes,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We will continue to do everything in our power to do just that.&#8221;

"It's our responsibility and goal and intention to have better outcomes and not have these types of outcomes," he said. "We will continue to do everything in our power to do just that."

&#8220;It&#8217;s our responsibility and goal and intention to have better outcomes and not have these types of outcomes,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We will continue to do everything in our power to do just that.&#8221;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Amani-Photo-Retouch.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-16943"/><figcaption>Ajmal Amani (Courtesy photo)</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Amani-Photo-Retouch.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-16943"/><figcaption>Ajmal Amani (Courtesy photo)</figcaption></figure>

Amani worked as an interpreter as a contractor with the U.S. military for at least five years before coming to the states on a visa in 2014, the SF Standard reported Tuesday.

Amani worked as an interpreter as a contractor with the U.S. military for at least five years before coming to the states on a visa in 2014, the SF Standard reported Tuesday.

Amani faced attempted murder and other charges after being arrested in 2019 for allegedly cutting a city park ranger in the face with a boxcutter.

Amani faced attempted murder and other charges after being arrested in 2019 for allegedly cutting a city park ranger in the face with a boxcutter.

His former defense attorney, Scott Grant, previously said Amani suffered from &#8220;severe&#8221; PTSD and was experiencing a mental health episode at the time of the incident.

His former defense attorney, Scott Grant, previously said Amani suffered from "severe" PTSD and was experiencing a mental health episode at the time of the incident.

His former defense attorney, Scott Grant, previously said Amani suffered from &#8220;severe&#8221; PTSD and was experiencing a mental health episode at the time of the incident.

Amani faced attempted murder and other charges. After a judge dismissed the attempted murder charge at preliminary hearing, he was placed in mental health diversion. The remaining charges against him were dismissed when he competed diversion in August.

Amani faced attempted murder and other charges. After a judge dismissed the attempted murder charge at preliminary hearing, he was placed in mental health diversion. The remaining charges against him were dismissed when he competed diversion in August.

The shooting is under investigation by multiple agencies including the San Francisco Police Department, District Attorney’s Office and Department of Police Accountability.

The shooting is under investigation by multiple agencies including the San Francisco Police Department, District Attorney’s Office and Department of Police Accountability.

SF police shooting video shows former Afghan interpreter charged cops with kitchen knife

David Sjostedt

Mayor London Breed announced a state of emergency in the Tenderloin on Friday, saying she wanted to override “bureaucratic red tape” that has kept the city from compelling people to accept mental health and drug treatment.

Mayor London Breed announced a state of emergency in the Tenderloin on Friday, saying she wanted to override “bureaucratic red tape” that has kept the city from compelling people to accept mental health and drug treatment.

The Mayor&#8217;s announcement represents a fresh escalation of her efforts to combat what&#8217;s viewed by many residents as a crisis in the streets. It concludes a week that began with<a target="_blank" href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-announces-crackdown-on-tenderloin-crime-in-fiery-press-conference/" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;a fiery Tuesday press conference</a>&nbsp;at which Breed forcefully criticized permissive policies for enabling drug dealing and drug use in the neighborhood.

The Mayor's announcement represents a fresh escalation of her efforts to combat what's viewed by many residents as a crisis in the streets. It concludes a week that began with<a target="_blank" href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-announces-crackdown-on-tenderloin-crime-in-fiery-press-conference/" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;a fiery Tuesday press conference</a>&nbsp;at which Breed forcefully criticized permissive policies for enabling drug dealing and drug use in the neighborhood.

The Mayor&#8217;s announcement represents a fresh escalation of her efforts to combat what&#8217;s viewed by many residents as a crisis in the streets. It concludes a week that began with<a target="_blank" href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-announces-crackdown-on-tenderloin-crime-in-fiery-press-conference/" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;a fiery Tuesday press conference</a>&nbsp;at which Breed forcefully criticized permissive policies for enabling drug dealing and drug use in the neighborhood.

“We are in an emergency and we need to respond accordingly,” Breed said Friday. “We can’t wait for something to be set up. We can’t wait until something goes through a layered process. … Too many people are dying in this city. Too many people are sprawled out all over our streets.”

“We are in an emergency and we need to respond accordingly,” Breed said Friday. “We can’t wait for something to be set up. We can’t wait until something goes through a layered process. … Too many people are dying in this city. Too many people are sprawled out all over our streets.”

San Francisco has become a daily punching bag for right-wing media outlets eager to discredit Democratic policies, and even many Democrats believe the city is failing to address basic public safety problems.

San Francisco has become a daily punching bag for right-wing media outlets eager to discredit Democratic policies, and even many Democrats believe the city is failing to address basic public safety problems.

Breed said Friday that effectively addressing the emergency will require the city to “reach people where they’re at” with temporary linkage sites, presented as an alternative to jail, that will provide services to people suffering from mental illness or drug addiction. The state of emergency, which allows the city to bypass local laws–though not federal and state laws–will make it possible to set up the sites quickly.

Breed said Friday that effectively addressing the emergency will require the city to “reach people where they’re at” with temporary linkage sites, presented as an alternative to jail, that will provide services to people suffering from mental illness or drug addiction. The state of emergency, which allows the city to bypass local laws–though not federal and state laws–will make it possible to set up the sites quickly.

On Tuesday Breed declared that people would no longer be able to use drugs in the streets with impunity.

On Tuesday Breed declared that people would no longer be able to use drugs in the streets with impunity.

Police Chief Bill Scott said the new state of emergency will also make it easier for SFPD to work in partnership with the department of public health’s social services.&nbsp;“We know we need to treat people with dignity and respect, but most of us came on this job not to be social workers, we came on this job to be cops,” Scott said. “Officers have said time and time again. &#8216;Let&#8217;s have a system where we can get the social workers involved&#8217; and that&#8217;s exactly what this does.”&nbsp;

Police Chief Bill Scott said the new state of emergency will also make it easier for SFPD to work in partnership with the department of public health’s social services.&nbsp;“We know we need to treat people with dignity and respect, but most of us came on this job not to be social workers, we came on this job to be cops,” Scott said. “Officers have said time and time again. 'Let's have a system where we can get the social workers involved' and that's exactly what this does.”&nbsp;

Police Chief Bill Scott said the new state of emergency will also make it easier for SFPD to work in partnership with the department of public health’s social services.&nbsp;“We know we need to treat people with dignity and respect, but most of us came on this job not to be social workers, we came on this job to be cops,” Scott said. “Officers have said time and time again. &#8216;Let&#8217;s have a system where we can get the social workers involved&#8217; and that&#8217;s exactly what this does.”&nbsp;

Prominent homeless advocates are not on board with the Mayor&#8217;s approach, arguing that increased policing is historically ineffective for treating people suffering from mental illnesses and addiction.

Prominent homeless advocates are not on board with the Mayor's approach, arguing that increased policing is historically ineffective for treating people suffering from mental illnesses and addiction.

Prominent homeless advocates are not on board with the Mayor&#8217;s approach, arguing that increased policing is historically ineffective for treating people suffering from mental illnesses and addiction.

&#8220;We feel like she’s exploiting the concerns of a vulnerable community to promote a law-and- order agenda,” said Jennifer Freidenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness. Freidenbach said that while there are advantages to calling a state of emergency, it often results in money being spent “loose and fast.”&nbsp;

"We feel like she’s exploiting the concerns of a vulnerable community to promote a law-and- order agenda,” said Jennifer Freidenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness. Freidenbach said that while there are advantages to calling a state of emergency, it often results in money being spent “loose and fast.”&nbsp;

&#8220;We feel like she’s exploiting the concerns of a vulnerable community to promote a law-and- order agenda,” said Jennifer Freidenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness. Freidenbach said that while there are advantages to calling a state of emergency, it often results in money being spent “loose and fast.”&nbsp;

&#8220;The issues that Mayor Breed is talking about here are indeed emergencies,&#8221; Friedenbach said. But she pointed to city failures in dealing with emergencies in the past–such as spending $73,000 a year per person in the safe sleeping village–and advocated for solutions such as keeping pandemic &#8220;shelter in place&#8221; hotels and initiating Compassionate Alternative Response Teams to respond to 911 calls related to homelessness.

"The issues that Mayor Breed is talking about here are indeed emergencies," Friedenbach said. But she pointed to city failures in dealing with emergencies in the past–such as spending $73,000 a year per person in the safe sleeping village–and advocated for solutions such as keeping pandemic "shelter in place" hotels and initiating Compassionate Alternative Response Teams to respond to 911 calls related to homelessness.

&#8220;The issues that Mayor Breed is talking about here are indeed emergencies,&#8221; Friedenbach said. But she pointed to city failures in dealing with emergencies in the past–such as spending $73,000 a year per person in the safe sleeping village–and advocated for solutions such as keeping pandemic &#8220;shelter in place&#8221; hotels and initiating Compassionate Alternative Response Teams to respond to 911 calls related to homelessness.

“We’ve already got the largest numbers by far of permanent conservatorships in the state,” Freidenbach countered. &#8220;The problem with the system including conservatorships is that there’s no placement for people&#8230;You&#8217;re basically saying that you want to expand the most expensive, most traumatizing, least effective and already over-utilized element of our treatment system.”

“We’ve already got the largest numbers by far of permanent conservatorships in the state,” Freidenbach countered. "The problem with the system including conservatorships is that there’s no placement for people...You're basically saying that you want to expand the most expensive, most traumatizing, least effective and already over-utilized element of our treatment system.”

“We’ve already got the largest numbers by far of permanent conservatorships in the state,” Freidenbach countered. &#8220;The problem with the system including conservatorships is that there’s no placement for people&#8230;You&#8217;re basically saying that you want to expand the most expensive, most traumatizing, least effective and already over-utilized element of our treatment system.”

Rudy L., a resident of the civic center’s safe sleeping site who asked that his last name not be used, came to San Francisco over a decade ago to work in a carnival. He said that he never graduated middle school and barely knows how to read or write. He expressed doubts over Breed&#8217;s plan, asking where people like him are supposed to go.

Rudy L., a resident of the civic center’s safe sleeping site who asked that his last name not be used, came to San Francisco over a decade ago to work in a carnival. He said that he never graduated middle school and barely knows how to read or write. He expressed doubts over Breed's plan, asking where people like him are supposed to go.

Rudy L., a resident of the civic center’s safe sleeping site who asked that his last name not be used, came to San Francisco over a decade ago to work in a carnival. He said that he never graduated middle school and barely knows how to read or write. He expressed doubts over Breed&#8217;s plan, asking where people like him are supposed to go.

“You’ve got to want to quit. What’re they going to do, take everyone to jail?” Rudy said.

“You’ve got to want to quit. What’re they going to do, take everyone to jail?” Rudy said.

Rudy said a MRSA infenction in his hip made it impossible for him to work, and his only way of sleeping without pain is drugs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rudy said a MRSA infenction in his hip made it impossible for him to work, and his only way of sleeping without pain is drugs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There isn’t really many treatment options out there,” he said. “It ain’t easy out here, it gets cold out here.”&nbsp;

“There isn’t really many treatment options out there,” he said. “It ain’t easy out here, it gets cold out here.”&nbsp;

Additional reporting by James Wyatt

Additional reporting by James Wyatt

Breed declares ‘state of emergency’ in the Tenderloin to force people into treatment

In the wake of a brazen retail crime spree in Union Square, city supervisors voted to approve a legislation Tuesday that will effectively allow off-duty sheriffs deputies to work security for retail companies in San Francisco. The decision came despite some supervisors raising concerns that the proposal could run afoul of state law.

In the wake of a brazen retail crime spree in Union Square, city supervisors voted to approve a legislation Tuesday that will effectively allow off-duty sheriffs deputies to work security for retail companies in San Francisco. The decision came despite some supervisors raising concerns that the proposal could run afoul of state law.

Supervisor Ahsha Safai presented the measure as a “spoke in the wheel of justice” to deter retail crime. The resolution mirrors an existing city code that only applied to off–duty SFPD officers, and the two agencies have 60 days to present city officials with their plan to divvy up the work.&nbsp;

Supervisor Ahsha Safai presented the measure as a “spoke in the wheel of justice” to deter retail crime. The resolution mirrors an existing city code that only applied to off–duty SFPD officers, and the two agencies have 60 days to present city officials with their plan to divvy up the work.&nbsp;

Supervisor Dean Preston, who was joined by two colleagues in opposing the measure, expressed concern that the legislation could violate state law, which only allows private entities to hire individuals to provide security for events or on other special occasions. He also expressed concerns the city may already be violating state law by allowing retailers to hire off-duty police officers through the 10B program.

Supervisor Dean Preston, who was joined by two colleagues in opposing the measure, expressed concern that the legislation could violate state law, which only allows private entities to hire individuals to provide security for events or on other special occasions. He also expressed concerns the city may already be violating state law by allowing retailers to hire off-duty police officers through the 10B program.

“We have three decades of attorney general opinions and state law saying you can’t do this,” Preston said. “I find it perhaps more alarming if the city and county of San Francisco, through the 10B program, has been violating that state law.”&nbsp;

“We have three decades of attorney general opinions and state law saying you can’t do this,” Preston said. “I find it perhaps more alarming if the city and county of San Francisco, through the 10B program, has been violating that state law.”&nbsp;

City Code 10B allows off–duty police officers to work as private security for any company or individual. The SF police officer’s union has in the past opposed allowing sheriff’s deputies to do the same, but San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said Tuesday that the two agencies came together on this issue because SFPD was “unable to meet the demand” of businesses seeking security.&nbsp;

City Code 10B allows off–duty police officers to work as private security for any company or individual. The SF police officer’s union has in the past opposed allowing sheriff’s deputies to do the same, but San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said Tuesday that the two agencies came together on this issue because SFPD was “unable to meet the demand” of businesses seeking security.&nbsp;

In November, Professor Lara Bazelon at the USF school of law <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9966719&amp;GUID=3E34774F-32A8-4D32-A3B3-B67F9F14758D">questioned</a> the legality of Safai’s measure, citing a 1985 ruling by the Attorney General.&nbsp;

In November, Professor Lara Bazelon at the USF school of law <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9966719&amp;GUID=3E34774F-32A8-4D32-A3B3-B67F9F14758D">questioned</a> the legality of Safai’s measure, citing a 1985 ruling by the Attorney General.&nbsp;

“This precedent and the plain language of the statute calls the legality of the proposed ordinance into doubt,” Bazelon said in the letter. “In my opinion, the ordinance exceeds the scope of what is permissible under the law.”

“This precedent and the plain language of the statute calls the legality of the proposed ordinance into doubt,” Bazelon said in the letter. “In my opinion, the ordinance exceeds the scope of what is permissible under the law.”

Deputy city attorney Anne Pearson said the wording of the ordinance complied with state law.

Deputy city attorney Anne Pearson said the wording of the ordinance complied with state law.

Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who ultimately voted in favor of the measure, warned of its potential effect on a depleted sheriff’s force that is struggling to adequately staff courts and jails.&nbsp;

Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who ultimately voted in favor of the measure, warned of its potential effect on a depleted sheriff’s force that is struggling to adequately staff courts and jails.&nbsp;

“There are about 400 criminal cases that have surpassed the constitutional right to a speedy trial in the courts of San Francisco,” Ronen said. “I worry that there won’t be deputies available because of this program.”

“There are about 400 criminal cases that have surpassed the constitutional right to a speedy trial in the courts of San Francisco,” Ronen said. “I worry that there won’t be deputies available because of this program.”

Sherrif Deputy Paul Miyamoto, who admitted that the department is understaffed, said the new amendment won’t affect their presence in other parts of the city since it will only apply to off-duty officers.&nbsp;

Sherrif Deputy Paul Miyamoto, who admitted that the department is understaffed, said the new amendment won’t affect their presence in other parts of the city since it will only apply to off-duty officers.&nbsp;

Safai said the new law will empower retailers to protect themselves from organized retail theft organizations, such as the group that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/merchants-remain-uneasy-but-shoppers-unfazed-following-union-square-thefts/">burglarized Union Square </a>on Nov. 19.

Safai said the new law will empower retailers to protect themselves from organized retail theft organizations, such as the group that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/merchants-remain-uneasy-but-shoppers-unfazed-following-union-square-thefts/">burglarized Union Square </a>on Nov. 19.

“When we heard that San Francisco was one of the epicenters for organized retail crime, we knew we had to act, and we knew we had to act swiftly,” Safai said.&nbsp;

“When we heard that San Francisco was one of the epicenters for organized retail crime, we knew we had to act, and we knew we had to act swiftly,” Safai said.&nbsp;

Supervisors may be skirting law with latest swipe at retail crime

Sarah Wright

State Sen. Scott Wiener on Tuesday <a href="https://www.abc10.com/article/news/education/california-plan-would-streamline-housing-laws-colleges/103-96382473-da58-43d4-bd66-2e9ef410b1fe">unveiled his second effort in one month</a> aimed at helping housing and transportation projects navigate the gauntlet of environmental regulations embodied in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA.)

State Sen. Scott Wiener on Tuesday <a href="https://www.abc10.com/article/news/education/california-plan-would-streamline-housing-laws-colleges/103-96382473-da58-43d4-bd66-2e9ef410b1fe">unveiled his second effort in one month</a> aimed at helping housing and transportation projects navigate the gauntlet of environmental regulations embodied in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA.)

His latest measure was prompted by a judge&#8217;s order that could <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/UC-Berkeley-wants-state-Supreme-Court-to-lift-16918552.php">freeze enrollment at University of California, Berkeley</a> while a CEQA lawsuit is resolved. Wiener wants to exempt student housing developments from some aspects of CEQA review, after earlier <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/wiener-extends-ceqa-exemption-for-green-transit/">seeking similar exemptions for green transportation projects.</a>

His latest measure was prompted by a judge's order that could <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/UC-Berkeley-wants-state-Supreme-Court-to-lift-16918552.php">freeze enrollment at University of California, Berkeley</a> while a CEQA lawsuit is resolved. Wiener wants to exempt student housing developments from some aspects of CEQA review, after earlier <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/wiener-extends-ceqa-exemption-for-green-transit/">seeking similar exemptions for green transportation projects.</a>

His latest measure was prompted by a judge&#8217;s order that could <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/UC-Berkeley-wants-state-Supreme-Court-to-lift-16918552.php">freeze enrollment at University of California, Berkeley</a> while a CEQA lawsuit is resolved. Wiener wants to exempt student housing developments from some aspects of CEQA review, after earlier <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/wiener-extends-ceqa-exemption-for-green-transit/">seeking similar exemptions for green transportation projects.</a>

&#8220;Seequa,&#8221; as it is known to generations of California policymakers, is meant to block ecologically exploitative or irresponsible development—two ambitions commonly associated with the political left. But it&#8217;s now seen by many across the political spectrum as an impediment to much-needed housing and other critical infrastructure.

"Seequa," as it is known to generations of California policymakers, is meant to block ecologically exploitative or irresponsible development—two ambitions commonly associated with the political left. But it's now seen by many across the political spectrum as an impediment to much-needed housing and other critical infrastructure.

&#8220;Seequa,&#8221; as it is known to generations of California policymakers, is meant to block ecologically exploitative or irresponsible development—two ambitions commonly associated with the political left. But it&#8217;s now seen by many across the political spectrum as an impediment to much-needed housing and other critical infrastructure.

What is CEQA and why is it being targeted for &#8216;streamlining&#8217;?

<h5 class="wp-block-heading">What is CEQA and why is it being targeted for &#8216;streamlining&#8217;?</h5>

core/heading

<h5>What is CEQA and why is it being targeted for 'streamlining'?</h5>

<h5>What is CEQA and why is it being targeted for &#8216;streamlining&#8217;?</h5>

The California Environmental Quality Act was signed into law in 1970 by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan. It requires any development project up for approval by local or state governments to take into account the project’s effect on the environment. That means anyone who proposes a new project—whether it’s an apartment building or a bike path—has to prove it won’t produce significant pollution or do harm to a protected plant or animal species.

The California Environmental Quality Act was signed into law in 1970 by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan. It requires any development project up for approval by local or state governments to take into account the project’s effect on the environment. That means anyone who proposes a new project—whether it’s an apartment building or a bike path—has to prove it won’t produce significant pollution or do harm to a protected plant or animal species.

However, some, including Wiener, argue that the law has been misused by special interests who care less about the environment and more about putting the brakes on projects they don’t like.

However, some, including Wiener, argue that the law has been misused by special interests who care less about the environment and more about putting the brakes on projects they don’t like.

That’s why, just a few weeks ago, Wiener <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/wiener-extends-ceqa-exemption-for-green-transit/">unveiled a bill</a> to extend a current law that allows certain green transportation projects to proceed without a full environmental review. It’s also the impetus for his introduction yesterday of a bill that would <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/New-bill-would-exempt-California-public-16933998.php">make it easier to build student housing</a>.

That’s why, just a few weeks ago, Wiener <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/wiener-extends-ceqa-exemption-for-green-transit/">unveiled a bill</a> to extend a current law that allows certain green transportation projects to proceed without a full environmental review. It’s also the impetus for his introduction yesterday of a bill that would <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/New-bill-would-exempt-California-public-16933998.php">make it easier to build student housing</a>.

“Using CEQA to delay or halt student and faculty housing projects has greatly impacted California campuses, increasing the cost of living in and around campuses, pushing thousands of students and staff into housing insecurity or homelessness,” Wiener wrote in a press release.&nbsp;

“Using CEQA to delay or halt student and faculty housing projects has greatly impacted California campuses, increasing the cost of living in and around campuses, pushing thousands of students and staff into housing insecurity or homelessness,” Wiener wrote in a press release.&nbsp;

This is far from the first time changes to how the law is applied have been proposed, said <meta charset="utf-8">Tom Engels, a University of San Francisco adjunct professor and CEQA compliance consultant.

This is far from the first time changes to how the law is applied have been proposed, said <meta charset="utf-8">Tom Engels, a University of San Francisco adjunct professor and CEQA compliance consultant.

Signed on the heels of the National Environmental Policy Act, the California version of the law required that the environmental effects of new projects be considered and mitigated, but it didn’t say exactly how.&nbsp;

Signed on the heels of the National Environmental Policy Act, the California version of the law required that the environmental effects of new projects be considered and mitigated, but it didn’t say exactly how.&nbsp;

Each year, the state <a href="https://opr.ca.gov/ceqa/guidelines/">rolls out a new set of guidelines</a> for CEQA compliance. These guidelines include updated court decisions, bills passed by the legislature and information about what to focus on when implementing the law.

Each year, the state <a href="https://opr.ca.gov/ceqa/guidelines/">rolls out a new set of guidelines</a> for CEQA compliance. These guidelines include updated court decisions, bills passed by the legislature and information about what to focus on when implementing the law.

Inside the guidelines one will find a laundry list of “statutory exemptions” that range from allowing the Olympics to be held without a full environmental impact report to those that address rebuilding after a disaster. Wiener’s proposal, if passed, would create an exemption to parts of the law for student and faculty housing at California colleges and universities.&nbsp;

Inside the guidelines one will find a laundry list of “statutory exemptions” that range from allowing the Olympics to be held without a full environmental impact report to those that address rebuilding after a disaster. Wiener’s proposal, if passed, would create an exemption to parts of the law for student and faculty housing at California colleges and universities.&nbsp;

Jennifer Hernandez, a partner at the law firm Holland &amp; Knight, says the last few decades have seen greater abuse of the law.&nbsp;

Jennifer Hernandez, a partner at the law firm Holland &amp; Knight, says the last few decades have seen greater abuse of the law.&nbsp;

Because the law can so easily be invoked by its opponents (anyone who wants to can file a lawsuit alleging CEQA violations), it is most often used as a tactic specifically to stop housing projects, according to Hernandez. And she argues that judges have transformed the law into a weapon for redlining by protecting the status quo.

Because the law can so easily be invoked by its opponents (anyone who wants to can file a lawsuit alleging CEQA violations), it is most often used as a tactic specifically to stop housing projects, according to Hernandez. And she argues that judges have transformed the law into a weapon for redlining by protecting the status quo.

“CEQA was never intended to be weaponized as a tool against affordable housing, or for that matter, school housing,” Hernandez said.&nbsp;

“CEQA was never intended to be weaponized as a tool against affordable housing, or for that matter, school housing,” Hernandez said.&nbsp;

Why not just change the foundation of CEQA?

<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Why not just change the foundation of CEQA?</h5>

<h5>Why not just change the foundation of CEQA?</h5>

Lawmakers, including Wiener, have tried to change critical parts of the foundation of CEQA. But the political atmosphere makes substantive changes to the law itself difficult. It’s much easier to get blanket exemptions tacked on, which allow projects to get “ministerial” or automatic approval if they meet a set of criteria.

Lawmakers, including Wiener, have tried to change critical parts of the foundation of CEQA. But the political atmosphere makes substantive changes to the law itself difficult. It’s much easier to get blanket exemptions tacked on, which allow projects to get “ministerial” or automatic approval if they meet a set of criteria.

“Achieving things under ministerial approval, when it’s applicable, I think is the right move,” said Wiener’s Communications Director Catie Stewart. “I think it’s the only way it’s going to get done, to be honest.”

“Achieving things under ministerial approval, when it’s applicable, I think is the right move,” said Wiener’s Communications Director Catie Stewart. “I think it’s the only way it’s going to get done, to be honest.”

Hernandez is an advocate for some more substantive changes to the law, like a maximum of one round of environmental review per project and an end to anonymous lawsuits.&nbsp;

Hernandez is an advocate for some more substantive changes to the law, like a maximum of one round of environmental review per project and an end to anonymous lawsuits.&nbsp;

But she says any major CEQA reform faces major barriers, including from labor unions that rely on CEQA to negotiate fair contracts and the strength of a 50-year-old industry in California built on litigating disputes and helping project planners navigate CEQA. As for Wiener’s strategy to author new bills that create CEQA exemptions, Hernandez is all for it.&nbsp;

But she says any major CEQA reform faces major barriers, including from labor unions that rely on CEQA to negotiate fair contracts and the strength of a 50-year-old industry in California built on litigating disputes and helping project planners navigate CEQA. As for Wiener’s strategy to author new bills that create CEQA exemptions, Hernandez is all for it.&nbsp;

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