Jane Natoli

Jane Natoli is a local advocate who sits on the Airport Commission and spends too much time thinking about the future of San Francisco. She resides in the Inner Richmond when she’s not biking all over the city.

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Jane Natoli is a local advocate who sits on the Airport Commission and spends too much time thinking about the future of San Francisco. She resides in the Inner Richmond when she’s not biking all over the city.

It’s hard to find positive news on the housing front in San Francisco some days. Neighborhoods like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-lets-topple-the-housing-monuments-of-our-racist-past-starting-with-st-francis-wood/">St. Francis Wood</a> are seeking to amber themselves off using historic designation to fend off recent state-level housing bills that would permit two homes on the same lot, allowing the neighborhood to keep the exclusionary status of its original design. Although its voters elected a housing champion <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/analysis-matt-haney-david-campos-assembly-housing/">to the state legislature</a>, San Francisco’s governing body is still debating Supervisor Rafael Mandelman’s proposed fourplex—or four homes on one lot—legislation at the local level with no signs of urgency. The same supervisors still meddle in individual projects like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/supervisors-under-fire-vote-against-proposed-soma-apartment-building-sparks-furor-may-violate-state-law/">469 Stevenson St.</a>, voting them down for specious reasons, leading to protracted battles with state housing authorities.

It’s hard to find positive news on the housing front in San Francisco some days. Neighborhoods like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-lets-topple-the-housing-monuments-of-our-racist-past-starting-with-st-francis-wood/">St. Francis Wood</a> are seeking to amber themselves off using historic designation to fend off recent state-level housing bills that would permit two homes on the same lot, allowing the neighborhood to keep the exclusionary status of its original design. Although its voters elected a housing champion <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/analysis-matt-haney-david-campos-assembly-housing/">to the state legislature</a>, San Francisco’s governing body is still debating Supervisor Rafael Mandelman’s proposed fourplex—or four homes on one lot—legislation at the local level with no signs of urgency. The same supervisors still meddle in individual projects like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/supervisors-under-fire-vote-against-proposed-soma-apartment-building-sparks-furor-may-violate-state-law/">469 Stevenson St.</a>, voting them down for specious reasons, leading to protracted battles with state housing authorities.

All of this shows just how unprepared San Francisco is for its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), an impending catastrophe NIMBYs in the city seem in complete denial of. In short, San Francisco has until Jan. 31, 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1390815422740537344?s=20&amp;t=mlS3RMJW5rt3lrU9Gbbung">to submit a valid plan to build 82,069 homes</a>, at a variety of income levels, between now and 2031. And all indications are that process is going to be a mess. San Francisco has submitted a draft plan for this next eight-year cycle, but <a href="https://twitter.com/CSElmendorf/status/1524161546707881984?s=20&amp;t=LeFqcwapN-HV18z5dHX16A">only for approximately 5,000 homes a year</a>—showing just how unserious we are taking this state mandate. That would total only 40,000 new homes, or less than half the requirement.

All of this shows just how unprepared San Francisco is for its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), an impending catastrophe NIMBYs in the city seem in complete denial of. In short, San Francisco has until Jan. 31, 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1390815422740537344?s=20&amp;t=mlS3RMJW5rt3lrU9Gbbung">to submit a valid plan to build 82,069 homes</a>, at a variety of income levels, between now and 2031. And all indications are that process is going to be a mess. San Francisco has submitted a draft plan for this next eight-year cycle, but <a href="https://twitter.com/CSElmendorf/status/1524161546707881984?s=20&amp;t=LeFqcwapN-HV18z5dHX16A">only for approximately 5,000 homes a year</a>—showing just how unserious we are taking this state mandate. That would total only 40,000 new homes, or less than half the requirement.

So what happens if San Francisco fails to submit a valid plan? No one really knows. There are provisions to the RHNA that kick in if cities fail to comply with state law, but these are largely untested, and I would expect the city to fight that if it even comes to it. We would really be entering uncharted territory.&nbsp;

So what happens if San Francisco fails to submit a valid plan? No one really knows. There are provisions to the RHNA that kick in if cities fail to comply with state law, but these are largely untested, and I would expect the city to fight that if it even comes to it. We would really be entering uncharted territory.&nbsp;

Thankfully, some of our supervisors get this. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/amid-competing-legislation-mandelman-fourplex-proposal-leads-the-pack/">Rafael Mandelman introduced legislation to allow for fourplexes</a> throughout San Francisco late last year. The Board of Supervisors has finally taken up this proposal. However, in typical fashion, instead of just pursuing a straightforward bill, other supervisors saddled the initial proposal with amendments that make something that already would not have done much entirely unworkable, such as dictating specific bedroom counts for some of the units to be built, adding rent control, and tacking on other onerous requirements such as delaying any such conversion for newly acquired properties for five years to ostensibly prevent speculation.&nbsp;

Thankfully, some of our supervisors get this. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/amid-competing-legislation-mandelman-fourplex-proposal-leads-the-pack/">Rafael Mandelman introduced legislation to allow for fourplexes</a> throughout San Francisco late last year. The Board of Supervisors has finally taken up this proposal. However, in typical fashion, instead of just pursuing a straightforward bill, other supervisors saddled the initial proposal with amendments that make something that already would not have done much entirely unworkable, such as dictating specific bedroom counts for some of the units to be built, adding rent control, and tacking on other onerous requirements such as delaying any such conversion for newly acquired properties for five years to ostensibly prevent speculation.&nbsp;

Considering policies like <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/03/01/minneapolis-triplex-legalize-impact-little">Minneapolis zoning all lots for triplexes a few years ago</a>, even the most straightforward proposal will not add many homes. It is not really clear what the supervisors are trying to accomplish with this now overly complicated fourplex bill. Even Supervisor Mandelman conceded that this will not add many new homes in its original form. As builders would say, these homes will not “pencil out,” meaning they would not make sense for people to build, given the costs. A few people may take advantage of the flexibility to add more homes on their property, but it’s not going to lead to some speculation boom the day after it’s passed. As is far too often the case, we try to make every single housing bill do everything until it accomplishes nothing.&nbsp;

Considering policies like <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/03/01/minneapolis-triplex-legalize-impact-little">Minneapolis zoning all lots for triplexes a few years ago</a>, even the most straightforward proposal will not add many homes. It is not really clear what the supervisors are trying to accomplish with this now overly complicated fourplex bill. Even Supervisor Mandelman conceded that this will not add many new homes in its original form. As builders would say, these homes will not “pencil out,” meaning they would not make sense for people to build, given the costs. A few people may take advantage of the flexibility to add more homes on their property, but it’s not going to lead to some speculation boom the day after it’s passed. As is far too often the case, we try to make every single housing bill do everything until it accomplishes nothing.&nbsp;

This isn’t to say we shouldn&#8217;t pass a fourplex bill at some point. We should, but even in its original form it would mostly be symbolic of our commitment to build more much-needed homes—and even that looks challenging at the Board of Supervisors level, where any proposal will have to pass. We are going to have to do so much more beyond fourplexes to provide the homes we need for current and future San Franciscans.

This isn’t to say we shouldn't pass a fourplex bill at some point. We should, but even in its original form it would mostly be symbolic of our commitment to build more much-needed homes—and even that looks challenging at the Board of Supervisors level, where any proposal will have to pass. We are going to have to do so much more beyond fourplexes to provide the homes we need for current and future San Franciscans.

This isn’t to say we shouldn&#8217;t pass a fourplex bill at some point. We should, but even in its original form it would mostly be symbolic of our commitment to build more much-needed homes—and even that looks challenging at the Board of Supervisors level, where any proposal will have to pass. We are going to have to do so much more beyond fourplexes to provide the homes we need for current and future San Franciscans.

We cling to the belief that we know how to solve our housing crisis best and try to push away state control, but we have not shown any evidence that we are doing a good job locally as the debacle around fourplexes shows, which is why the state is stepping in. Four years ago, while most of the debate around state housing focused on state Sen. Scott Wiener’s ambitious (or contentious, depending on who you ask) SB 827, which would have dramatically increased where more homes could be built throughout the state, <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1390815421138292741?s=20&amp;t=mlS3RMJW5rt3lrU9Gbbung">its lesser known companion bill SB 828 (also from Sen. Wiener)</a> quietly chugged along, eventually passing and being signed into law. This bill didn’t immediately do anything, but it did strengthen the relatively arcane process of RHNA.

We cling to the belief that we know how to solve our housing crisis best and try to push away state control, but we have not shown any evidence that we are doing a good job locally as the debacle around fourplexes shows, which is why the state is stepping in. Four years ago, while most of the debate around state housing focused on state Sen. Scott Wiener’s ambitious (or contentious, depending on who you ask) SB 827, which would have dramatically increased where more homes could be built throughout the state, <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1390815421138292741?s=20&amp;t=mlS3RMJW5rt3lrU9Gbbung">its lesser known companion bill SB 828 (also from Sen. Wiener)</a> quietly chugged along, eventually passing and being signed into law. This bill didn’t immediately do anything, but it did strengthen the relatively arcane process of RHNA.

Previously, cities and regions were able to set hand-wavy goals for future housing for a variety of income levels on eight-year cycles: <a href="https://abundanthousingla.org/rhna-the-best-and-worst/">Beverly Hills famously committed to building three units of affordable housing in the last RHNA cycle</a>. However, thanks to the diligent work of our state senator, cities and regions now have to set much more realistic goals. <a href="https://www.beverlyhills.org/cbhfiles/storage/files/7987147481031588504/FAQ-HousingElementUpdateFINAL2.pdf">Beverly Hills is expected to plan for and build 3,096 during the next eight-year cycle</a>. And if it, or any city in California fails to submit a compliant housing plan, there is now a stronger <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/accountability-enforcement.shtml">Housing Accountability Unit</a> at the state level that has the teeth to actually enforce the law when cities submit vaporwave plans for new housing. But enforcement takes time, and we have not yet seen what might happen or how cities may fight this.

Previously, cities and regions were able to set hand-wavy goals for future housing for a variety of income levels on eight-year cycles: <a href="https://abundanthousingla.org/rhna-the-best-and-worst/">Beverly Hills famously committed to building three units of affordable housing in the last RHNA cycle</a>. However, thanks to the diligent work of our state senator, cities and regions now have to set much more realistic goals. <a href="https://www.beverlyhills.org/cbhfiles/storage/files/7987147481031588504/FAQ-HousingElementUpdateFINAL2.pdf">Beverly Hills is expected to plan for and build 3,096 during the next eight-year cycle</a>. And if it, or any city in California fails to submit a compliant housing plan, there is now a stronger <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/accountability-enforcement.shtml">Housing Accountability Unit</a> at the state level that has the teeth to actually enforce the law when cities submit vaporwave plans for new housing. But enforcement takes time, and we have not yet seen what might happen or how cities may fight this.

San Francisco’s previous RHNA goals were not as laughable as Beverly Hills’, but have not been nearly enough to keep up with our desperate need for more homes either. To put this in perspective, <a href="https://sfplanning.org/sites/default/files/documents/reports/2020_Housing_Inventory.pdf">the only year during the past two decades when we built more than 5,000 homes was 2016</a>. We need to be not merely planning but executing at twice that rate, for eight years in a row! People love to point to the pipeline of homes we have planned, but many proposed sites have infamously been in that same pipeline since before the previous RHNA cycle. Sites such as Visitacion Valley’s <a href="https://sfplanning.org/visitacion-valleyschlage-lock-plan#outreach-and-approval">Schlage Lock</a> sit empty still despite having been approved in 2014.

San Francisco’s previous RHNA goals were not as laughable as Beverly Hills’, but have not been nearly enough to keep up with our desperate need for more homes either. To put this in perspective, <a href="https://sfplanning.org/sites/default/files/documents/reports/2020_Housing_Inventory.pdf">the only year during the past two decades when we built more than 5,000 homes was 2016</a>. We need to be not merely planning but executing at twice that rate, for eight years in a row! People love to point to the pipeline of homes we have planned, but many proposed sites have infamously been in that same pipeline since before the previous RHNA cycle. Sites such as Visitacion Valley’s <a href="https://sfplanning.org/visitacion-valleyschlage-lock-plan#outreach-and-approval">Schlage Lock</a> sit empty still despite having been approved in 2014.

None of this is surprising, of course. San Francisco continues to lack any real appetite for allowing more homes, especially throughout the city’s West Side, where almost no housing, affordable or otherwise, has been built in the past few decades. San Francisco clings to allowing any neighbor who disagrees with any proposal for even the flimsiest reasons to delay or deny it.&nbsp;

None of this is surprising, of course. San Francisco continues to lack any real appetite for allowing more homes, especially throughout the city’s West Side, where almost no housing, affordable or otherwise, has been built in the past few decades. San Francisco clings to allowing any neighbor who disagrees with any proposal for even the flimsiest reasons to delay or deny it.&nbsp;

San Franciscans, at least those in higher offices, have shown support for housing. Mayor Breed has been an unabashed champion of our need for citywide action. We’ve elected strong legislators like former Assemblymember David Chiu, current Assemblymember Phil Ting and Sen. Wiener. Assemblymember Matt Haney just ran an unapologetically pro-housing campaign and won resoundingly. Unfortunately, that has yet to trickle down to the supervisor level, where they continue to debate mostly symbolic measures while time runs out for our city to submit a housing plan for the next eight years.

San Franciscans, at least those in higher offices, have shown support for housing. Mayor Breed has been an unabashed champion of our need for citywide action. We’ve elected strong legislators like former Assemblymember David Chiu, current Assemblymember Phil Ting and Sen. Wiener. Assemblymember Matt Haney just ran an unapologetically pro-housing campaign and won resoundingly. Unfortunately, that has yet to trickle down to the supervisor level, where they continue to debate mostly symbolic measures while time runs out for our city to submit a housing plan for the next eight years.

We’re a city of lofty ideals. We don’t just need, we deserve equally lofty plans to actually live up to those ideals. And we all need to do our part, including those of us who call the Western neighborhoods home. I’d like to look back on this opinion and find it alarmist. But if the debates around minimal measures and fights to even avoid modest plans for more homes are any indication, it is that San Francisco is unprepared for what is coming, and that’s not good news for any of us.

We’re a city of lofty ideals. We don’t just need, we deserve equally lofty plans to actually live up to those ideals. And we all need to do our part, including those of us who call the Western neighborhoods home. I’d like to look back on this opinion and find it alarmist. But if the debates around minimal measures and fights to even avoid modest plans for more homes are any indication, it is that San Francisco is unprepared for what is coming, and that’s not good news for any of us.

Follow Jane on Twitter at @wafoli

Follow Jane on Twitter at @wafoli

SF has eight months to submit a plan for 80,000 new homes. If we don’t, we’re in an even deeper mess

Opinion: SF has eight months to submit a plan for 80,000 new homes. If we don’t, we’re in an even deeper mess

Annie Gaus

A plan to create a new team to respond to homelessness-related concerns received a stamp of approval at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, but details on how it would integrate with existing city services are murky.

A plan to create a new team to respond to homelessness-related concerns received a stamp of approval at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, but details on how it would integrate with existing city services are murky.

The proposal, dubbed the Compassionate Alternative Response Team (CART) and put forth by a group of advocates called the CART Coalition, seeks to reroute low-priority complaints from the San Francisco Police Department to its proposed team of 52 workers. The group estimates that the plan will cost about $6.8 million dollars to build and operate the response teams, who would receive training and earn annual compensation of $90,000 per employee. 

The proposal, dubbed the Compassionate Alternative Response Team (CART) and put forth by a group of advocates called the CART Coalition, seeks to reroute low-priority complaints from the San Francisco Police Department to its proposed team of 52 workers. The group estimates that the plan will cost about $6.8 million dollars to build and operate the response teams, who would receive training and earn annual compensation of $90,000 per employee.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting the creation of CART, though the resolution itself doesn’t guarantee that will happen. Supervisor Matt Haney, who sponsored the resolution, described it at a June 10 hearing as an expression of “the need generally for this type of model.” Actually funding the teams would require a more formal budget appropriation process, which isn’t likely to happen in time for the upcoming fiscal year 2022 budget. 

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting the creation of CART, though the resolution itself doesn’t guarantee that will happen. Supervisor Matt Haney, who sponsored the resolution, described it at a June 10 hearing as an expression of “the need generally for this type of model.” Actually funding the teams would require a more formal budget appropriation process, which isn’t likely to happen in time for the upcoming fiscal year 2022 budget.

“We are clearly not doing something right when we are relying on institutional responses to calls that don’t require police,” said Vinny Eng, an organizer for the CART Coalition at a June 10 hearing about the plan. 

“We are clearly not doing something right when we are relying on institutional responses to calls that don’t require police,” said Vinny Eng, an organizer for the CART Coalition at a June 10 hearing about the plan.

An unhoused resident of San Francisco gathers their bags at a bus stop in front of City Hall on July 10, 2021.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TL-HereSay-Cohen-58-1-2500x1407.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5238"/><figcaption>An unhoused resident of San Francisco gathers their bags at a bus stop in front of City Hall on July 10, 2021 | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TL-HereSay-Cohen-58-1-2500x1407.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5238"/><figcaption>An unhoused resident of San Francisco gathers their bags at a bus stop in front of City Hall on July 10, 2021 | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

As outlined in <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9470668&amp;GUID=FF9BC57F-D237-4E22-B01D-11A63F11A6E2">a presentation</a> to the Board of Supervisors, CART says it could respond to encampment complaints and all homeless-related, Priority C 911 calls in lieu of police, in addition to setting up its own separate hotline for calls. It is modeled after a community program called CAHOOTS based in Eugene, Ore. that intervenes in mental illness, homelessness and addiction-related crises.

As outlined in <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9470668&amp;GUID=FF9BC57F-D237-4E22-B01D-11A63F11A6E2">a presentation</a> to the Board of Supervisors, CART says it could respond to encampment complaints and all homeless-related, Priority C 911 calls in lieu of police, in addition to setting up its own separate hotline for calls. It is modeled after a community program called CAHOOTS based in Eugene, Ore. that intervenes in mental illness, homelessness and addiction-related crises.

Priority C calls are those that carry no present danger to life or property, and include anything from loitering, panhandling and trespassing calls to wellness checks for people appearing to be in distress. Under the city’s current system, many of these calls are already routed to non-police teams.&nbsp;

Priority C calls are those that carry no present danger to life or property, and include anything from loitering, panhandling and trespassing calls to wellness checks for people appearing to be in distress. Under the city’s current system, many of these calls are already routed to non-police teams.&nbsp;

CART, if funded, would join a growing alphabet soup of teams responding to street-level calls in lieu of police.&nbsp;

CART, if funded, would join a growing alphabet soup of teams responding to street-level calls in lieu of police.&nbsp;

Calls involving a psychiatric or other crisis, for example, may be routed to a Street Crisis Response Team (SCRT) within the San Francisco Fire Department. Likewise, wellness checks may be routed to a Street Wellness Response Team (SWRT), a group of community paramedics also overseen by SFFD. Overdoses are often handled by SFFD paramedics, and Mayor Breed is requesting that the city also fund dedicated Street Overdose Response Teams (SORT) as part of her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">proposed budget</a>. Calls regarding homeless encampments are routed to the city’s 311 customer service center and handled by the Healthy Streets Operations Center (HSOC), a joint effort by the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the Department of Public Health and the police.

Calls involving a psychiatric or other crisis, for example, may be routed to a Street Crisis Response Team (SCRT) within the San Francisco Fire Department. Likewise, wellness checks may be routed to a Street Wellness Response Team (SWRT), a group of community paramedics also overseen by SFFD. Overdoses are often handled by SFFD paramedics, and Mayor Breed is requesting that the city also fund dedicated Street Overdose Response Teams (SORT) as part of her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">proposed budget</a>. Calls regarding homeless encampments are routed to the city’s 311 customer service center and handled by the Healthy Streets Operations Center (HSOC), a joint effort by the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the Department of Public Health and the police.

Groups responding to homelessness also include Homelessness Outreach Teams (HOT) focused on referrals and case management, which is overseen by the Department of Homelessness; a Crisis Intervention Team managed by SFPD; and SFFD’s EMS-6 paramedic teams, which respond to all manner of medical emergencies.

Groups responding to homelessness also include Homelessness Outreach Teams (HOT) focused on referrals and case management, which is overseen by the Department of Homelessness; a Crisis Intervention Team managed by SFPD; and SFFD’s EMS-6 paramedic teams, which respond to all manner of medical emergencies.

For some policymakers, the number of teams involved in street response raises concerns of duplication and inefficiencies in efforts to manage homelessness-related calls, which members of the public generally place to either 311 or 911 depending on the urgency of the situation.&nbsp;

For some policymakers, the number of teams involved in street response raises concerns of duplication and inefficiencies in efforts to manage homelessness-related calls, which members of the public generally place to either 311 or 911 depending on the urgency of the situation.&nbsp;

“In total, we have a proposed nine teams that we are going to be reviewing during this budget process to respond to people in need on the streets of San Francisco,” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen at a June 9 hearing focused on street response. “I am watching this and seeing a disaster unfold. Nine teams is too much.”&nbsp;

“In total, we have a proposed nine teams that we are going to be reviewing during this budget process to respond to people in need on the streets of San Francisco,” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen at a June 9 hearing focused on street response. “I am watching this and seeing a disaster unfold. Nine teams is too much.”&nbsp;

The Department of Emergency Management says that between 911, 311 and the police non-emergency line, the city processed more than 65,000 calls deemed homelessness-related in 2019. It fielded more than 26,000 total trespassing calls and 23,000 suspicious person calls, many of which are homelessness-related.

The Department of Emergency Management says that between 911, 311 and the police non-emergency line, the city processed more than 65,000 calls deemed homelessness-related in 2019. It fielded more than 26,000 total trespassing calls and 23,000 suspicious person calls, many of which are homelessness-related.

San Francisco has seen its homeless population <a href="https://sfgov.org/scorecards/safety-net/homeless-population">rise steadily</a> over the past decade, from approximately 5,400 individuals in 2011 to 8,000 in 2019, an increase of 67 percent according to the city’s biennial counts. State data points to a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/more-than-10-000-people-sought-homeless-services-in-sf-last-year-a-40-jump-over-2019">surge in homelessness</a> during the COVID pandemic.

San Francisco has seen its homeless population <a href="https://sfgov.org/scorecards/safety-net/homeless-population">rise steadily</a> over the past decade, from approximately 5,400 individuals in 2011 to 8,000 in 2019, an increase of 67 percent according to the city’s biennial counts. State data points to a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/more-than-10-000-people-sought-homeless-services-in-sf-last-year-a-40-jump-over-2019">surge in homelessness</a> during the COVID pandemic.

Meanwhile, as part of a local reform effort, Mayor London Breed announced last year that the city would reduce its reliance on police for non-criminal complaints. Police chief Bill Scott has largely embraced the idea of diverting such calls, and said the department identified <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">23 categories of calls</a> that it believes can be &#8220;reenvisioned.&#8221;

Meanwhile, as part of a local reform effort, Mayor London Breed announced last year that the city would reduce its reliance on police for non-criminal complaints. Police chief Bill Scott has largely embraced the idea of diverting such calls, and said the department identified <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">23 categories of calls</a> that it believes can be "reenvisioned."

Meanwhile, as part of a local reform effort, Mayor London Breed announced last year that the city would reduce its reliance on police for non-criminal complaints. Police chief Bill Scott has largely embraced the idea of diverting such calls, and said the department identified <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">23 categories of calls</a> that it believes can be &#8220;reenvisioned.&#8221;

CART says that its proposed model is more responsive to individuals for whom “institutional” intervention, whether by police or even emergency medical responders, may cause trauma. The group says that its “consent-based” approach will be more effective than existing responses.&nbsp;

CART says that its proposed model is more responsive to individuals for whom “institutional” intervention, whether by police or even emergency medical responders, may cause trauma. The group says that its “consent-based” approach will be more effective than existing responses.&nbsp;

“That&#8217;s right, and there are a number of reasons for this: We know that racial disparities exist, health disparities exist,” said Eng, in response to a question by Supervisor Catherine Stefani about whether a fire department response was upsetting or triggering to some.&nbsp;

“That's right, and there are a number of reasons for this: We know that racial disparities exist, health disparities exist,” said Eng, in response to a question by Supervisor Catherine Stefani about whether a fire department response was upsetting or triggering to some.&nbsp;

“That&#8217;s right, and there are a number of reasons for this: We know that racial disparities exist, health disparities exist,” said Eng, in response to a question by Supervisor Catherine Stefani about whether a fire department response was upsetting or triggering to some.&nbsp;

“I do feel that bias [against] institutional response—and I’m just talking about paramedics and firefighters, not police—may potentially put some people in harm that need care,” Stefani responded. 

“I do feel that bias [against] institutional response—and I’m just talking about paramedics and firefighters, not police—may potentially put some people in harm that need care,” Stefani responded.

CART <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9470668&amp;GUID=FF9BC57F-D237-4E22-B01D-11A63F11A6E2">is requesting</a> to take over spillover psychiatric calls that Street Crisis Response Teams cannot handle, wellbeing checks, and homeless-related trespassing, suspicious person, aggressive panhandling and other Priority C calls, as well as encampment complaints otherwise routed to 311. According to various scenarios presented to the board, the group aims to focus on conflict resolution and “education services” in situations involving a complaint by a housed person.

CART <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9470668&amp;GUID=FF9BC57F-D237-4E22-B01D-11A63F11A6E2">is requesting</a> to take over spillover psychiatric calls that Street Crisis Response Teams cannot handle, wellbeing checks, and homeless-related trespassing, suspicious person, aggressive panhandling and other Priority C calls, as well as encampment complaints otherwise routed to 311. According to various scenarios presented to the board, the group aims to focus on conflict resolution and “education services” in situations involving a complaint by a housed person.

Despite broad agreement that police be removed from many homelessness-related calls, some city officials are wary of shifting responsibilities to an organization not governed by the city&#8217;s emergency services. Moreover, it is not yet clear whether CART would be able to comply with strict regulatory standards required for medical responses, and how its hotline would integrate with existing services. 

Despite broad agreement that police be removed from many homelessness-related calls, some city officials are wary of shifting responsibilities to an organization not governed by the city's emergency services. Moreover, it is not yet clear whether CART would be able to comply with strict regulatory standards required for medical responses, and how its hotline would integrate with existing services.

Despite broad agreement that police be removed from many homelessness-related calls, some city officials are wary of shifting responsibilities to an organization not governed by the city&#8217;s emergency services. Moreover, it is not yet clear whether CART would be able to comply with strict regulatory standards required for medical responses, and how its hotline would integrate with existing services.

“We do not agree with excluding the Fire Department, Department of Public Health, and others who already have the expertise and training to get this program going immediately,” said Andy Lynch, a spokesperson for Mayor Breed. “CART could not take calls that the pilot street crisis response teams will take because these calls require an immediate response, which is not possible when the teams are not directly synced with the City’s Emergency Communications Channels. We want all of our outreach teams to be working together to field requests as they come in and conduct proactive outreach.”

“We do not agree with excluding the Fire Department, Department of Public Health, and others who already have the expertise and training to get this program going immediately,” said Andy Lynch, a spokesperson for Mayor Breed. “CART could not take calls that the pilot street crisis response teams will take because these calls require an immediate response, which is not possible when the teams are not directly synced with the City’s Emergency Communications Channels. We want all of our outreach teams to be working together to field requests as they come in and conduct proactive outreach.”

The city currently funds six Street Crisis Response Teams, and Breed hopes to fund a seventh that would spin up in the next few months. The four teams that are currently up and running have responded to more than 1,000 calls in their first five months of operation, according to the Mayor’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The city currently funds six Street Crisis Response Teams, and Breed hopes to fund a seventh that would spin up in the next few months. The four teams that are currently up and running have responded to more than 1,000 calls in their first five months of operation, according to the Mayor’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Final deliberations for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-kick-off-13-billion-budget-negotiations/">upcoming budget </a>are scheduled for next week, and Breed is expected to sign the budget by August 1.

Final deliberations for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-kick-off-13-billion-budget-negotiations/">upcoming budget </a>are scheduled for next week, and Breed is expected to sign the budget by August 1.

Board of Supervisors pledges to create new homelessness response team, but details remain murky

Noah Baustin

Ebony Nolan expects trouble when she applies for a job.

Ebony Nolan expects trouble when she applies for a job.

One time, Nolan thought she was about to get hired as a bank teller. The interview went well, but after running a background check, the bank suddenly turned her down, she said. Another time, she had already started working shifts at a local sandwich shop before her conviction was flagged during a background check. She said she left that job soon after, too.

One time, Nolan thought she was about to get hired as a bank teller. The interview went well, but after running a background check, the bank suddenly turned her down, she said. Another time, she had already started working shifts at a local sandwich shop before her conviction was flagged during a background check. She said she left that job soon after, too.

Nolan was convicted of a felony crime in 2007. Then 19 years old, she was sentenced to serve over 100 days in jail and three years of probation. But long after her incarceration ended, Nolan continues to face the fallout from her criminal conviction as it resurfaces during background checks.

Nolan was convicted of a felony crime in 2007. Then 19 years old, she was sentenced to serve over 100 days in jail and three years of probation. But long after her incarceration ended, Nolan continues to face the fallout from her criminal conviction as it resurfaces during background checks.

That’s why she recently submitted a petition to get her record cleared through a process called expungement—a general term for the collection of legal processes Californians can pursue to make their criminal history less public.&nbsp;

That’s why she recently submitted a petition to get her record cleared through a process called expungement—a general term for the collection of legal processes Californians can pursue to make their criminal history less public.&nbsp;

For Nolan, expungement would have meant that her criminal case from 15 years ago was dismissed, allowing her to lawfully say that she has no conviction on her record when applying to most jobs or housing.

For Nolan, expungement would have meant that her criminal case from 15 years ago was dismissed, allowing her to lawfully say that she has no conviction on her record when applying to most jobs or housing.

The trouble is, Nolan still owes about $700 in victim restitution, according to the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office. So prosecutors are opposing her expungement until she makes more payments to the court.&nbsp;

The trouble is, Nolan still owes about $700 in victim restitution, according to the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office. So prosecutors are opposing her expungement until she makes more payments to the court.&nbsp;

That’s left Nolan—who makes about $30,000 as the sole breadwinner for her two children—in limbo.

That’s left Nolan—who makes about $30,000 as the sole breadwinner for her two children—in limbo.

“I need to build something for them,” she said.&nbsp;

“I need to build something for them,” she said.&nbsp;

But without the expungement, that years-old conviction will continue to haunt her.

But without the expungement, that years-old conviction will continue to haunt her.

Photo illustration of a Criminal Record Disclosure form, which is a routine part of many California job applications. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ExpungementFees-1-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71985"/><figcaption>Photo illustration of a Criminal Record Disclosure form; a routine part of many California job applications. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fresh-start">A Fresh Start</h2>

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<h2 id="h-a-fresh-start">A Fresh Start</h2>

The <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1106">Fresh Start Act</a>—which is awaiting action on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk—would remove this financial barrier for Nolan and others seeking expungement. The proposed law, authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, would prevent courts from denying an expungement because the person owes an outstanding restitution debt.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1106">Fresh Start Act</a>—which is awaiting action on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk—would remove this financial barrier for Nolan and others seeking expungement. The proposed law, authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, would prevent courts from denying an expungement because the person owes an outstanding restitution debt.&nbsp;

If passed, people throughout California who owe court fees will gain an easier path to clearing their records.&nbsp;

If passed, people throughout California who owe court fees will gain an easier path to clearing their records.&nbsp;

Ebony Nolan, who still faces fallout from a felony conviction when she was 19, stands for a portrait on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, in San Francisco, Calif. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/EbonyNolan05-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71988"/><figcaption>Ebony Nolan, who still faces fallout from a felony conviction when she was 19, stands for a portrait on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, in San Francisco. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Advocates for the Fresh Start Act say that tying expungement to people’s debts unfairly punishes the poorest defendants, and, in a twist of irony, prevents them from getting the jobs that could enable them to pay down the sum.&nbsp;

Advocates for the Fresh Start Act say that tying expungement to people’s debts unfairly punishes the poorest defendants, and, in a twist of irony, prevents them from getting the jobs that could enable them to pay down the sum.&nbsp;

But defraying victim restitution fees from expungement will get rid of an important incentive to pay people harmed by crimes the financial amends they’re entitled to, said Kathy Storton, a retired prosecutor and member of the CA District Attorney’s Association Legislation Committee. Her organization opposes the bill, arguing that judges already have the discretion to grant expungements to defendants who owe outstanding fees.

But defraying victim restitution fees from expungement will get rid of an important incentive to pay people harmed by crimes the financial amends they’re entitled to, said Kathy Storton, a retired prosecutor and member of the CA District Attorney’s Association Legislation Committee. Her organization opposes the bill, arguing that judges already have the discretion to grant expungements to defendants who owe outstanding fees.

If the governor vetoes Wiener’s bill—as he’s already done to another high-profile would-be law <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/gov-newsom-vetoes-safe-drug-use-site-bill-citing-unintended-consequences/">this legislative session</a>—then here in SF, prosecutors in District Attorney Brooke Jenkins’s office will retain significant influence over who can get their record expunged. And local judges will continue to have the final say on the issue.

If the governor vetoes Wiener’s bill—as he’s already done to another high-profile would-be law <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/gov-newsom-vetoes-safe-drug-use-site-bill-citing-unintended-consequences/">this legislative session</a>—then here in SF, prosecutors in District Attorney Brooke Jenkins’s office will retain significant influence over who can get their record expunged. And local judges will continue to have the final say on the issue.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debt-to-society">Debt to Society</h2>

<h2 id="h-debt-to-society">Debt to Society</h2>

Each year, tens of thousands of people are convicted of crimes across California, <a href="https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/2022-Court-Statistics-Report.pdf">according to data from the Judicial Council of California</a>, the policymaking body of the state’s court system.&nbsp;

Each year, tens of thousands of people are convicted of crimes across California, <a href="https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/2022-Court-Statistics-Report.pdf">according to data from the Judicial Council of California</a>, the policymaking body of the state’s court system.&nbsp;

Pedestrians walk around the of San Francisco Superior Court, Hall of Justice (HOJ), at 850 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94103 on Monday, August 15, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HallOfJustice-06.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71991"/><figcaption>A pedestrian passes the Hall of Justice, home to the San Francisco Superior Court, in San Francisco on Monday, August 15, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

But even after they serve time behind bars and complete parole and probation, many are left with another debt to society: court fees. Some are fines, which can range from a few hundred dollars up to $10,000.

But even after they serve time behind bars and complete parole and probation, many are left with another debt to society: court fees. Some are fines, which can range from a few hundred dollars up to $10,000.

Courts also issue orders of restitution, which require convicts to pay money directly to a victim to cover costs that person incurred as a result of the crime, including the value of stolen property, medical treatment, wages lost due to an injury and more.&nbsp;

Courts also issue orders of restitution, which require convicts to pay money directly to a victim to cover costs that person incurred as a result of the crime, including the value of stolen property, medical treatment, wages lost due to an injury and more.&nbsp;

The median amount that California courts order defendants to pay to crime survivors is $10,000, Delaney Green, Clinical Supervisor at the UC Berkeley School of Law, found in an unpublished study of 15 counties. The study did not include San Francisco.

The median amount that California courts order defendants to pay to crime survivors is $10,000, Delaney Green, Clinical Supervisor at the UC Berkeley School of Law, found in an unpublished study of 15 counties. The study did not include San Francisco.

Currently, people convicted of crimes in the San Francisco Superior Court owe a combined outstanding balance of over $11.8 million to crime victims, according to data provided by the court. That figure includes fee accounts created in the past five years, so the grand total that San Franciscians owe in victim restitution is surely higher.

Currently, people convicted of crimes in the San Francisco Superior Court owe a combined outstanding balance of over $11.8 million to crime victims, according to data provided by the court. That figure includes fee accounts created in the past five years, so the grand total that San Franciscians owe in victim restitution is surely higher.

These restitution fees are a significant hurdle for San Franciscians seeking expungements, explained Vilaska Nguyen, a managing attorney in the Public Defender’s Office Specialty and Collaborative Unit.

These restitution fees are a significant hurdle for San Franciscians seeking expungements, explained Vilaska Nguyen, a managing attorney in the Public Defender’s Office Specialty and Collaborative Unit.

“If there’s a red flag with victim’s restitution, generally the DAs are going to object,” he said.

“If there’s a red flag with victim’s restitution, generally the DAs are going to object,” he said.

The vast majority of expungement motions filed by the city’s Public Defender’s Office in recent years have been granted, according to data the agency shared with The Standard. For the past three years, about 95% of expungement motions were granted. But even with that high approval rate, dozens of people in 2020 and 2021 failed to get their records cleared—often because they still owed victim restitution, Nguyen said.

The vast majority of expungement motions filed by the city’s Public Defender’s Office in recent years have been granted, according to data the agency shared with The Standard. For the past three years, about 95% of expungement motions were granted. But even with that high approval rate, dozens of people in 2020 and 2021 failed to get their records cleared—often because they still owed victim restitution, Nguyen said.

The majority of the cases during that time period arose during the tenure of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin. But in 2019, the year before the former public defender became the city’s top prosecutor, the number of granted expungements was significantly lower, coming in at 82%. That year, over 300 people were blocked from getting their cases expunged.

The majority of the cases during that time period arose during the tenure of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin. But in 2019, the year before the former public defender became the city’s top prosecutor, the number of granted expungements was significantly lower, coming in at 82%. That year, over 300 people were blocked from getting their cases expunged.

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“Boudin’s administration was by far the most progressive and understanding compared to his predecessors,” San Francisco Deputy Public Defender Kelly Pretzer wrote in an email when asked to compare recent district attorneys’ records on expungement. “We are hopeful that DA Jenkins continues the practice of supporting people who have turned their lives around, particularly for those people who owe restitution on their cases.”

“Boudin’s administration was by far the most progressive and understanding compared to his predecessors,” San Francisco Deputy Public Defender Kelly Pretzer wrote in an email when asked to compare recent district attorneys’ records on expungement. “We are hopeful that DA Jenkins continues the practice of supporting people who have turned their lives around, particularly for those people who owe restitution on their cases.”

“The District Attorney’s Office follows the law, and objects in cases where probation conditions have not been met, including restitution requirements. The office has operated this way since DA Gascon’s tenure,” said Randy Quezada, spokesperson for the SF District Attorney’s Office. Quezada declined to comment further on the office’s expungement policies, or any of the data presented in this story.

“The District Attorney’s Office follows the law, and objects in cases where probation conditions have not been met, including restitution requirements. The office has operated this way since DA Gascon’s tenure,” said Randy Quezada, spokesperson for the SF District Attorney’s Office. Quezada declined to comment further on the office’s expungement policies, or any of the data presented in this story.

So far, that data indicates that Jenkins’ administration is taking a tougher tack on expungement than her predecessor. There have been seven expungement cases where outstanding victim restitution was at issue since Mayor London Breed appointed her DA in early July.&nbsp;

So far, that data indicates that Jenkins’ administration is taking a tougher tack on expungement than her predecessor. There have been seven expungement cases where outstanding victim restitution was at issue since Mayor London Breed appointed her DA in early July.&nbsp;

SF new District Attorney, Brooke Jenkins, on Thursday, July 7, 2022, in San Francisco, Calif. Paul Kuroda for The Standard.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DAAppointment-_PK_.jpg64-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-72001"/><figcaption>Mayor London Breed announced the appointment of Brooke Jenkins to the position of San Francisco District Attorney on Thursday, July 7, 2022 in San Francisco. Jenkins replaced Chesa Boudin, who was recalled by the voters of the city. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Her office has opposed every expungement.

Her office has opposed every expungement.

In one case, a man with a 2006 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon owes the court over $2,700 and has an annual income of under $10,000. His case was postponed so he could begin making “good faith payments” on his debt to the court before giving expungement a second shot.&nbsp;

In one case, a man with a 2006 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon owes the court over $2,700 and has an annual income of under $10,000. His case was postponed so he could begin making “good faith payments” on his debt to the court before giving expungement a second shot.&nbsp;

Another man was convicted in 2010 of illegal possession of an assault weapon. He owes the court over $16,200 and earns over $112,000 annually. He also agreed to withdraw his case to refile after paying down more of the debt.

Another man was convicted in 2010 of illegal possession of an assault weapon. He owes the court over $16,200 and earns over $112,000 annually. He also agreed to withdraw his case to refile after paying down more of the debt.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">‘I’m a Good Person Again’</h2>

Celeste Saldaña was inspired by the resilient work of medical workers during Covid, so the mother of five decided last year to become a medical assistant. She juggled childcare and a graveyard shift at Amazon to put herself through school while also putting in work for a volunteer externship at an urgent care center. She was thrilled when the urgent care center offered her a job.&nbsp;

Celeste Saldaña was inspired by the resilient work of medical workers during Covid, so the mother of five decided last year to become a medical assistant. She juggled childcare and a graveyard shift at Amazon to put herself through school while also putting in work for a volunteer externship at an urgent care center. She was thrilled when the urgent care center offered her a job.&nbsp;

The excitement quickly subsided.&nbsp;

“When they did the background check,” she said, “my conviction came up.”

“When they did the background check,” she said, “my conviction came up.”

Saldaña, who was convicted of a crime in 2017, rushed to the courthouse that day to file the paperwork for an expungement. Reassured that the process was underway, the urgent care center brought her on as a medical assistant.

Saldaña, who was convicted of a crime in 2017, rushed to the courthouse that day to file the paperwork for an expungement. Reassured that the process was underway, the urgent care center brought her on as a medical assistant.

Earlier this month, a judge granted Saldaña—who owes over $4,000 in victim restitution—an expungement over the objection of the prosecutor, according to data from the Public Defender’s Office.

Earlier this month, a judge granted Saldaña—who owes over $4,000 in victim restitution—an expungement over the objection of the prosecutor, according to data from the Public Defender’s Office.

“It shows that I’m a good person again,” she said. “I didn’t make the same error after error after error and never want to better myself.”

“It shows that I’m a good person again,” she said. “I didn’t make the same error after error after error and never want to better myself.”

Instead of the person she used to be, the person who was always fighting, she said she’s now a medical assistant who translates for Spanish-speaking patients at her care center.

Instead of the person she used to be, the person who was always fighting, she said she’s now a medical assistant who translates for Spanish-speaking patients at her care center.

Ebony Nolan, meanwhile, was crushed earlier this summer when she learned she didn’t get her record expunged because of outstanding court fees. She currently hosts local pop-ups selling her signature “Bossy Wings” chicken and dreams of growing the passion project into a full-fledged company. But she fears her criminal conviction will hamper her every step of the way once she starts the process of launching a business.

Ebony Nolan, meanwhile, was crushed earlier this summer when she learned she didn’t get her record expunged because of outstanding court fees. She currently hosts local pop-ups selling her signature “Bossy Wings” chicken and dreams of growing the passion project into a full-fledged company. But she fears her criminal conviction will hamper her every step of the way once she starts the process of launching a business.

“I don’t want to have this over my head,” Nolan said. “I know that I shouldn&#8217;t have made the mistake, but at the end of the day, I can’t take it back. The only thing I can do is move forward.”

“I don’t want to have this over my head,” Nolan said. “I know that I shouldn't have made the mistake, but at the end of the day, I can’t take it back. The only thing I can do is move forward.”

“I don’t want to have this over my head,” Nolan said. “I know that I shouldn&#8217;t have made the mistake, but at the end of the day, I can’t take it back. The only thing I can do is move forward.”

Ebony Nolan, who still faces fallout from a felony conviction when she was 19, reads a document while working at Young Community Developers on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, in San Francisco. Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/EbonyNolan12-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71997"/><figcaption>Ebony Nolan, who still faces fallout from a felony conviction when she was 19, reads a document while working at Young Community Developers on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, in San Francisco. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

SF prosecutors prevent people with court debts from clearing criminal records. A state bill could change that

Jonah Owen Lamb

A woman whose rape kit was used by San Francisco police to build a burglary case against her is suing the city for what her attorneys call an egregious civil rights violation.&nbsp;

A woman whose rape kit was used by San Francisco police to build a burglary case against her is suing the city for what her attorneys call an egregious civil rights violation.&nbsp;

The suit filed in federal court Monday under the alias “Jane Doe” says that SFPD, from at least 2015 until this year, ran DNA samples from sexual assault victims through a database that checked for matches from genetic material collected from a wide array of crime scenes.&nbsp;

The suit filed in federal court Monday under the alias “Jane Doe” says that SFPD, from at least 2015 until this year, ran DNA samples from sexual assault victims through a database that checked for matches from genetic material collected from a wide array of crime scenes.&nbsp;

Doe and her attorneys—Adante Pointer and colleagues from law firm Pointer &amp; Buelna LLP—are demanding a jury trial in the U.S. Northern District of California for a practice they say violated her constitutional rights as well as those of an untold number of other sexual assault victims.&nbsp;

Doe and her attorneys—Adante Pointer and colleagues from law firm Pointer &amp; Buelna LLP—are demanding a jury trial in the U.S. Northern District of California for a practice they say violated her constitutional rights as well as those of an untold number of other sexual assault victims.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, it remains unclear if the police department completed a promised audit to review the scope of the practice.

Meanwhile, it remains unclear if the police department completed a promised audit to review the scope of the practice.

“This case brings to light the San Francisco Police Department’s shocking practice of placing crime victims’ DNA into a permanent database without the victims’ knowledge or consent,” the lawsuit states. “There are reportedly thousands of people who are being subjected to this arbitrary, unlawful unconstitutional invasion of privacy.”

“This case brings to light the San Francisco Police Department’s shocking practice of placing crime victims’ DNA into a permanent database without the victims’ knowledge or consent,” the lawsuit states. “There are reportedly thousands of people who are being subjected to this arbitrary, unlawful unconstitutional invasion of privacy.”

The lawsuit filed this week echoes many of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-police-woman-dna-rape-kit-arrest-legal-claim/">details Doe shared</a> earlier this year when announcing plans to mount a legal challenge. It describes how she reported her rape to SFPD in November 2016 and submitted biological evidence collected by nurses and doctors as part of her sexual assault kit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The lawsuit filed this week echoes many of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-police-woman-dna-rape-kit-arrest-legal-claim/">details Doe shared</a> earlier this year when announcing plans to mount a legal challenge. It describes how she reported her rape to SFPD in November 2016 and submitted biological evidence collected by nurses and doctors as part of her sexual assault kit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jane Doe in Oakland, Calif on Monday, September 12, 2022. Jane Doe, a rape survivor, had her rape kit used by San Francisco police to build a burglary case against her and she is suing the city for what her attorneys call an egregious civil rights violation. | Katie Rodriguez for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/DNASuit091222-42-2105x2500.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74675"/><figcaption>Jane Doe in Oakland on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. | Katie Rodriguez for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Opinion: SF has eight months to submit a plan for 80,000 new homes. If we don’t, we’re in an even deeper mess

Board of Supervisors pledges to create new homelessness response team, but details remain murky

SF prosecutors prevent people with court debts from clearing criminal records. A state bill could change that

Woman sues SF police after ‘shocking’ use of her rape kit DNA

California lawmakers struck a deal on eviction protections as local relief lags

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Opinion: SF has eight months to submit a plan for 80,000 new homes. If we don’t, we’re in an even deeper mess

Board of Supervisors pledges to create new homelessness response team, but details remain murky

SF prosecutors prevent people with court debts from clearing criminal records. A state bill could change that

Woman sues SF police after ‘shocking’ use of her rape kit DNA

California lawmakers struck a deal on eviction protections as local relief lags