Joel Umanzor

San Francisco Mayor London Breed released a statement Friday denouncing the Gaza cease-fire resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors earlier this week.

core/paragraph

San Francisco Mayor London Breed released a statement Friday denouncing the Gaza cease-fire resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors earlier this week.

“Like my recent predecessors in this office, I almost never comment or take action on non-binding resolutions from the Board of Supervisors. This one warrants an exception,” Breed said in a statement, which was first reported by <a href="https://jweekly.com/2024/01/12/s-f-mayor-london-breed-denounces-supervisors-cease-fire-measure-after-anguished-letter-from-haifa-counterpart/">J. The Jewish News of Northern California</a>. “What happened at the Board of Supervisors during this last month did not reflect our values. While I support the need for community members to be heard, the process at the board only inflamed division and hurt.”

“Like my recent predecessors in this office, I almost never comment or take action on non-binding resolutions from the Board of Supervisors. This one warrants an exception,” Breed said in a statement, which was first reported by <a href="https://jweekly.com/2024/01/12/s-f-mayor-london-breed-denounces-supervisors-cease-fire-measure-after-anguished-letter-from-haifa-counterpart/">J. The Jewish News of Northern California</a>. “What happened at the Board of Supervisors during this last month did not reflect our values. While I support the need for community members to be heard, the process at the board only inflamed division and hurt.”

The resolution—which was initially <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12512991&amp;GUID=5DF578C3-B185-42CC-876E-317A0054FCBD">proposed</a> by Supervisor Dean Preston in early <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/01/san-francisco-supervisors-israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-resolution/">December</a> and revised by Board President Aaron Peskin—was approved Tuesday evening in an 8-3 vote during a contentious <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/09/gaza-cease-fire-san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-israel-hamas/">meeting</a>. Since the resolution’s introduction, hundreds of demonstrators have made their presence felt during subsequent board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/israel-hamas-war-gaza-san-francisco-cease-fire-resolution/">meetings</a>.

San Francisco supervisors could wade into Israel-Hamas firestorm this week

San Francisco lawmakers urge Gaza cease-fire following bitter debate

Hundreds gather at San Francisco City Hall to speak out about Gaza cease-fire resolution

The resolution—which was initially <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12512991&amp;GUID=5DF578C3-B185-42CC-876E-317A0054FCBD">proposed</a> by Supervisor Dean Preston in early <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/01/san-francisco-supervisors-israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-resolution/">December</a> and revised by Board President Aaron Peskin—was approved Tuesday evening in an 8-3 vote during a contentious <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/09/gaza-cease-fire-san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-israel-hamas/">meeting</a>. Since the resolution’s introduction, hundreds of demonstrators have made their presence felt during subsequent board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/israel-hamas-war-gaza-san-francisco-cease-fire-resolution/">meetings</a>.

In addition to Preston and Peskin, Supervisors Connie Chan, Joel Engardio, Myrna Melgar, Hillary Ronen, Shamann Walton and Ahsha Safaí supported the resolution while Supervisors Catherine Stefani, Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman opposed it, stating that it didn't adequately condemn sexual violence in the Oct. 7 attack, as detailed<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/28/world/middleeast/oct-7-attacks-hamas-israel-sexual-violence.html"> by a New York Times investigation</a>. The trio also argued that the resolution didn't explicitly call for the removal of Hamas.

In addition to Preston and Peskin, Supervisors Connie Chan, Joel Engardio, Myrna Melgar, Hillary Ronen, Shamann Walton and Ahsha Safaí supported the resolution while Supervisors Catherine Stefani, Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman opposed it, stating that it didn't adequately condemn sexual violence in the Oct. 7 attack, as detailed<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/28/world/middleeast/oct-7-attacks-hamas-israel-sexual-violence.html"> by a New York Times investigation</a>. The trio also argued that the resolution didn't explicitly call for the removal of Hamas.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/13/port-oakland-protest-ceasefire-gaza-israel/">Demonstrators Gather at Port of Oakland To Oppose U.S. Aid in Israel-Hamas War</a>

Demonstrators gather at Port of Oakland to oppose U.S. aid in Israel-Hamas war

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/13/port-oakland-protest-ceasefire-gaza-israel/">Demonstrators Gather at Port of Oakland To Oppose U.S. Aid in Israel-Hamas War</a>

When asked about the mayor’s criticism of the resolution, Preston said that the Mayor’s Office had not raised the concerns in the weeks after he introduced the resolution.

When asked about the mayor’s criticism of the resolution, Preston said that the Mayor’s Office had not raised the concerns in the weeks after he introduced the resolution.

“The resolution, which calls for a ceasefire, release of hostages and humanitarian aid in Gaza, was passed by a supermajority of the Board of Supervisors following outreach from tens of thousands of constituents,” Preston said in a statement. “Over the past month of negotiations prior to its passage, we haven’t heard any concerns from the mayor’s office.”

“The resolution, which calls for a ceasefire, release of hostages and humanitarian aid in Gaza, was passed by a supermajority of the Board of Supervisors following outreach from tens of thousands of constituents,” Preston said in a statement. “Over the past month of negotiations prior to its passage, we haven’t heard any concerns from the mayor’s office.”

The mayor’s remarks come a day after the mayor of Haifa, San Francisco’s sister city in Israel since 1973, sent a letter to Breed condemning the board’s decision and urging a veto.

The mayor’s remarks come a day after the mayor of Haifa, San Francisco’s sister city in Israel since 1973, sent a letter to Breed condemning the board’s decision and urging a veto.

Breed, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">revealed</a> last year that she is part Jewish, went to Haifa in May 2023 to strengthen relations with the city. She also <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-lead-mission-strengthen-relations-san-franciscos-sister-city-haifa#:~:text=Haifa%20has%20been%20a%20sister%20city%20of%20San%20Francisco%20since%201973.">visited</a> Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

London Breed saved herself. Can she save San Francisco?

Breed, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">revealed</a> last year that she is part Jewish, went to Haifa in May 2023 to strengthen relations with the city. She also <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-lead-mission-strengthen-relations-san-franciscos-sister-city-haifa#:~:text=Haifa%20has%20been%20a%20sister%20city%20of%20San%20Francisco%20since%201973.">visited</a> Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Haifa Mayor Einat Kalisch-Rotem wrote she was disappointed the resolution “critically targets Israel but glaringly omits to condemn the sexual violence against women by Hamas on Oct. 7,” according to Breed.

Haifa Mayor Einat Kalisch-Rotem wrote she was disappointed the resolution “critically targets Israel but glaringly omits to condemn the sexual violence against women by Hamas on Oct. 7,” according to Breed.

“It is imperative to address and denounce all forms of violence and human rights violations,” Kalisch-Rotem continued, adding that she has lost family as a result of the ongoing conflict. “As sister cities, our joint commitment should be towards promoting peace, justice, and equality for all.”

“It is imperative to address and denounce all forms of violence and human rights violations,” Kalisch-Rotem continued, adding that she has lost family as a result of the ongoing conflict. “As sister cities, our joint commitment should be towards promoting peace, justice, and equality for all.”

Breed said that she plans to meet with Kalisch-Rotem via Zoom to explain what happened with the resolution and add that the resolution is not the “official view of the entire city of San Francisco.

Breed said that she plans to meet with Kalisch-Rotem via Zoom to explain what happened with the resolution and add that the resolution is not the “official view of the entire city of San Francisco.

“While they are entitled to their position, our city is broader than their position,” Breed said. “My hope is that, as we move forward, the public recognizes that the one body does not reflect an entire city.”

“While they are entitled to their position, our city is broader than their position,” Breed said. “My hope is that, as we move forward, the public recognizes that the one body does not reflect an entire city.”

Breed denounces Board of Supervisors’ Gaza cease-fire resolution

Han Li

A new campaign to radically alter local elections kicked off Tuesday morning with a retired judge and a former San Francisco mayor pitching a major overhaul of how supervisors are elected.&nbsp;

A new campaign to radically alter local elections kicked off Tuesday morning with a retired judge and a former San Francisco mayor pitching a major overhaul of how supervisors are elected.&nbsp;

The veteran political crew has a combined 255 years of life experience: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/political-veteran-wants-to-change-how-san-francisco-votes/">Quentin Kopp</a>, 95, is a retired San Mateo County judge, former state senator and San Francisco supervisor; Frank Jordan, 88, served as mayor in the 1990s; and Robert Guichard, 72, is a businessman. The group rallied Tuesday at City Hall to bring back citywide voting for the Board of Supervisors.

95-year-old political veteran wants to change how San Francisco votes

The veteran political crew has a combined 255 years of life experience: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/political-veteran-wants-to-change-how-san-francisco-votes/">Quentin Kopp</a>, 95, is a retired San Mateo County judge, former state senator and San Francisco supervisor; Frank Jordan, 88, served as mayor in the 1990s; and Robert Guichard, 72, is a businessman. The group rallied Tuesday at City Hall to bring back citywide voting for the Board of Supervisors.

The trio of political veterans plans to gather signatures to place their proposal on the November ballot. If passed, the measure has the potential to reshape the city’s politics drastically.&nbsp;

The trio of political veterans plans to gather signatures to place their proposal on the November ballot. If passed, the measure has the potential to reshape the city’s politics drastically.&nbsp;

Former Mayor Frank Jordan, left, Retired Judge and Former Supervisor Quentin L. Kopp, center, and businessman Robert Guichard, right, hold a press conference at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. The three announced a campaign to repeal district elections in San Francisco and implement a new system of electing Supervisors at-large from districts.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/featured_supedistrictreform-01092024_jy_029.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three elderly men in suits are gathered in a room with classical architecture and warm lighting." class="wp-image-238372"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former Mayor Frank Jordan, retired Judge and former Supervisor Quentin Kopp and businessman Robert Guichard are pushing an overhaul of Board of Supervisors elections.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/featured_supedistrictreform-01092024_jy_029.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three elderly men in suits are gathered in a room with classical architecture and warm lighting." class="wp-image-238372"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former Mayor Frank Jordan, retired Judge and former Supervisor Quentin Kopp and businessman Robert Guichard are pushing an overhaul of Board of Supervisors elections.</figcaption></figure>

Based on the idea of “at-large from district,” the measure would allow all voters to weigh in on the elections of all 11 supervisors. San Francisco is divided into 11 districts, and currently, voters in each district elect their own supervisors, who also must live in the respective district.

Based on the idea of “at-large from district,” the measure would allow all voters to weigh in on the elections of all 11 supervisors. San Francisco is divided into 11 districts, and currently, voters in each district elect their own supervisors, who also must live in the respective district.

The new proposal would keep the districts intact, but open the door for all voters to elect their supervisors—meaning they each can vote 11 times in 11 districts, no matter where they live. Candidates for supervisor would still be required to live in the district they’re running for, however.

The new proposal would keep the districts intact, but open the door for all voters to elect their supervisors—meaning they each can vote 11 times in 11 districts, no matter where they live. Candidates for supervisor would still be required to live in the district they’re running for, however.

“I believe it is more effective when you have representation of a person living in the district, but having a citywide election,” Jordan said. “That's a key factor in this because there is strength in unity.”

“I believe it is more effective when you have representation of a person living in the district, but having a citywide election,” Jordan said. “That's a key factor in this because there is strength in unity.”

The push to change district elections comes from frustration with City Hall, which is often accused of being too dysfunctional to solve the city’s most pressing crises.

The push to change district elections comes from frustration with City Hall, which is often accused of being too dysfunctional to solve the city’s most pressing crises.

While district elections are considered helpful in ensuring minority representation, critics argue the current system pushes the powerful Board of Supervisors into silos with insufficient attention to citywide issues.

While district elections are considered helpful in ensuring minority representation, critics argue the current system pushes the powerful Board of Supervisors into silos with insufficient attention to citywide issues.

“It will provide all 11 districts with their supervisor,” Kopp said, “but with the vote of all people who are registered to vote.”

“It will provide all 11 districts with their supervisor,” Kopp said, “but with the vote of all people who are registered to vote.”

The political trio’s experiment of voting across district lines may be influenced by <a href="https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/supreme-court-clarifies-california-1947541/">a recent California Supreme Court decision</a> that reaffirms the state’s Voting Rights Act, which favors district elections to protect against diluting minority votes.

The political trio’s experiment of voting across district lines may be influenced by <a href="https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/supreme-court-clarifies-california-1947541/">a recent California Supreme Court decision</a> that reaffirms the state’s Voting Rights Act, which favors district elections to protect against diluting minority votes.

This is the <a href="https://www.sf.gov/reports/march-2024/potential-local-ballot-measures">third time</a> Kopp has tried to launch this ballot measure initiative with the Department of Elections. The previous two attempts were withdrawn.

This is the <a href="https://www.sf.gov/reports/march-2024/potential-local-ballot-measures">third time</a> Kopp has tried to launch this ballot measure initiative with the Department of Elections. The previous two attempts were withdrawn.

Retired Judge and former Supervisor Quentin L. Kopp speaks during a press conference at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. Kopp and former Mayor Frank Jordan announced their campaign to repeal district elections in San Francisco, which would implement a new system of electing Supervisors at-large from districts and return voting to odd-numbered years.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined03_supedistrictreform-01092024_jy_003.jpg?w=2500" alt="An elderly man with a warm smile, wearing a suit and tie, stands before a light background." class="wp-image-238375"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Retired Judge and former Supervisor Quentin L. Kopp is rallying support for a ballot measure that would change district elections.</figcaption></figure>

It’s unclear whether this proposal will face any legal challenges. The City Attorney’s Office said it generally does not comment on the legality of potential ballot measures. Current Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/political-veteran-wants-to-change-how-san-francisco-votes/">previously told The Standard that Kopp’s idea would violate federal law</a>.

It’s unclear whether this proposal will face any legal challenges. The City Attorney’s Office said it generally does not comment on the legality of potential ballot measures. Current Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/political-veteran-wants-to-change-how-san-francisco-votes/">previously told The Standard that Kopp’s idea would violate federal law</a>.

Others have floated a “hybrid” concept that would split the Board of Supervisors into a mix of district elections and at-large seats. But such a proposal may result in fewer and larger districts, and Kopp said that because of the California Supreme Court decision, his campaign wants to keep the 11 districts.

Others have floated a “hybrid” concept that would split the Board of Supervisors into a mix of district elections and at-large seats. But such a proposal may result in fewer and larger districts, and Kopp said that because of the California Supreme Court decision, his campaign wants to keep the 11 districts.

San Francisco had citywide elected supervisors before 2000. But at the time, the system led to concerns that certain neighborhoods got greater representation. In 2000, the city moved to adopt district elections.

San Francisco had citywide elected supervisors before 2000. But at the time, the system led to concerns that certain neighborhoods got greater representation. In 2000, the city moved to adopt district elections.

Kopp’s proposal would also bring back odd-year elections in San Francisco, starting in November 2025.

Kopp’s proposal would also bring back odd-year elections in San Francisco, starting in November 2025.

To qualify for the ballot, organizers must gather about 50,000 signatures by July. Kopp said the campaign is expecting over 70,000 signatures and has set up a headquarters in the West Portal area.&nbsp;

To qualify for the ballot, organizers must gather about 50,000 signatures by July. Kopp said the campaign is expecting over 70,000 signatures and has set up a headquarters in the West Portal area.&nbsp;

Guichard, who sponsored a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1980/08/21/archives/election-of-officials-by-districts-repealed-in-san-francisco-vote.html">successful 1980 campaign to repeal district elections</a>, is also confident the proposal will resonate with voters.

Guichard, who sponsored a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1980/08/21/archives/election-of-officials-by-districts-repealed-in-san-francisco-vote.html">successful 1980 campaign to repeal district elections</a>, is also confident the proposal will resonate with voters.

Elections to drastically change in San Francisco if ex-mayor gets his way

Josh Koehn

In an embarrassing blunder, a moderate political group in San Francisco withdrew <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-could-vote-on-drastic-reforms-to-city-hall-next-year/">a ballot measure intended to cut bureaucracy</a> at City Hall just two weeks after it announced the ordinance in a press conference.

San Francisco residents could vote on drastic reforms to City Hall next year

In an embarrassing blunder, a moderate political group in San Francisco withdrew <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-could-vote-on-drastic-reforms-to-city-hall-next-year/">a ballot measure intended to cut bureaucracy</a> at City Hall just two weeks after it announced the ordinance in a press conference.

TogetherSF Action confirmed to The Standard on Monday that it was pulling one of two proposed ballot measures to reform the city charter because, contrary to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the group's goal of empowering the mayor</a> to make more decisions, it would actually hand more authority to the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

Does San Francisco’s mayor need more power? This group says yes

TogetherSF Action confirmed to The Standard on Monday that it was pulling one of two proposed ballot measures to reform the city charter because, contrary to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the group's goal of empowering the mayor</a> to make more decisions, it would actually hand more authority to the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

The group decided to scrap the measure before a Tuesday deadline after huddling with officials in the Mayor's Office last week. TogetherSF Action plans to revise it and submit a new version to the Department of Elections.

The group decided to scrap the measure before a Tuesday deadline after huddling with officials in the Mayor's Office last week. TogetherSF Action plans to revise it and submit a new version to the Department of Elections.

Earlier this month, TogetherSF Action announced it was introducing two ballot measures to reform the city charter—one to give the mayor more power and the other to cut the number of city commissions in half. The group contends that giving the mayor more authority is key to making progress on public safety and the housing, homelessness and drug crises.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, TogetherSF Action announced it was introducing two ballot measures to reform the city charter—one to give the mayor more power and the other to cut the number of city commissions in half. The group contends that giving the mayor more authority is key to making progress on public safety and the housing, homelessness and drug crises.&nbsp;

But the proposal to eliminate commissions contained a fatal flaw, according to multiple sources in and around City Hall: Eliminating certain commissions would kick oversight responsibilities over to the Board of Supervisors, a group Mayor London Breed has repeatedly criticized as being <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/07/mayor-breed-pushes-27m-police-overtime-bill-slams-obstructionist-board/">“obstructionist”</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/29/mayor-breed-hits-back-at-sf-progressives-touts-conservatorship-in-jon-stewart-interview/">tone-deaf on the issues</a> many San Franciscans are facing.

Mayor Breed pushes $27M police overtime bill, slams &#8216;obstructionist&#8217; board

Mayor Breed hits back at SF progressives, touts conservatorship in Jon Stewart interview

But the proposal to eliminate commissions contained a fatal flaw, according to multiple sources in and around City Hall: Eliminating certain commissions would kick oversight responsibilities over to the Board of Supervisors, a group Mayor London Breed has repeatedly criticized as being <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/07/mayor-breed-pushes-27m-police-overtime-bill-slams-obstructionist-board/">“obstructionist”</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/29/mayor-breed-hits-back-at-sf-progressives-touts-conservatorship-in-jon-stewart-interview/">tone-deaf on the issues</a> many San Franciscans are facing.

Multiple sources in and around City Hall suggested the errors in TogetherSF Action’s proposed measure came from a DIY approach and a failure to consult with experts until concerns arose. One source, who is familiar with the issues but was not authorized to speak publicly, called the proposal “sloppy.”

Multiple sources in and around City Hall suggested the errors in TogetherSF Action’s proposed measure came from a DIY approach and a failure to consult with experts until concerns arose. One source, who is familiar with the issues but was not authorized to speak publicly, called the proposal “sloppy.”

Kanishka Cheng, the head of the nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action, said in a statement Monday that the ballot measure to eliminate commissions—known as the <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a>—was being updated to change the “status quo” on city operations.

Kanishka Cheng, the head of the nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action, said in a statement Monday that the ballot measure to eliminate commissions—known as the <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a>—was being updated to change the “status quo” on city operations.

“San Francisco’s governance structure is broken and we are committed to advancing bold reforms at the ballot this November to ensure city government is better positioned to tackle the challenges facing our city,” Cheng said. “We are making updates to our reform measure that will make the initiative stronger and clarify authority and responsibilities between the executive and legislative branches. Voters deserve to know who is responsible for the city government’s decisions and to hold them accountable.”&nbsp;

“San Francisco’s governance structure is broken and we are committed to advancing bold reforms at the ballot this November to ensure city government is better positioned to tackle the challenges facing our city,” Cheng said. “We are making updates to our reform measure that will make the initiative stronger and clarify authority and responsibilities between the executive and legislative branches. Voters deserve to know who is responsible for the city government’s decisions and to hold them accountable.”&nbsp;

Michael Moritz, who is chairman of The Standard, has provided funding to the 501c3 nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action.

Michael Moritz, who is chairman of The Standard, has provided funding to the 501c3 nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action.

The second proposed ballot measure—known as the “We Need SF To Work Initiative”—would give the mayor sole discretion to hire and fire department heads, strengthen the mayor’s ability to control commissions, and allow for the creation of deputy mayor positions.

The second proposed ballot measure—known as the “We Need SF To Work Initiative”—would give the mayor sole discretion to hire and fire department heads, strengthen the mayor’s ability to control commissions, and allow for the creation of deputy mayor positions.

Under city rules, any voter-led ballot initiative must first be submitted to the Department of Elections. After a 15-day review period by the City Attorney’s Office, the proposal receives a title and summary, and advocates can proceed to collect petition signatures. Sources suggested it would take four to five months to collect the almost 50,000 petition signatures required by July 8 to <a href="https://sfelections.org/tools/cscal_nov24/">qualify for the November 2024 ballot</a>. That 15-day period was to expire Tuesday.

Under city rules, any voter-led ballot initiative must first be submitted to the Department of Elections. After a 15-day review period by the City Attorney’s Office, the proposal receives a title and summary, and advocates can proceed to collect petition signatures. Sources suggested it would take four to five months to collect the almost 50,000 petition signatures required by July 8 to <a href="https://sfelections.org/tools/cscal_nov24/">qualify for the November 2024 ballot</a>. That 15-day period was to expire Tuesday.

Plan to Cut Commissions in San Francisco

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plan-to-cut-commissions-in-san-francisco">Plan to Cut Commissions in San Francisco</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plan-to-cut-commissions-in-san-francisco">Plan to Cut Commissions in San Francisco</h2>

The <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a> proposed creating a task force to review commissions in the city and suggest which ones were redundant and ripe for elimination. As of this summer, San Francisco had <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">53 departments, 56 boards and commissions and 74 other advisory bodies</a>.

Only 1 person at SF City Hall knows the answer to this simple question

The <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a> proposed creating a task force to review commissions in the city and suggest which ones were redundant and ripe for elimination. As of this summer, San Francisco had <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">53 departments, 56 boards and commissions and 74 other advisory bodies</a>.

TogetherSF Action’s original plan suggested the number of commissions be capped at 65.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action’s original plan suggested the number of commissions be capped at 65.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action said the revised version will seek to keep bodies such as the Board of Appeals, Police Commission, Fire Commission and Planning Commission while allowing the mayor and supervisors the ability to hire and fire commissioners for the Public Utilities Commission, the Fine Arts Commissions, the War Memorial Board and the Airport Commission.

TogetherSF Action said the revised version will seek to keep bodies such as the Board of Appeals, Police Commission, Fire Commission and Planning Commission while allowing the mayor and supervisors the ability to hire and fire commissioners for the Public Utilities Commission, the Fine Arts Commissions, the War Memorial Board and the Airport Commission.

Permitting appeals would go to the Board of Appeals instead of supervisors. For commissions such as the Public Utilities Commission, the Airport Commission and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the mayor would be able to appoint a supermajority of commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Permitting appeals would go to the Board of Appeals instead of supervisors. For commissions such as the Public Utilities Commission, the Airport Commission and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the mayor would be able to appoint a supermajority of commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors, said the mistakes should be seen as a “teachable moment.” He suggested the group should have worked with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/31/san-francisco-city-hall-ballot-measure-reforms-rafael-mandelman/">Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who also introduced a charter reform measure</a> that had some overlapping goals with TogetherSF Action’s proposal.&nbsp;

San Francisco lawmaker floats plan to bolster power of mayor&#8217;s office

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors, said the mistakes should be seen as a “teachable moment.” He suggested the group should have worked with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/31/san-francisco-city-hall-ballot-measure-reforms-rafael-mandelman/">Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who also introduced a charter reform measure</a> that had some overlapping goals with TogetherSF Action’s proposal.&nbsp;

San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin answers a reporter’s question at a press conference, calling for an end to politicizing the city’s judiciary system, outside of City Hall on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231109_detentiondrugdealers-37.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man gesticulates and speaks with 1 hand extended out next to a podium with a gilded facade in the background." class="wp-image-219949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin criticized TogetherSF Action's proposed ballot measure as ill-conceived. </figcaption></figure>

“We can have a discussion about what the best public policy is, but if it’s not what they intended, it shows this organization and its members don’t know what they’re doing,” Peskin said. “When you’re tinkering with your constitution, it should be tinkered with in public.”

“We can have a discussion about what the best public policy is, but if it’s not what they intended, it shows this organization and its members don’t know what they’re doing,” Peskin said. “When you’re tinkering with your constitution, it should be tinkered with in public.”

The Mayor’s Office declined to comment.

The Mayor’s Office declined to comment.

The Department of Elections received <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/20231218_Withdrawal%20Letter.pdf">a letter from Cheng</a> requesting that the ballot measure be withdrawn Monday afternoon. She added that she plans to submit a revised version “in the coming days.” Once resubmitted, another 15-day review process would start before any signatures could be gathered.&nbsp;

The Department of Elections received <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/20231218_Withdrawal%20Letter.pdf">a letter from Cheng</a> requesting that the ballot measure be withdrawn Monday afternoon. She added that she plans to submit a revised version “in the coming days.” Once resubmitted, another 15-day review process would start before any signatures could be gathered.&nbsp;

Mandelman said he has not seen TogetherSF Action’s ballot measures, but he and the group have been talking about ways to improve the city through charter reform. He indicated his ballot measure, which also suggests the creation of deputy mayors, would be more incremental with an eye on continuing to reform the city charter in 2026.

Mandelman said he has not seen TogetherSF Action’s ballot measures, but he and the group have been talking about ways to improve the city through charter reform. He indicated his ballot measure, which also suggests the creation of deputy mayors, would be more incremental with an eye on continuing to reform the city charter in 2026.

“To their credit, they are motivated by a sincere desire to fix problems in San Francisco city governance. In my experience, that’s not easy,” Mandelman said. “It’s hard to fault them for trying to come up with some structural solutions.”

“To their credit, they are motivated by a sincere desire to fix problems in San Francisco city governance. In my experience, that’s not easy,” Mandelman said. “It’s hard to fault them for trying to come up with some structural solutions.”

Plan to fix ‘broken’ San Francisco blows up in 2 weeks

Annie Gaus

Mike Ege

A hearing over a ballot measure intended to increase San Francisco police ranks devolved into a rancorous debate at City Hall Monday, leaving the future of the measure up in the air.&nbsp;

A hearing over a ballot measure intended to increase San Francisco police ranks devolved into a rancorous debate at City Hall Monday, leaving the future of the measure up in the air.&nbsp;

The measure in question, authored by Supervisor Matt Dorsey, seeks to mandate that the police department reach full staffing within five years, adding about 100 officers per year and offering $75,000 hiring bonuses for new officers, among other provisions. At the Board of Supervisors’ Rules Committee, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí proposed amendments that Dorsey called “hostile” and a “poison pill” during a testy discussion. 

The measure in question, authored by Supervisor Matt Dorsey, seeks to mandate that the police department reach full staffing within five years, adding about 100 officers per year and offering $75,000 hiring bonuses for new officers, among other provisions. At the Board of Supervisors’ Rules Committee, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí proposed amendments that Dorsey called “hostile” and a “poison pill” during a testy discussion.

Safaí and Supervisor Shamann Walton, along with labor organizers and members of progressive political groups, took issue with the measure’s estimated price tag of $300 million over 5 years, suggesting it should include a tax or other funding source and also be expanded to include staff for other first responder jobs, such as 911 operators.&nbsp;

Safaí and Supervisor Shamann Walton, along with labor organizers and members of progressive political groups, took issue with the measure’s estimated price tag of $300 million over 5 years, suggesting it should include a tax or other funding source and also be expanded to include staff for other first responder jobs, such as 911 operators.&nbsp;

“I find it strange it took you months to come up with a charter amendment that does absolutely nothing,” Walton said. “It's a myth to get voters to think we can guarantee a minimum number of staffing. … This is something that can happen in the executive branch of government.”

“I find it strange it took you months to come up with a charter amendment that does absolutely nothing,” Walton said. “It's a myth to get voters to think we can guarantee a minimum number of staffing. … This is something that can happen in the executive branch of government.”

Safai’s amendments proposed making the staffing mandate contingent on certifying that a “future tax” could fund the measure. Dorsey earlier agreed to some amendments to the measure, including reducing the minimum staffing level from 2,182 to 2,074. But he decried linking the staffing mandate to a new tax, saying that fully staffed police “is part of the baseline obligation of what a well-functioning city government should do.”

Safai’s amendments proposed making the staffing mandate contingent on certifying that a “future tax” could fund the measure. Dorsey earlier agreed to some amendments to the measure, including reducing the minimum staffing level from 2,182 to 2,074. But he decried linking the staffing mandate to a new tax, saying that fully staffed police “is part of the baseline obligation of what a well-functioning city government should do.”

“This is holding San Franciscans hostage … for a tax hike,” Dorsey countered. “This is making San Francisco into the Spirit Airlines of municipal governments. I think it would be funny if it weren't so harmful.”

“This is holding San Franciscans hostage … for a tax hike,” Dorsey countered. “This is making San Francisco into the Spirit Airlines of municipal governments. I think it would be funny if it weren't so harmful.”

Safaí then blasted Dorsey for using the term “hostage” in light of the war between Israel and Hamas, which was launched in response to the Oct. 7 mass murder and hostage-taking in Israel, calling the phrasing extreme.&nbsp;

Safaí then blasted Dorsey for using the term “hostage” in light of the war between Israel and Hamas, which was launched in response to the Oct. 7 mass murder and hostage-taking in Israel, calling the phrasing extreme.&nbsp;

Around 55 speakers, mostly representing labor groups, packed the room to give their opinions of the measure. Most spoke out against Dorsey’s version.&nbsp;

Around 55 speakers, mostly representing labor groups, packed the room to give their opinions of the measure. Most spoke out against Dorsey’s version.&nbsp;

“Our problems are the same as San Francisco police, but we've been living it already,” Bert Wilson, a 911 dispatcher, told the committee. “We have a 40% staffing shortage right now. Every weekend, there's mandatory overtime.”

“Our problems are the same as San Francisco police, but we've been living it already,” Bert Wilson, a 911 dispatcher, told the committee. “We have a 40% staffing shortage right now. Every weekend, there's mandatory overtime.”

Rudy Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council and organizer of the labor presence at public comment, told The Standard, “Dorsey has proposed $75K signing bonuses for new cops with no way to fund them. In the context of the mayor ordering departments to again cut their budgets, this is totally reckless and purely political.” 

Rudy Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council and organizer of the labor presence at public comment, told The Standard, “Dorsey has proposed $75K signing bonuses for new cops with no way to fund them. In the context of the mayor ordering departments to again cut their budgets, this is totally reckless and purely political.”

Gonzalez was referring to Mayor London Breed’s recent letter to departments, which warned of a looming deficit and asked for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/11/san-francisco-mayor-orders-budget-cuts/#">midyear budget cuts of up to 3%</a>. He also cited a poll commissioned by a labor coalition that showed 60% of voters opposing Dorsey’s measure in favor of funding a comprehensive public safety plan.

San Francisco mayor says budget cuts &#8216;cannot wait&#8217; as $500M deficit looms

Gonzalez was referring to Mayor London Breed’s recent letter to departments, which warned of a looming deficit and asked for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/11/san-francisco-mayor-orders-budget-cuts/#">midyear budget cuts of up to 3%</a>. He also cited a poll commissioned by a labor coalition that showed 60% of voters opposing Dorsey’s measure in favor of funding a comprehensive public safety plan.

Others echoed Dorsey’s concerns that San Francisco’s police officer shortage risks hampering the city’s overall recovery.&nbsp;

Others echoed Dorsey’s concerns that San Francisco’s police officer shortage risks hampering the city’s overall recovery.&nbsp;

“We face not only a shortfall of officers but a serious perception issue. The potential losses both in terms of economic activity and overall vibrancy are immense,” said Julia Rome, public policy director at SF Travel.&nbsp;

“We face not only a shortfall of officers but a serious perception issue. The potential losses both in terms of economic activity and overall vibrancy are immense,” said Julia Rome, public policy director at SF Travel.&nbsp;

In the end, the committee voted to approve Safaí’s amendments and agreed to further discuss the measure at its next meeting.&nbsp;

In the end, the committee voted to approve Safaí’s amendments and agreed to further discuss the measure at its next meeting.&nbsp;

Dorsey said he’s "evaluating his options" on how to proceed with the police staffing measure. His options could include either tabling the measure and collecting signatures to place it on the ballot or trying to persuade other colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to undo the amendments at the full board.&nbsp;

Dorsey said he’s "evaluating his options" on how to proceed with the police staffing measure. His options could include either tabling the measure and collecting signatures to place it on the ballot or trying to persuade other colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to undo the amendments at the full board.&nbsp;

Testy debate over San Francisco police staffing erupts at City Hall

Kevin V. Nguyen

Tensions between demonstrators speaking on the Israel-Hamas war reached a boiling point on Monday when an altercation broke out in the hallway of San Francisco City Hall.

Tensions between demonstrators speaking on the Israel-Hamas war reached a boiling point on Monday when an altercation broke out in the hallway of San Francisco City Hall.

The incident occurred as lawmakers debated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/gaza-cease-fire-resolution-san-francisco-board-of-supervisors/">sending a “sustained cease-fire” resolution</a> to the full Board of Supervisors for a vote.

Tensions erupt as San Francisco lawmakers debate Gaza cease-fire resolution

The incident occurred as lawmakers debated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/gaza-cease-fire-resolution-san-francisco-board-of-supervisors/">sending a “sustained cease-fire” resolution</a> to the full Board of Supervisors for a vote.

As attendees were waiting in line for the public comment portion of the hearing, an unidentified woman appeared to pull down the mask of one demonstrator, turn and then strike another with her hand before San Francisco sheriff’s deputies intervened to defuse the situation, a <a href="https://twitter.com/JVPBayArea/status/1744443746283130954">video posted to X</a> showed.

As attendees were waiting in line for the public comment portion of the hearing, an unidentified woman appeared to pull down the mask of one demonstrator, turn and then strike another with her hand before San Francisco sheriff’s deputies intervened to defuse the situation, a <a href="https://twitter.com/JVPBayArea/status/1744443746283130954">video posted to X</a> showed.

In a post recounting the incident, Jewish Voice for Peace Bay Area claimed that the woman seen striking other attendees was a member of the Jewish Community Relations Council, a Jewish advocacy group.

In a post recounting the incident, Jewish Voice for Peace Bay Area claimed that the woman seen striking other attendees was a member of the Jewish Community Relations Council, a Jewish advocacy group.

core/embed

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/JVPBayArea/status/1744443746283130954
</div></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">ZIONIST ATTACKS ARAB YOUTH This morning at San Francisco City Hall, a Zionist w/<a href="https://twitter.com/SFJCRC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SFJCRC</a> shoved a kid &amp; ripped off their mask All for shouting Free Palestine during the ceasefire resolution hearing Shame, <a href="https://twitter.com/SFJCRC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SFJCRC</a> consistently attacking &amp; endangering Arab/Palestinians here in SF <a href="https://t.co/wMQyiNS16f">pic.twitter.com/wMQyiNS16f</a>&mdash; Jewish Voice for Peace Bay Area (@JVPBayArea) <a href="https://twitter.com/JVPBayArea/status/1744443746283130954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When reached for comment, Jewish Community Relations Council CEO Tyler Gregory told The Standard the woman in question was not affiliated with his organization. Gregory said the council “condemns acts of intimidation and violence under any circumstances.”

When reached for comment, Jewish Community Relations Council CEO Tyler Gregory told The Standard the woman in question was not affiliated with his organization. Gregory said the council “condemns acts of intimidation and violence under any circumstances.”

Gregory speculated that the woman involved in the altercation felt threatened because she was surrounded by cease-fire activists. He reiterated that he was not present during the incident and did not support her actions.

Gregory speculated that the woman involved in the altercation felt threatened because she was surrounded by cease-fire activists. He reiterated that he was not present during the incident and did not support her actions.

In videos of the events leading up to and during the altercation, people can be heard chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”—a slogan that is interpreted by many Palestinian activists as an aspirational call for peace and equality. To some in the Jewish community, like Gregory, it has violent connotations.

In videos of the events leading up to and during the altercation, people can be heard chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”—a slogan that is interpreted by many Palestinian activists as an aspirational call for peace and equality. To some in the Jewish community, like Gregory, it has violent connotations.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/TyeGregory/status/1744424490220797989
</div></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Off to a predictable start here at SF City Hall, with chants for the annihilation of nine million residents of Israel. We look to our Supervisors to be stewards of a safe and inclusive city- they must reject Dean Preston’s resolution. <a href="https://twitter.com/SFJCRC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SFJCRC</a> <a href="https://t.co/mSJ9yMVroF">pic.twitter.com/mSJ9yMVroF</a>&mdash; Tyler Harris Gregory 🏳️‍🌈🇮🇱🌁🎗️ (@TyeGregory) <a href="https://twitter.com/TyeGregory/status/1744424490220797989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jewish Voice for Peace did not immediately respond to The Standard’s request for comment.

Jewish Voice for Peace did not immediately respond to The Standard’s request for comment.

A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Department said deputies overheard a commotion and intervened after  From the River to the Sea chants offended a pro-Israel group member. The pro-Israel individual pulled on the face mask of a pro-Palestinian group member, the department said.

A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Department said deputies overheard a commotion and intervened after From the River to the Sea chants offended a pro-Israel group member. The pro-Israel individual pulled on the face mask of a pro-Palestinian group member, the department said.

The pro-Palestinian protester who was interfered with then declined to press charges but asked that the pro-Israel person be removed from the building. Deputies removed the individual and warned them not to return that day. The instructions were followed and no one was detained, the department said.

The pro-Palestinian protester who was interfered with then declined to press charges but asked that the pro-Israel person be removed from the building. Deputies removed the individual and warned them not to return that day. The instructions were followed and no one was detained, the department said.

Scuffle breaks out among activists during Gaza cease-fire debate at City Hall

Black-and-white portraits of the four men who will be participating in the event

Policing in SF: Where do we go after the March 5 election?

What, if anything, will change in wake of the election? Will we see further attempts to take such measures directly to voters? This panel will be moderated by San Francisco Standard reporter Josh Koehn.

Search Results for: board of supervisors

Breed denounces Board of Supervisors’ Gaza cease-fire resolution

Elections to drastically change in San Francisco if ex-mayor gets his way

Plan to fix ‘broken’ San Francisco blows up in 2 weeks

Testy debate over San Francisco police staffing erupts at City Hall

Scuffle breaks out among activists during Gaza cease-fire debate at City Hall