Josh Koehn

San Francisco’s police department is considering banning officers from using minor traffic violations as a strategy to investigate drivers for more serious offenses, Police Chief Bill Scott told The Standard in an exclusive interview Thursday.

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San Francisco’s police department is considering banning officers from using minor traffic violations as a strategy to investigate drivers for more serious offenses, Police Chief Bill Scott told The Standard in an exclusive interview Thursday.

In a conversation broadcast live on Twitter, Scott said the department has been working with Max Carter-Oberstone, one of San Francisco’s newest police commissioners and an appointee of Mayor London Breed, on a proposed policy that would limit—or possibly even ban—pretextual stops as a means to reducing racial disparities in stop and arrest data. <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-03-01/new-limits-on-pretextual-stops-by-lapd-to-take-effect-this-summer-after-training">Los Angeles’ police department enacted a policy</a> that limits when its officers can use pretextual stops earlier this month.&nbsp;

In a conversation broadcast live on Twitter, Scott said the department has been working with Max Carter-Oberstone, one of San Francisco’s newest police commissioners and an appointee of Mayor London Breed, on a proposed policy that would limit—or possibly even ban—pretextual stops as a means to reducing racial disparities in stop and arrest data. <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-03-01/new-limits-on-pretextual-stops-by-lapd-to-take-effect-this-summer-after-training">Los Angeles’ police department enacted a policy</a> that limits when its officers can use pretextual stops earlier this month.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">WATCH LIVE NOW: A Standard exclusive interview with <a href="https://twitter.com/SFPDChief?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SFPDChief</a> Bill Scott. Our reporter Michael Barba <a href="https://twitter.com/mdbarba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mdbarba</a> will be asking about the Tenderloin, the Chief’s relationship with DA Boudin and more. <a href="https://t.co/b3uLci1Cft">https://t.co/b3uLci1Cft</a>&mdash; The San Francisco Standard (@sfstandard) <a href="https://twitter.com/sfstandard/status/1507058482884726807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A recent report found that San Francisco police <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=10666028&amp;GUID=D94CE55A-2DD6-482A-B8A0-14BC1949F04E">stopped Black people at a rate of nearly 39 times per 1,000 residents</a> in 2021. In comparison, data show SFPD stopped white people nearly seven times per 1,000 residents. San Francisco supervisors discussed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/sf-board-supervisors-amazon-sfpd-reform-skepticism-shelter-for-all/">the racial disparities</a> at Tuesday’s board meeting.

A recent report found that San Francisco police <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=10666028&amp;GUID=D94CE55A-2DD6-482A-B8A0-14BC1949F04E">stopped Black people at a rate of nearly 39 times per 1,000 residents</a> in 2021. In comparison, data show SFPD stopped white people nearly seven times per 1,000 residents. San Francisco supervisors discussed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/sf-board-supervisors-amazon-sfpd-reform-skepticism-shelter-for-all/">the racial disparities</a> at Tuesday’s board meeting.

“Bottom line, we have to address this disparity problem we have,” Scott said Thursday. “We can’t keep doing the same things and expect things to change.”

“Bottom line, we have to address this disparity problem we have,” Scott said Thursday. “We can’t keep doing the same things and expect things to change.”

Scott said he hoped to have a policy before the Police Commission by the fall.

Scott said he hoped to have a policy before the Police Commission by the fall.

“Nothing is off the table right now,” he said.

“Nothing is off the table right now,” he said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://t.co/fkppzv0y0L">https://t.co/fkppzv0y0L</a>&mdash; The San Francisco Standard (@sfstandard) <a href="https://twitter.com/sfstandard/status/1507061289188675587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-da-dustup">DA Dustup</h2>

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<h2 id="h-da-dustup">DA Dustup</h2>

Scott also addressed his ongoing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/war-sf-police-da-chesa-boudin-shootings-investigation/">feud with District Attorney Chesa Boudin</a>, which came to a head last month when the chief announced he was severing an agreement that put the prosecutor’s office in charge of investigating police shootings and other critical incidents. Just days after that abrupt decision, Boudin dropped his own bombshell by announcing he had evidence that police used a rape victim’s DNA to charge her with a crime in a separate case. All of this has played out against the backdrop of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/anger-frustration-among-sf-asian-american-voters-may-influence-recall-of-da-chesa-boudin/">Boudin facing a recall election</a> in June.

Scott also addressed his ongoing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/war-sf-police-da-chesa-boudin-shootings-investigation/">feud with District Attorney Chesa Boudin</a>, which came to a head last month when the chief announced he was severing an agreement that put the prosecutor’s office in charge of investigating police shootings and other critical incidents. Just days after that abrupt decision, Boudin dropped his own bombshell by announcing he had evidence that police used a rape victim’s DNA to charge her with a crime in a separate case. All of this has played out against the backdrop of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/anger-frustration-among-sf-asian-american-voters-may-influence-recall-of-da-chesa-boudin/">Boudin facing a recall election</a> in June.

Scott declined to say whether he supports the recall, but was adamant he does not regret threatening to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sfpd-pulls-out-of-agreement-with-da-chesa-boudin-on-how-to-investigate-police-shootings/">pull out of a reform agreement on investigations</a> “one bit.”

Scott declined to say whether he supports the recall, but was adamant he does not regret threatening to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sfpd-pulls-out-of-agreement-with-da-chesa-boudin-on-how-to-investigate-police-shootings/">pull out of a reform agreement on investigations</a> “one bit.”

The reform agreement on investigations was a critical part of police reforms instituted in 2019 after a wave of police shootings. The agreement was first signed by former DA George Gascón and renewed after Boudin took office.

The reform agreement on investigations was a critical part of police reforms instituted in 2019 after a wave of police shootings. The agreement was first signed by former DA George Gascón and renewed after Boudin took office.

Scott said he hopes to negotiate a new agreement with Boudin by late May

Scott said he hopes to negotiate a new agreement with Boudin by late May

“We pick up the phone and call each other when we have issues, and sometimes they get resolved,” Scott said. “We don’t always agree, but we communicate.”

“We pick up the phone and call each other when we have issues, and sometimes they get resolved,” Scott said. “We don’t always agree, but we communicate.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rape Victim DNA</h2>

<h2>Rape Victim DNA</h2>

It does not appear <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-police-woman-dna-rape-kit-arrest-legal-claim/">DNA from other crime victims</a> in San Francisco has been used to charge people in a review of 17 other cases that came up as hits in the department’s quality control DNA database, Scott said. However, that audit is continuing.

It does not appear <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-police-woman-dna-rape-kit-arrest-legal-claim/">DNA from other crime victims</a> in San Francisco has been used to charge people in a review of 17 other cases that came up as hits in the department’s quality control DNA database, Scott said. However, that audit is continuing.

The chief said the department recently created a new policy that limits the period of time victims’ DNA evidence can be retained to 60 days. Until recently, the department was keeping this evidence in perpetuity.

The chief said the department recently created a new policy that limits the period of time victims’ DNA evidence can be retained to 60 days. Until recently, the department was keeping this evidence in perpetuity.

“The one thing that we’ve already done is we no longer retain the DNA from victims other than 60 days, which is around the time it takes to do what needs to be done to make the quality assurances,” Scott said, adding that the department wants to “make sure victims of crimes are not disincentivized.”

“The one thing that we’ve already done is we no longer retain the DNA from victims other than 60 days, which is around the time it takes to do what needs to be done to make the quality assurances,” Scott said, adding that the department wants to “make sure victims of crimes are not disincentivized.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">State of the Department</h2>

<h2>State of the Department</h2>

Other issues Scott addressed included a crackdown on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/breed-backs-more-cops-more-surveillance-as-public-safety-concerns-reach-fever-pitch/">drug dealing in the Tenderloin</a>, staffing shortages and low morale within the ranks.&nbsp;

Other issues Scott addressed included a crackdown on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/breed-backs-more-cops-more-surveillance-as-public-safety-concerns-reach-fever-pitch/">drug dealing in the Tenderloin</a>, staffing shortages and low morale within the ranks.&nbsp;

“This is not an easy job to begin with, and there are a lot of things that have happened in policing since May 2020, ever since the murder of George floyd, and it set this profesion back on its heels,” Scott said. “People sometimes feel everybody is against the profession, the police department, but we have to keep doing our jobs.”

“This is not an easy job to begin with, and there are a lot of things that have happened in policing since May 2020, ever since the murder of George floyd, and it set this profesion back on its heels,” Scott said. “People sometimes feel everybody is against the profession, the police department, but we have to keep doing our jobs.”

The Standard reviewed the tenure of previous San Francisco police chiefs and found the average chief lasts around four years.

The Standard reviewed the tenure of previous San Francisco police chiefs and found the average chief lasts around four years.

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Scott, who was sworn into the job in January 2017, said he has no plans to leave the position any time soon.

Scott, who was sworn into the job in January 2017, said he has no plans to leave the position any time soon.

“This job has its challenges. It has its good days and its bad days, and it’s not for the weak of heart,” Scott said. “I love this job and I love working for this city, and I want to make a difference. And there’s some things I want to finish.”

“This job has its challenges. It has its good days and its bad days, and it’s not for the weak of heart,” Scott said. “I love this job and I love working for this city, and I want to make a difference. And there’s some things I want to finish.”

Police Chief Bill Scott: SFPD considering ban on pretextual stops

Chris Roberts

After less than eight months of commuting through San Francisco&#8217;s Tenderloin neighborhood, former U.S. Attorney David Anderson had seen enough.

After less than eight months of commuting through San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, former U.S. Attorney David Anderson had seen enough.

After less than eight months of commuting through San Francisco&#8217;s Tenderloin neighborhood, former U.S. Attorney David Anderson had seen enough.

In order to reach his office at the Phillip Burton Federal Building &amp; U.S. Courthouse on Golden Gate Avenue, Anderson and his colleagues at the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration had to drive or walk through the neighborhood’s notorious open-air drug market. Federal law enforcement worked in the city&#8217;s de-facto “containment zone” for vice.

In order to reach his office at the Phillip Burton Federal Building &amp; U.S. Courthouse on Golden Gate Avenue, Anderson and his colleagues at the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration had to drive or walk through the neighborhood’s notorious open-air drug market. Federal law enforcement worked in the city's de-facto “containment zone” for vice.

In order to reach his office at the Phillip Burton Federal Building &amp; U.S. Courthouse on Golden Gate Avenue, Anderson and his colleagues at the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration had to drive or walk through the neighborhood’s notorious open-air drug market. Federal law enforcement worked in the city&#8217;s de-facto “containment zone” for vice.

In his first news conference as then-President Donald Trump’s chief local law enforcer, Anderson announced in August 2019 that 17 federal agencies would participate in a crackdown on a neighborhood “smothered by lawlessness.”

In his first news conference as then-President Donald Trump’s chief local law enforcer, Anderson announced in August 2019 that 17 federal agencies would participate in a crackdown on a neighborhood “smothered by lawlessness.”

While homelessness and street crime were part of the area’s woes, what bothered Anderson most was the drugs: 56% of the city’s drug arrests were concentrated in the Tenderloin’s 50 square blocks. Anderson’s “Federal Initiative for the Tenderloin” would notch dozens of arrests over the remaining 18 months of his tenure, including 32 Honduran nationals caught dealing drugs on street corners within sight of the federal courthouse.

While homelessness and street crime were part of the area’s woes, what bothered Anderson most was the drugs: 56% of the city’s drug arrests were concentrated in the Tenderloin’s 50 square blocks. Anderson’s “Federal Initiative for the Tenderloin” would notch dozens of arrests over the remaining 18 months of his tenure, including 32 Honduran nationals caught dealing drugs on street corners within sight of the federal courthouse.

But all of this was very familiar—then and now.

But all of this was very familiar—then and now.

Mayor London Breed last month had her own <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/breed-declares-state-of-emergency-in-the-tenderloin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press conference declaring a “state of emergency”</a> in the Tenderloin. All that had been going wrong in the neighborhood—a life expectancy nearly 10 years shorter than the citywide average, the worst concentration of poverty in the city—was actually getting worse. Instead of 56% of the city’s drug arrests, the Tenderloin’s share of such crimes rose to 60% last year, according to SFPD data.

Mayor London Breed last month had her own <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/breed-declares-state-of-emergency-in-the-tenderloin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press conference declaring a “state of emergency”</a> in the Tenderloin. All that had been going wrong in the neighborhood—a life expectancy nearly 10 years shorter than the citywide average, the worst concentration of poverty in the city—was actually getting worse. Instead of 56% of the city’s drug arrests, the Tenderloin’s share of such crimes rose to 60% last year, according to SFPD data.

The mayor was mad, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRBe45y-834" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">her colorful reference</a> to “all the bullshit that has destroyed our city” garnered national headlines. Her get-tough vision—police descending on the neighborhood and offering users a choice of treatment or jail—enjoyed enough support that skeptical SF supervisors went on to approve the state of emergency declaration after a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/emergency-drug-overdose-measure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contentious 10-plus hour meeting</a> just before Christmas.

The mayor was mad, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRBe45y-834" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">her colorful reference</a> to “all the bullshit that has destroyed our city” garnered national headlines. Her get-tough vision—police descending on the neighborhood and offering users a choice of treatment or jail—enjoyed enough support that skeptical SF supervisors went on to approve the state of emergency declaration after a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/emergency-drug-overdose-measure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contentious 10-plus hour meeting</a> just before Christmas.

The board on Tuesday affirmed its support for the emergency declaration, though some supervisors still hope to undo it. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/emergency-linkage-tenderloin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breed on Tuesday</a> also answered critics who said her plan was too vague by providing more details, including the location of a key new social services center at 1170 Market St.&nbsp;

The board on Tuesday affirmed its support for the emergency declaration, though some supervisors still hope to undo it. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/emergency-linkage-tenderloin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breed on Tuesday</a> also answered critics who said her plan was too vague by providing more details, including the location of a key new social services center at 1170 Market St.&nbsp;

In taking on the Tenderloin, history shows that the mayor has certainly met her match

In taking on the Tenderloin, history shows that the mayor has certainly met her match

The Tenderloin is plagued by problems that have defied attempted solutions for decades, despite the efforts of past mayors, police chiefs and prosecutors. It’s served as the city’s catchment basin&nbsp;for all manner of vice since the days of the Barbary Coast, and it’s also been the city’s hub for low-income housing, substance-abuse treatment and other services—resisted elsewhere in the city—since the 1980s. Without suppressing causes or demand, anything that suppresses drug use and crime in the Tenderloin risks simply moving it to other parts of town. And more comprehensive solutions to addiction, mental illness, poverty, homelessness and sky-high housing costs—all of which are major contributors to the Tenderloin’s problems—are largely outside of the city’s control.

The Tenderloin is plagued by problems that have defied attempted solutions for decades, despite the efforts of past mayors, police chiefs and prosecutors. It’s served as the city’s catchment basin&nbsp;for all manner of vice since the days of the Barbary Coast, and it’s also been the city’s hub for low-income housing, substance-abuse treatment and other services—resisted elsewhere in the city—since the 1980s. Without suppressing causes or demand, anything that suppresses drug use and crime in the Tenderloin risks simply moving it to other parts of town. And more comprehensive solutions to addiction, mental illness, poverty, homelessness and sky-high housing costs—all of which are major contributors to the Tenderloin’s problems—are largely outside of the city’s control.

Members of San Francisco’s Homeless Outreach Team perform wellness check-ups and distribute food to people lying on Jones Street on Dec. 17, 2021. | James Wyatt

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DocumentingTenderloin_JamesWyatt_SFS_16-1-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22709"/><figcaption>Members of San Francisco’s Homeless Outreach Team perform wellness check-ups and distribute food to people lying on Jones Street on Dec. 17, 2021. | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DocumentingTenderloin_JamesWyatt_SFS_16-1-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22709"/><figcaption>Members of San Francisco’s Homeless Outreach Team perform wellness check-ups and distribute food to people lying on Jones Street on Dec. 17, 2021. | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

“I’m trying to remember when we didn’t have an emergency,” said former Supervisor Jane Kim, who represented the Tenderloin on the board from 2011 to 2019. “It’s always a state of emergency in the Tenderloin—and it’s been exacerbated by the pandemic.”

“I’m trying to remember when we didn’t have an emergency,” said former Supervisor Jane Kim, who represented the Tenderloin on the board from 2011 to 2019. “It’s always a state of emergency in the Tenderloin—and it’s been exacerbated by the pandemic.”

Tenderloin crackdowns have historically focused on law enforcement. Frank Jordan, a former city police chief, tried his version of a cleanup in 1995, a scheme called Matrix. Former Mayor Gavin Newsom in 2004 launched what he called a “scrubdown.” Another former police chief, George Gascón—who later morphed into a progressive district attorney—led another crackdown in 2009. U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag, Anderson’s Barack Obama-appointed predecessor, tried to clean up the Tenderloin in 2013 with “Operation Safe Schools,” which&nbsp;targeted dealers peddling too close to schools by using a federal statute to get around more lenient state drug laws.&nbsp;

Tenderloin crackdowns have historically focused on law enforcement. Frank Jordan, a former city police chief, tried his version of a cleanup in 1995, a scheme called Matrix. Former Mayor Gavin Newsom in 2004 launched what he called a “scrubdown.” Another former police chief, George Gascón—who later morphed into a progressive district attorney—led another crackdown in 2009. U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag, Anderson’s Barack Obama-appointed predecessor, tried to clean up the Tenderloin in 2013 with “Operation Safe Schools,” which&nbsp;targeted dealers peddling too close to schools by using a federal statute to get around more lenient state drug laws.&nbsp;

And while his tools were techies and realtors, former Mayor Ed Lee’s Twitter tax break and subsequent boosterism of the Mid-Market area <a href="https://sanfran.com/arise-tenderloin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was a Tenderloin intervention effort</a>, too.

And while his tools were techies and realtors, former Mayor Ed Lee’s Twitter tax break and subsequent boosterism of the Mid-Market area <a href="https://sanfran.com/arise-tenderloin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was a Tenderloin intervention effort</a>, too.

Neither a spokesperson for Anderson’s successor, Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie Hinds, nor Gascón, who is now the district attorney in Los Angeles, responded to requests for comment. Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But so far, the Biden-appointed Hinds <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/eight-defendants-charged-tenderloin-based-drug-trafficking-conspiracy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has continued prosecuting street dealers</a> while also launching a much softer-sounding <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/united-states-attorney-s-office-through-department-justice-project-safe-neighborhoods" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Youth Voice Program in the Tenderloin</a>.

Neither a spokesperson for Anderson’s successor, Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie Hinds, nor Gascón, who is now the district attorney in Los Angeles, responded to requests for comment. Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But so far, the Biden-appointed Hinds <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/eight-defendants-charged-tenderloin-based-drug-trafficking-conspiracy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has continued prosecuting street dealers</a> while also launching a much softer-sounding <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/united-states-attorney-s-office-through-department-justice-project-safe-neighborhoods" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Youth Voice Program in the Tenderloin</a>.

Randy Shaw, the outspoken executive director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic and a supporter of Breed’s efforts, said in a blog post published Tuesday that Gascón’s <meta charset="utf-8">crackdown was the only one that worked; the only problem was that it didn’t last long enough. <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304017404575166332670248118">Other sources</a><a href="http://www.lacp.org/2010-Articles-Main/040810-TenderloinCrackdownSparksBacklashInSanFran.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> tell a slightly different story</a>: Filling the jails with drug users contradicted Newsom’s dictat to incarcerate fewer people, and even many Tenderloin residents and advocates felt locking up drug users was a waste of limited police resources. Gascón himself subsequently appeared to have a conversion: He went on <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-12-09/skelton-organized-theft-proposition-47" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to co-sponsor Prop. 47</a>, which downgraded most drug crimes in the state from felonies to misdemeanors.

Randy Shaw, the outspoken executive director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic and a supporter of Breed’s efforts, said in a blog post published Tuesday that Gascón’s <meta charset="utf-8">crackdown was the only one that worked; the only problem was that it didn’t last long enough. <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304017404575166332670248118">Other sources</a><a href="http://www.lacp.org/2010-Articles-Main/040810-TenderloinCrackdownSparksBacklashInSanFran.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> tell a slightly different story</a>: Filling the jails with drug users contradicted Newsom’s dictat to incarcerate fewer people, and even many Tenderloin residents and advocates felt locking up drug users was a waste of limited police resources. Gascón himself subsequently appeared to have a conversion: He went on <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-12-09/skelton-organized-theft-proposition-47" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to co-sponsor Prop. 47</a>, which downgraded most drug crimes in the state from felonies to misdemeanors.

Same old law-and-order response? Or…

Same old law-and-order response? Or…

The initial tenor of Breed’s Tenderloin response was very much in line with the law-and-order approach of her predecessors. It also echoed her riposte to the recent hijinks in Union Square, where a mob cleaned out a Louis Vuitton store amid other flash-mob robberies across the Bay Area. The city responded by closing streets to vehicle traffic and stationing police on every corner, and District Attorney Chesa Boudin duly filed charges.&nbsp;

The initial tenor of Breed’s Tenderloin response was very much in line with the law-and-order approach of her predecessors. It also echoed her riposte to the recent hijinks in Union Square, where a mob cleaned out a Louis Vuitton store amid other flash-mob robberies across the Bay Area. The city responded by closing streets to vehicle traffic and stationing police on every corner, and District Attorney Chesa Boudin duly filed charges.&nbsp;

Mayor Breed speaks at a press conference about safety in the city on October 19, 2021. | Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/breed-01-1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22695"/><figcaption>Mayor Breed at a press conference on Oct. 19, 2021. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

On Dec. 28, the mayor’s office circulated a “Strategic Plan and Operation Guide” for the emergency declaration approved a few days prior. At the top of the mayor’s list was “Targeted/strategic disruption and intervention” of “Drug dealing and violent crime.” Police are also central to her plan to interrupt “Open air drug use,” which was listed as third in the mayor’s top seven “priority problems.”

On Dec. 28, the mayor’s office circulated a “Strategic Plan and Operation Guide” for the emergency declaration approved a few days prior. At the top of the mayor’s list was “Targeted/strategic disruption and intervention” of “Drug dealing and violent crime.” Police are also central to her plan to interrupt “Open air drug use,” which was listed as third in the mayor’s top seven “priority problems.”

Other aspects of the plan are more holistic–and less carceral. Breed has in some ways gone further than her predecessors with the official emergency declaration itself, which grants her office extra power to push past bureaucratic hurdles like zoning laws. That has helped clear the way for the “linkage center” at 1170 Market St. that was announced Tuesday, where police and social workers will bring troubled people in need of services. (It could also facilitate a long-debated safe-injection site that’s tentatively slated for a Geary Street location, as well as a meth “sobering center” that even some supporters of the crackdown prefer would go somewhere else.) According to the mayor, “TL-dedicated beds” in the city’s homeless-shelter and a mental-health treatment complex are also part of the plan, but how many and where remains to be seen.

Other aspects of the plan are more holistic–and less carceral. Breed has in some ways gone further than her predecessors with the official emergency declaration itself, which grants her office extra power to push past bureaucratic hurdles like zoning laws. That has helped clear the way for the “linkage center” at 1170 Market St. that was announced Tuesday, where police and social workers will bring troubled people in need of services. (It could also facilitate a long-debated safe-injection site that’s tentatively slated for a Geary Street location, as well as a meth “sobering center” that even some supporters of the crackdown prefer would go somewhere else.) According to the mayor, “TL-dedicated beds” in the city’s homeless-shelter and a mental-health treatment complex are also part of the plan, but how many and where remains to be seen.

Though law-and-order is popular in the midst of pandemic uncertainty and blowback against the defund the police movement, the most successful efforts to clean up the Tenderloin in the past haven’t always been led by police, as Kim and others note. Take the corner of Turk and Taylor streets, a block up from the Warfield Theater music venue. Instead of deploying cops, transit officials <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/nevius/article/Banning-parking-on-Tenderloin-block-drives-5208612.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">removed street parking in 2014</a>. Into the old Original Joe’s location, vacant since a 2007 fire, came the performance venue Piano Fight. With the street reimagined and the sidewalks activated, drug dealing went somewhere else—only for it all to come right back when businesses closed during the pandemic.

Though law-and-order is popular in the midst of pandemic uncertainty and blowback against the defund the police movement, the most successful efforts to clean up the Tenderloin in the past haven’t always been led by police, as Kim and others note. Take the corner of Turk and Taylor streets, a block up from the Warfield Theater music venue. Instead of deploying cops, transit officials <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/nevius/article/Banning-parking-on-Tenderloin-block-drives-5208612.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">removed street parking in 2014</a>. Into the old Original Joe’s location, vacant since a 2007 fire, came the performance venue Piano Fight. With the street reimagined and the sidewalks activated, drug dealing went somewhere else—only for it all to come right back when businesses closed during the pandemic.

In a hint that her office is looking to repeat that success, Breed’s plan includes “street/sidewalk engineering” and the Department of Public Works will conduct “targeted and frequent cleanings.” But what lessons the mayor is taking from the past is unclear.&nbsp;

In a hint that her office is looking to repeat that success, Breed’s plan includes “street/sidewalk engineering” and the Department of Public Works will conduct “targeted and frequent cleanings.” But what lessons the mayor is taking from the past is unclear.&nbsp;

Breed did not agree to be interviewed for this article. In an email exchange, Jeff Cretan, the mayor’s spokesperson, declined to address the Tenderloin cleanup initiatives others have tried.

Breed did not agree to be interviewed for this article. In an email exchange, Jeff Cretan, the mayor’s spokesperson, declined to address the Tenderloin cleanup initiatives others have tried.

“I can&#8217;t speak to efforts before or challenges in the future,” he said. “What I can say is that we are taking what we learned during Covid, which is that no single agency can tackle a complex challenge alone.”

“I can't speak to efforts before or challenges in the future,” he said. “What I can say is that we are taking what we learned during Covid, which is that no single agency can tackle a complex challenge alone.”

“I can&#8217;t speak to efforts before or challenges in the future,” he said. “What I can say is that we are taking what we learned during Covid, which is that no single agency can tackle a complex challenge alone.”

A “cyclical” phenomena&nbsp;&nbsp;

A “cyclical” phenomena&nbsp;&nbsp;

Matt Gonzalez, chief attorney at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, recalled crackdowns led by former District Attorney Arlo Smith in the early 1990s, calling Tenderloin offensives a “cyclical” phenomena closely linked to political fortunes.

Matt Gonzalez, chief attorney at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, recalled crackdowns led by former District Attorney Arlo Smith in the early 1990s, calling Tenderloin offensives a “cyclical” phenomena closely linked to political fortunes.

“It’s driven by public frustration with the condition of the streets,” Gonzalez said. “There’s always this sudden effort or announcement that there’s going to be this law enforcement remedy because that’s always the first tool in the box.”

“It’s driven by public frustration with the condition of the streets,” Gonzalez said. “There’s always this sudden effort or announcement that there’s going to be this law enforcement remedy because that’s always the first tool in the box.”

The cycle often begins when outrage over the status quo boils over, leading to critiques of the mayor or other public officials. The city may be in this stage now: According to several sources who have seen recent polling numbers, Breed’s favorability ratings have fallen from Covid-19 pandemic highs of more than 70% to percentages in the 50s.

The cycle often begins when outrage over the status quo boils over, leading to critiques of the mayor or other public officials. The city may be in this stage now: According to several sources who have seen recent polling numbers, Breed’s favorability ratings have fallen from Covid-19 pandemic highs of more than 70% to percentages in the 50s.

Pressured by outside forces or genuinely sick of the untenable situation quo—or both—the mayor is driven to action. The media then reports the mayor is taking action. And the public, satisfied that the mayor is responsive, moves on—until something else, like the 11-year-old girl wearing a hijab being punched in the head on Sept. 29, steers the conversation back to the same ghastly old Tenderloin.

Pressured by outside forces or genuinely sick of the untenable situation quo—or both—the mayor is driven to action. The media then reports the mayor is taking action. And the public, satisfied that the mayor is responsive, moves on—until something else, like the 11-year-old girl wearing a hijab being punched in the head on Sept. 29, steers the conversation back to the same ghastly old Tenderloin.

That attack was a transgression of the Tenderloin’s street code and a new low, even by the neighborhood’s blinkered standards, said Tracey Mixon, a formerly homeless Tenderloin drug dealer who now organizes for the Coalition on Homelessness. The incident prompted hundreds of residents to sign a Nov. 5 letter to the mayor decrying the neighborhood’s “containment zone” status. That letter in turn prompted Breed to attend a Dec. 10 “listening session” in which Tenderloin residents aired grievances about that attack and other incidents. The mayor’s emergency declaration followed a week later.

That attack was a transgression of the Tenderloin’s street code and a new low, even by the neighborhood’s blinkered standards, said Tracey Mixon, a formerly homeless Tenderloin drug dealer who now organizes for the Coalition on Homelessness. The incident prompted hundreds of residents to sign a Nov. 5 letter to the mayor decrying the neighborhood’s “containment zone” status. That letter in turn prompted Breed to attend a Dec. 10 “listening session” in which Tenderloin residents aired grievances about that attack and other incidents. The mayor’s emergency declaration followed a week later.

Children play at the 4th Annual People’s Holiday Tree Lighting in the Tenderloin on Dec. 15, 2021. | Sophie Bearman

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/IA7A3203.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22700"/><figcaption>Children play at the 4th Annual People’s Holiday Tree Lighting in the Tenderloin on Dec. 15, 2021. | Sophie Bearman</figcaption></figure>

Even those who disagreed with Breed’s technique couldn’t deny the obvious: The Tenderloin is bad and getting worse, and if not this, then what?&nbsp;

Even those who disagreed with Breed’s technique couldn’t deny the obvious: The Tenderloin is bad and getting worse, and if not this, then what?&nbsp;

“Without exaggerating, it is unlivable” right now, said Christy Shirilla, the director of community organizing at the Tenderloin Community Benefit District, which pressured Breed to call for the crackdown.

“Without exaggerating, it is unlivable” right now, said Christy Shirilla, the director of community organizing at the Tenderloin Community Benefit District, which pressured Breed to call for the crackdown.

A neighborhood resident for seven years, Shirilla moved away after she was “attacked, unprovoked, for the third time in three years in the middle of the day,” she said in a recent interview. “At any given time of day, any day of the week, there are 250 drug dealers in the neighborhood.”

A neighborhood resident for seven years, Shirilla moved away after she was “attacked, unprovoked, for the third time in three years in the middle of the day,” she said in a recent interview. “At any given time of day, any day of the week, there are 250 drug dealers in the neighborhood.”

Shirilla added that the touts are becoming more brazen and more aggressive, physically “poking” passersby with an index finger if they decline to buy.

Shirilla added that the touts are becoming more brazen and more aggressive, physically “poking” passersby with an index finger if they decline to buy.

Once the city’s emergency declaration ends in March, as-yet undefined “long-term City resource allocations” will follow. But looming over this as well is the June recall election of Boudin, the progressive district attorney blamed for failing to incarcerate wrongdoers. If Boudin is removed and Breed installs a successor and the Tenderloin is still unlivable, history may repeat itself yet again, at the mayor’s expense.&nbsp;

Once the city’s emergency declaration ends in March, as-yet undefined “long-term City resource allocations” will follow. But looming over this as well is the June recall election of Boudin, the progressive district attorney blamed for failing to incarcerate wrongdoers. If Boudin is removed and Breed installs a successor and the Tenderloin is still unlivable, history may repeat itself yet again, at the mayor’s expense.&nbsp;

Chris Roberts (cbloggy@gmail.com) is a contributing writer.

Chris Roberts (cbloggy@gmail.com) is a contributing writer.

Analysis: Political history haunts Mayor Breed as she attempts (another) Tenderloin cleanup

Sophie Bearman

51,325 people—or about 10% of San Francisco’s registered voters. That’s the exact number of valid signatures needed to get a recall election on the ballot, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">group hoping to unseat</a> three San Francisco school board members says they just surpassed it.

51,325 people—or about 10% of San Francisco’s registered voters. That’s the exact number of valid signatures needed to get a recall election on the ballot, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">group hoping to unseat</a> three San Francisco school board members says they just surpassed it.

To the untrained eye, it might seem like time for co-founders Siva Raj and Autumn Looijen to close down the makeshift headquarters they’ve built in their rented Lower Haight apartment and take a break from campaigning. But that’s not exactly how recalls in San Francisco work.&nbsp;

To the untrained eye, it might seem like time for co-founders Siva Raj and Autumn Looijen to close down the makeshift headquarters they’ve built in their rented Lower Haight apartment and take a break from campaigning. But that’s not exactly how recalls in San Francisco work.&nbsp;

With a Sept. 7 deadline looming, Raj and Looijen are angling to hit 70,000 signatures per school board member as a safety buffer. The Department of Elections typically rejects 20% to 30% of signatures as invalid due to duplicates, non-resident signatures or other issues, according to experts—and the campaign isn’t taking any chances.&nbsp;

With a Sept. 7 deadline looming, Raj and Looijen are angling to hit 70,000 signatures per school board member as a safety buffer. The Department of Elections typically rejects 20% to 30% of signatures as invalid due to duplicates, non-resident signatures or other issues, according to experts—and the campaign isn’t taking any chances.&nbsp;

“So let me introduce you to the biggest marker you’ve ever seen,” laughs Looijen on a Wednesday afternoon in late July, holding up a giant sharpie she uses to cross out duplicates. “It’s a lot of manual work after the petitions come in,” adds Raj.

“So let me introduce you to the biggest marker you’ve ever seen,” laughs Looijen on a Wednesday afternoon in late July, holding up a giant sharpie she uses to cross out duplicates. “It’s a lot of manual work after the petitions come in,” adds Raj.

But interviews with political strategists suggest the campaign is well on its way to hitting 70,000 signatures and qualifying.

But interviews with political strategists suggest the campaign is well on its way to hitting 70,000 signatures and qualifying.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFygLmwNRCY&amp;ab_channel=HereSayMedia
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“It sure looks like they are very likely to qualify unless something strange happens or their validity rate is significantly off,” said Maggie Muir, a partner with KMM Strategies.

“It sure looks like they are very likely to qualify unless something strange happens or their validity rate is significantly off,” said Maggie Muir, a partner with KMM Strategies.

As of Aug. 11, the campaign has more than 51,400 signatures each for school board President Gabriela López and Commissioner Alison Collins, and more than 48,700 signatures for Vice President Faauuga Moliga, according to organizers.

As of Aug. 11, the campaign has more than 51,400 signatures each for school board President Gabriela López and Commissioner Alison Collins, and more than 48,700 signatures for Vice President Faauuga Moliga, according to organizers.

Between July 30 and Aug. 6, the campaign collected approximately 5,500 signatures per school board member.

Between July 30 and Aug. 6, the campaign collected approximately 5,500 signatures per school board member.

If they meet that same rate for the next four weeks, they’ll hit their target of 70,000 for all three commissioners. The campaign is also verifying signatures as they go and says they have a better-than-average validity rate of about 83%.

If they meet that same rate for the next four weeks, they’ll hit their target of 70,000 for all three commissioners. The campaign is also verifying signatures as they go and says they have a better-than-average validity rate of about 83%.

Political strategist Jim Ross told Here/Say that because of that high validity rate, 70,000 is probably more than the campaign needs to qualify.

Political strategist Jim Ross told Here/Say that because of that high validity rate, 70,000 is probably more than the campaign needs to qualify.

“They&#8217;re definitely on track,” said Ross.&nbsp;

“They're definitely on track,” said Ross.&nbsp;

“They&#8217;re definitely on track,” said Ross.&nbsp;

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Raj and Looijen are optimistic about their odds, and say the second half of August should be especially active for the campaign as families return to San Francisco from trips or vacations.

Raj and Looijen are optimistic about their odds, and say the second half of August should be especially active for the campaign as families return to San Francisco from trips or vacations.

“School opens up on Aug. 16. Our volunteers will be back,” said Looijen. “We know we’ll make our numbers.”

“School opens up on Aug. 16. Our volunteers will be back,” said Looijen. “We know we’ll make our numbers.”

Here/Say reached out to each of the three school board members facing recall for comment. Lopez and Collins did not respond in time for publication.

Here/Say reached out to each of the three school board members facing recall for comment. Lopez and Collins did not respond in time for publication.

In an emailed statement, Moliga said he would refrain from weighing in on the recall process unless enough signatures are submitted to trigger an election.

In an emailed statement, Moliga said he would refrain from weighing in on the recall process unless enough signatures are submitted to trigger an election.

However, Moliga emphasized that his priorities for the coming school year are “to ensure we have a successful reopening of schools, that we keep our students and staff safe as we navigate through this pandemic and that we implement an inclusive Superintendent search that identifies the best person to lead San Francisco&#8217;s public schools into the future.”

However, Moliga emphasized that his priorities for the coming school year are “to ensure we have a successful reopening of schools, that we keep our students and staff safe as we navigate through this pandemic and that we implement an inclusive Superintendent search that identifies the best person to lead San Francisco's public schools into the future.”

However, Moliga emphasized that his priorities for the coming school year are “to ensure we have a successful reopening of schools, that we keep our students and staff safe as we navigate through this pandemic and that we implement an inclusive Superintendent search that identifies the best person to lead San Francisco&#8217;s public schools into the future.”

The recall effort was largely fueled by dissatisfaction with the slow pace of reopening San Francisco public schools last year.

The recall effort was largely fueled by dissatisfaction with the slow pace of reopening San Francisco public schools last year.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210728-DSC_4497-2500x1660.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8675"/><figcaption>Looijen organizes recall materials. As of July 31, the campaign had raised $394,000. | Photo by Sophie Bearman</figcaption></figure>

Raj and Looijen originally launched the effort as a grassroots campaign, capping donations at $99 and relying solely on volunteers. They <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1397628285786361858">switched up their strategy</a> in late May when it became clear they wouldn’t reach the number of signatures needed to qualify without hiring paid signature gatherers. They upped their donation cap to $49,500.

Raj and Looijen originally launched the effort as a grassroots campaign, capping donations at $99 and relying solely on volunteers. They <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1397628285786361858">switched up their strategy</a> in late May when it became clear they wouldn’t reach the number of signatures needed to qualify without hiring paid signature gatherers. They upped their donation cap to $49,500.

“A recall is a very high bar to collect signatures for. And the fact that this campaign got almost 23,000 just from the volunteer effort is really impressive,” said Muir.&nbsp;

“A recall is a very high bar to collect signatures for. And the fact that this campaign got almost 23,000 just from the volunteer effort is really impressive,” said Muir.&nbsp;

“I think the public is very clear in its unhappiness with the policies of the school board. And this is certainly an outlet that they can absolutely tap into to express their outrage and frustration,” she added.

“I think the public is very clear in its unhappiness with the policies of the school board. And this is certainly an outlet that they can absolutely tap into to express their outrage and frustration,” she added.

As of July 31, the campaign had raised $394,000. Of its donors, 82% are San Francisco residents and 69% contributed $100 or less, according to organizers.

As of July 31, the campaign had raised $394,000. Of its donors, 82% are San Francisco residents and 69% contributed $100 or less, according to organizers.

If the effort succeeds, it’ll mark the first time in nearly four decades that a recall campaign makes it to the ballot, following an attempt to recall then-Mayor Diane Feinstein in 1983. Though organizers collected about 24,000 valid signatures—more than the 19,357 needed at the time to qualify—Feinstein wound up <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/27/us/mayor-feinstein-by-wide-margin-defeats-san-francisco-recall-bid.html">beating the recall</a> in a landslide.

If the effort succeeds, it’ll mark the first time in nearly four decades that a recall campaign makes it to the ballot, following an attempt to recall then-Mayor Diane Feinstein in 1983. Though organizers collected about 24,000 valid signatures—more than the 19,357 needed at the time to qualify—Feinstein wound up <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/27/us/mayor-feinstein-by-wide-margin-defeats-san-francisco-recall-bid.html">beating the recall</a> in a landslide.

This time around, voter sentiment appears to be on the recall effort’s side. A Feb. 2021 poll conducted by EMC Research and commissioned by “private business leaders,” <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/bayarea/heatherknight/article/New-poll-numbers-indicate-S-F-board-members-in-16297174.php">according to The Chronicle</a>, found that 60% of registered San Francisco voters supported recalling the school board members. Two polls in May showed just a 10% positive rating for the school board.

This time around, voter sentiment appears to be on the recall effort’s side. A Feb. 2021 poll conducted by EMC Research and commissioned by “private business leaders,” <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/bayarea/heatherknight/article/New-poll-numbers-indicate-S-F-board-members-in-16297174.php">according to The Chronicle</a>, found that 60% of registered San Francisco voters supported recalling the school board members. Two polls in May showed just a 10% positive rating for the school board.

If it qualifies, the recall campaign expects that a special election will be held sometime between Nov. 2021 and Feb. 2022. The ballot will have a simple Yes/No question for each of the three board members eligible for recall. If any school board member is recalled, the mayor will appoint their replacement.

If it qualifies, the recall campaign expects that a special election will be held sometime between Nov. 2021 and Feb. 2022. The ballot will have a simple Yes/No question for each of the three board members eligible for recall. If any school board member is recalled, the mayor will appoint their replacement.

William Hack, who was a SFUSD teacher, principal and arts supervisor for 30 years, told Here/Say that he’s “never seen a board that behaves like this one.”&nbsp;

William Hack, who was a SFUSD teacher, principal and arts supervisor for 30 years, told Here/Say that he’s “never seen a board that behaves like this one.”&nbsp;

For Hack, Alison Collins’ <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/04/alison-collins-strange-and-terrible-87m-lawsuit/">$87 million lawsuit</a> against SFUSD was particularly egregious and reason enough to support a recall.

For Hack, Alison Collins’ <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/04/alison-collins-strange-and-terrible-87m-lawsuit/">$87 million lawsuit</a> against SFUSD was particularly egregious and reason enough to support a recall.

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Analysis: Political history haunts Mayor Breed as she attempts (another) Tenderloin cleanup

SF school board recall campaign says it’s reached 51,325 signatures, with one month remaining

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Police Chief Bill Scott: SFPD considering ban on pretextual stops

Analysis: Political history haunts Mayor Breed as she attempts (another) Tenderloin cleanup

SF school board recall campaign says it’s reached 51,325 signatures, with one month remaining

Queer Arts Featured, a gallery and event space, opens in Harvey Milk’s former camera shop

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