Kevin Truong

When newly appointed District Attorney Brooke Jenkins was choosing a backdrop for one of her first major press conferences about open-air drug dealing, she settled on the Phoenix Hotel on Eddy Street in the Tenderloin.

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When newly appointed District Attorney Brooke Jenkins was choosing a backdrop for one of her first major press conferences about open-air drug dealing, she settled on the Phoenix Hotel on Eddy Street in the Tenderloin.

“To actually walk down the street and have to navigate those who are selling and those who are using… it’s a very different experience, and so it’s something that I am committed to improving,” Jenkins said at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/brooke-jenkins-visits-the-tenderloin-to-survey-sfs-overdose-crisis-i-didnt-just-want-to-hear-their-stories/">the July 12 press conference</a>.

“To actually walk down the street and have to navigate those who are selling and those who are using… it’s a very different experience, and so it’s something that I am committed to improving,” Jenkins said at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/brooke-jenkins-visits-the-tenderloin-to-survey-sfs-overdose-crisis-i-didnt-just-want-to-hear-their-stories/">the July 12 press conference</a>.

Down the block, a little after 3 p.m. most days, a procession of seniors living at the Eastern Park Apartments make their way down the elevator into a parking lot that has become an impromptu community space because the sidewalks are clogged with drug dealers and their customers, according to tenants.

Down the block, a little after 3 p.m. most days, a procession of seniors living at the Eastern Park Apartments make their way down the elevator into a parking lot that has become an impromptu community space because the sidewalks are clogged with drug dealers and their customers, according to tenants.

Residents of Eastern Park Apartments, a senior living home in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, Calif., meet in the building’s closed parking lot to socialize on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. | Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Seniors-03.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63561"/><figcaption>A resident leaves the parking lot area of Eastern Park Apartments, a senior living home in the Tenderloin neighborhood. Due to safety concerns in the neighborhood, residents of the complex meet in the building’s closed parking lot to socialize. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Seniors-03.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63561"/><figcaption>A resident leaves the parking lot area of Eastern Park Apartments, a senior living home in the Tenderloin neighborhood. Due to safety concerns in the neighborhood, residents of the complex meet in the building’s closed parking lot to socialize. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Groups of Russian and Chinese-speaking residents pull up a row of office chairs or take a load off on their walkers, strolling the asphalt to get some needed exercise and fresh air.&nbsp;

Groups of Russian and Chinese-speaking residents pull up a row of office chairs or take a load off on their walkers, strolling the asphalt to get some needed exercise and fresh air.&nbsp;

The 201-unit affordable apartment complex at 711 Eddy St. has been a home for low-income seniors since 1979. Many tenants—the majority of whom don’t speak English as a first language—report living out their golden years with a fierce loyalty to the home they’ve fostered.

The 201-unit affordable apartment complex at 711 Eddy St. has been a home for low-income seniors since 1979. Many tenants—the majority of whom don’t speak English as a first language—report living out their golden years with a fierce loyalty to the home they’ve fostered.

In recent months, however, the residents say they’ve felt trapped by what they call unsafe—and frankly frightening—conditions on the sidewalks outside the building. Isolation due to the pandemic was intensified by what they describe as open drug dealing, urine and defecation clogging up the walkways, and intoxicated or mentally ill people who have threatened and assaulted residents and staff.

In recent months, however, the residents say they’ve felt trapped by what they call unsafe—and frankly frightening—conditions on the sidewalks outside the building. Isolation due to the pandemic was intensified by what they describe as open drug dealing, urine and defecation clogging up the walkways, and intoxicated or mentally ill people who have threatened and assaulted residents and staff.

Raisa Verkhoshanskaya, who has lived in the building since 1994, said the conditions are as bad as she’s ever seen them. They’ve meant that she and her friends have curtailed regular walks to the local farmers&#8217; market and the nearby Opera Plaza.&nbsp;

Raisa Verkhoshanskaya, who has lived in the building since 1994, said the conditions are as bad as she’s ever seen them. They’ve meant that she and her friends have curtailed regular walks to the local farmers' market and the nearby Opera Plaza.&nbsp;

Raisa Verkhoshanskaya, who has lived in the building since 1994, said the conditions are as bad as she’s ever seen them. They’ve meant that she and her friends have curtailed regular walks to the local farmers&#8217; market and the nearby Opera Plaza.&nbsp;

“I’m afraid,” Verkhoshanskaya said. “In the evening, we cannot go out. We cannot walk. We can only sit in the building or in the small garage.”

“I’m afraid,” Verkhoshanskaya said. “In the evening, we cannot go out. We cannot walk. We can only sit in the building or in the small garage.”

Residents of Eastern Park Apartments, a senior living home in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, Calif., pose for a group photo in the building’s closed parking lot, where they go to socialize, on Friday, May 6, 2022. They don’t feel they can safely leave the premises, but wish to be outdoors. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TenerloinSeniors_FESTURE.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63554"/><figcaption>Residents of Eastern Park Apartments, a senior living home in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, Calif., pose for a group photo in the building’s closed parking lot, where they go to socialize, on Friday, May 6, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

From a hallway outside of her apartment, Verkhoshanskaya observes the underground economy of narcotic sales from above, noting the way that dealers communicate with nearby cars, customers and hidden stashes of drugs.&nbsp;

From a hallway outside of her apartment, Verkhoshanskaya observes the underground economy of narcotic sales from above, noting the way that dealers communicate with nearby cars, customers and hidden stashes of drugs.&nbsp;

An incident last September where a security guard was threatened with a knife spurred the building’s owner, Sequoia Living, to <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sequoia-Letter-1.pdf">send a letter to city officials</a>, including San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott and Mayor London Breed, requesting additional police presence to address “the climate of fear and intimidation.”

An incident last September where a security guard was threatened with a knife spurred the building’s owner, Sequoia Living, to <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sequoia-Letter-1.pdf">send a letter to city officials</a>, including San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott and Mayor London Breed, requesting additional police presence to address “the climate of fear and intimidation.”

The letter detailed the problem with drug activity in front of the building and steps taken by Sequoia, including additional power washing, lighting and security cameras.&nbsp;

The letter detailed the problem with drug activity in front of the building and steps taken by Sequoia, including additional power washing, lighting and security cameras.&nbsp;

In February, Sequoia passed over management of the building to EAH Housing, which operates a number of low-income senior care homes across California and Hawaii. Sara McVey, the CEO of Sequoia Living, said that the decision was made because of EAH’s experience dealing with the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.&nbsp;

In February, Sequoia passed over management of the building to EAH Housing, which operates a number of low-income senior care homes across California and Hawaii. Sara McVey, the CEO of Sequoia Living, said that the decision was made because of EAH’s experience dealing with the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.&nbsp;

McVey said that the company received little response to its letter. She said Sequoia is working with EAH on a larger plan to address the issue, but declined to provide additional details.&nbsp;

McVey said that the company received little response to its letter. She said Sequoia is working with EAH on a larger plan to address the issue, but declined to provide additional details.&nbsp;

“You do have this expectation that [city officials] are going to realize the importance of it, but it doesn&#8217;t always work that way,” McVey said.&nbsp;

“You do have this expectation that [city officials] are going to realize the importance of it, but it doesn't always work that way,” McVey said.&nbsp;

“You do have this expectation that [city officials] are going to realize the importance of it, but it doesn&#8217;t always work that way,” McVey said.&nbsp;

Eleazar Socoi, the building’s facility manager, said the building has always seen some issues around homelessness, but the problem of open drug dealing took a turn for the worse this year. While the building was undergoing renovations, Socoi reported issues with people attempting to trespass onto the property or using scaffolding and construction materials as a shield for illicit activity. 

Eleazar Socoi, the building’s facility manager, said the building has always seen some issues around homelessness, but the problem of open drug dealing took a turn for the worse this year. While the building was undergoing renovations, Socoi reported issues with people attempting to trespass onto the property or using scaffolding and construction materials as a shield for illicit activity.

“We started to report the issues to the police, but sadly they said they couldn’t do much about it,” Socoi said. The police department didn’t reply to a request for comment for this story.&nbsp;

“We started to report the issues to the police, but sadly they said they couldn’t do much about it,” Socoi said. The police department didn’t reply to a request for comment for this story.&nbsp;

The conditions have created other risks for residents, including forcing them to walk in the street to avoid the drug activity blocking the sidewalk. Residents also say caretakers have complained about the discomfort they feel in trying to access the apartment building.

The conditions have created other risks for residents, including forcing them to walk in the street to avoid the drug activity blocking the sidewalk. Residents also say caretakers have complained about the discomfort they feel in trying to access the apartment building.

Alina Bekkerman watches people smoking and drinking in front of her grandmother’s home, Eastern Park Apartments, a senior living home in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, May 6, 2022. | Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Seniors-13.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63567"/><figcaption>Alina Bekkerman watches people smoking and drinking in front of her grandmother’s home at Eastern Park Apartments, a senior living home in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, May 6, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Alina Bekkerman, the granddaughter of tenant Alla Chechelnitskaya, has taken on an informal role advocating for residents and translating their complaints.

Alina Bekkerman, the granddaughter of tenant Alla Chechelnitskaya, has taken on an informal role advocating for residents and translating their complaints.

“They really do need to have a voice. These folks who are in their 70s, 80s and 90s just want to live in peace,” Bekkerman said.&nbsp;

“They really do need to have a voice. These folks who are in their 70s, 80s and 90s just want to live in peace,” Bekkerman said.&nbsp;

Chechelnitskaya said the people outside the building are sometimes aggressive and have pushed her around when walking to and from her home. When Chechelnitskaya&#8217;s daughter—who is Bekkerman’s mother—asked the assembled drug dealers to take their activities elsewhere, a person threw a bottle at her head.

Chechelnitskaya said the people outside the building are sometimes aggressive and have pushed her around when walking to and from her home. When Chechelnitskaya's daughter—who is Bekkerman’s mother—asked the assembled drug dealers to take their activities elsewhere, a person threw a bottle at her head.

Chechelnitskaya said the people outside the building are sometimes aggressive and have pushed her around when walking to and from her home. When Chechelnitskaya&#8217;s daughter—who is Bekkerman’s mother—asked the assembled drug dealers to take their activities elsewhere, a person threw a bottle at her head.

While calling them a “serious nuisance,” Carlos Mendoza, the facility’s property manager, said the street issues are largely out of his hands, particularly with the lack of police response. He largely attributed the complaints with conditions to a small segment of mainly Russian-speaking residents.&nbsp;

While calling them a “serious nuisance,” Carlos Mendoza, the facility’s property manager, said the street issues are largely out of his hands, particularly with the lack of police response. He largely attributed the complaints with conditions to a small segment of mainly Russian-speaking residents.&nbsp;

But <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Letterfrom711Eddy-scaled.jpg">a letter to the city’s Human Rights Commission</a> in May complaining about the conditions had 25 undersigned tenants representing a variety of residents. A meeting of more than a dozen of the building’s Chinese-speaking residents raised a litany of similar complaints.&nbsp;

But <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Letterfrom711Eddy-scaled.jpg">a letter to the city’s Human Rights Commission</a> in May complaining about the conditions had 25 undersigned tenants representing a variety of residents. A meeting of more than a dozen of the building’s Chinese-speaking residents raised a litany of similar complaints.&nbsp;

Yuan Zhu, affectionately called “Auntie Zhu” by her neighbors, said she has lived in the building for seven years and remembered being initially struck by the beauty of the surrounding environment. That isn’t the case anymore.&nbsp;

Yuan Zhu, affectionately called “Auntie Zhu” by her neighbors, said she has lived in the building for seven years and remembered being initially struck by the beauty of the surrounding environment. That isn’t the case anymore.&nbsp;

“I am one of the younger ones among the elderly, and I can walk,” Zhu said through a translator. “How do you expect those with a walking stick or a walker to pass through them? Should everyone who is too afraid to go outside just stay in?”

“I am one of the younger ones among the elderly, and I can walk,” Zhu said through a translator. “How do you expect those with a walking stick or a walker to pass through them? Should everyone who is too afraid to go outside just stay in?”

Yu-Ling Chan, a 13-year resident, said she only goes outside once or twice a month for necessary supplies. But even those limited outings tend to be terrifying, with Chan saying she’d been chased in the neighborhood.

Yu-Ling Chan, a 13-year resident, said she only goes outside once or twice a month for necessary supplies. But even those limited outings tend to be terrifying, with Chan saying she’d been chased in the neighborhood.

Chan issued a direct plea to city leaders to come to the 711 Eddy to listen and address their concerns.&nbsp;

Chan issued a direct plea to city leaders to come to the 711 Eddy to listen and address their concerns.&nbsp;

“It’s been a long time, and the clock is ticking,” Chan said. “If we were hit because we rushed into the road, who should be responsible for that?”

“It’s been a long time, and the clock is ticking,” Chan said. “If we were hit because we rushed into the road, who should be responsible for that?”

With drug dealing at their doorstep, Tenderloin seniors say they’re trapped and ignored

Jonah Owen Lamb

Judge Eric Fleming had a direct view of him. Hatun Noguera, a tall, thin man in his 70s with short-cropped gray hair, sat in a courtroom at San Francisco Superior Court in the second row behind the prosecutor.&nbsp;

Judge Eric Fleming had a direct view of him. Hatun Noguera, a tall, thin man in his 70s with short-cropped gray hair, sat in a courtroom at San Francisco Superior Court in the second row behind the prosecutor.&nbsp;

On that November morning, Noguera was monitoring several cases. A pile of legal pads sat on his lap with the defendants’ names written on multicolored sticky notes. The night before, he’d printed out the case details from the court’s website and the county jail’s website.&nbsp;

On that November morning, Noguera was monitoring several cases. A pile of legal pads sat on his lap with the defendants’ names written on multicolored sticky notes. The night before, he’d printed out the case details from the court’s website and the county jail’s website.&nbsp;

Noguera is not a police officer or a court employee. He’s there to observe the judges.

Noguera is not a police officer or a court employee. He’s there to observe the judges.

When a prosecutor passed by, Noguera handed him a yellow piece of paper. “Court Watch is here to observe. If the opportunity to notify the judge of our presence in the courtroom occurs, please let him know that we are here,” Noguera’s note said. But the prosecutor was busy and quickly exited the court without saying anything to Fleming.

When a prosecutor passed by, Noguera handed him a yellow piece of paper. “Court Watch is here to observe. If the opportunity to notify the judge of our presence in the courtroom occurs, please let him know that we are here,” Noguera’s note said. But the prosecutor was busy and quickly exited the court without saying anything to Fleming.

Court watch coordinator Hatun Noguera outside Superior Court before heading in as a “Court Watch Coordinator” and Noguera’s case notes which include his title with the organization Stop Crime SF.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1250" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined01_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two photos side by side: A man poses for a portrait next to a yellow college ruled paper that reads &quot;Thanks, Hatun Noguera Court Watch Coordinator&quot;" class="wp-image-221502"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Court watch coordinator Hatun Noguera sits outside Superior Court before heading in as a “Court Watch Coordinator.” At right, Noguera’s case notes include his title with the organization Stop Crime SF.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined01_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two photos side by side: A man poses for a portrait next to a yellow college ruled paper that reads &quot;Thanks, Hatun Noguera Court Watch Coordinator&quot;" class="wp-image-221502"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Court watch coordinator Hatun Noguera sits outside Superior Court before heading in as a “Court Watch Coordinator.” At right, Noguera’s case notes include his title with the organization Stop Crime SF.</figcaption></figure>

For nearly two years, Noguera has spent most weekdays calling court clerks to check up on about 50 cases he follows. He comes to court for important hearings. And he’s not alone.

For nearly two years, Noguera has spent most weekdays calling court clerks to check up on about 50 cases he follows. He comes to court for important hearings. And he’s not alone.

Noguera is a member of Stop Crime SF,&nbsp; a neighborhood crime watch organization-turned-nonprofit that is pushing for harsher treatment of repeat criminals and more transparency around legal outcomes.

Noguera is a member of Stop Crime SF,&nbsp; a neighborhood crime watch organization-turned-nonprofit that is pushing for harsher treatment of repeat criminals and more transparency around legal outcomes.

Stop Crime SF has roughly 5,000 members and financial links to a billionaire who bankrolled much of the recall of then-District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022. The group has been vocal about linking “lenient” judges to crime, focusing on their track records on pretrial release, and that message has been echoed by District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, the San Francisco Police Officers Association and others. The group’s focus on judges comes as violent crime rates in San Francisco remain lower than comparably sized cities, but rates of some property crimes remain high.

Stop Crime SF has roughly 5,000 members and financial links to a billionaire who bankrolled much of the recall of then-District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022. The group has been vocal about linking “lenient” judges to crime, focusing on their track records on pretrial release, and that message has been echoed by District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, the San Francisco Police Officers Association and others. The group’s focus on judges comes as violent crime rates in San Francisco remain lower than comparably sized cities, but rates of some property crimes remain high.

“I was feeling unsafe and then found the organization,” said Noguera, who has an alarm system, video cameras and a two-by-four that bars his door at his home west of Twin Peaks.&nbsp;

“I was feeling unsafe and then found the organization,” said Noguera, who has an alarm system, video cameras and a two-by-four that bars his door at his home west of Twin Peaks.&nbsp;

<a href="https://stopcrimesf.com/blog/2023/2/24/judges-get-out-of-jail-free-card-for-union-square-ransacking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The group described</a> a sentence for time-served handed down in a Union Square looting case in this way: “This dangerous serial offender is out of custody entirely with a get-out-of-jail card issued by Judge (Linda) Colfax.”

<a href="https://stopcrimesf.com/blog/2023/2/24/judges-get-out-of-jail-free-card-for-union-square-ransacking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The group described</a> a sentence for time-served handed down in a Union Square looting case in this way: “This dangerous serial offender is out of custody entirely with a get-out-of-jail card issued by Judge (Linda) Colfax.”

In its short history, Stop Crime SF has taken on Boudin’s administration in a legal battle over records, pushed for legislation that aimed to reduce theft from rental cars and advocated against at least one San Francisco judge—Colfax—for appointment to a state court. It’s also taken aim at the Police Commission, which it blames for creating policies like limits on when officers can initiate car chases that hamper police from doing their jobs—even if that policy predates the current commission.

In its short history, Stop Crime SF has taken on Boudin’s administration in a legal battle over records, pushed for legislation that aimed to reduce theft from rental cars and advocated against at least one San Francisco judge—Colfax—for appointment to a state court. It’s also taken aim at the Police Commission, which it blames for creating policies like limits on when officers can initiate car chases that hamper police from doing their jobs—even if that policy predates the current commission.

But by its own assessment, the group’s most important task—and the one for which it has gotten the most recent attention—is its court watch program. It plans to grade 14 Superior Court judges who are up for election in March.&nbsp;

But by its own assessment, the group’s most important task—and the one for which it has gotten the most recent attention—is its court watch program. It plans to grade 14 Superior Court judges who are up for election in March.&nbsp;

“That is the most important thing our organization is doing,” said Stop Crime SF board member Karina Velasquez, an immigration lawyer. “Our public safety depends on the legal system, and we need a system that works.” The group says it doesn’t oppose giving people in the legal system second chances but says far too often, repeat offenders are cycling in and out of the system without any real consequences.

“That is the most important thing our organization is doing,” said Stop Crime SF board member Karina Velasquez, an immigration lawyer. “Our public safety depends on the legal system, and we need a system that works.” The group says it doesn’t oppose giving people in the legal system second chances but says far too often, repeat offenders are cycling in and out of the system without any real consequences.

The yet-to-be-released report card is under preparation as two judges face opponents backed by Stop Crime SF’s sister organization, Stop Crime Action.&nbsp;

The yet-to-be-released report card is under preparation as two judges face opponents backed by Stop Crime SF’s sister organization, Stop Crime Action.&nbsp;

Superior Court Judge Michael Begert speaks at San Francisco’s inaugural CARE Court meeting at the State of California office building in San Francisco on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023. Judge Begert is the presiding judge of CARE Act Court, which aims to help individuals who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined02_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands behind a podium in a lowly lit room and speak into a microphone. A screen is in the background and a title card read &quot;Treatment - Housing first: Care Court participants ...&quot;" class="wp-image-221503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Superior Court Judge Michael Begert speaks at San Francisco’s inaugural CARE Court meeting on Sept. 18. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined02_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands behind a podium in a lowly lit room and speak into a microphone. A screen is in the background and a title card read &quot;Treatment - Housing first: Care Court participants ...&quot;" class="wp-image-221503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Superior Court Judge Michael Begert speaks at San Francisco’s inaugural CARE Court meeting on Sept. 18. </figcaption></figure>

San Francisco Superior Court Judge Michael Begert is facing a challenge from Albert “Chip” Zecher, a corporate lawyer and board member of UC Law San Francisco. Judge Patrick Thompson is <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/da-challenging-judge-18473215.php">facing a challenge</a> from Deputy District Attorney Jean Myungjin Roland.

San Francisco Superior Court Judge Michael Begert is facing a challenge from Albert “Chip” Zecher, a corporate lawyer and board member of UC Law San Francisco. Judge Patrick Thompson is <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/da-challenging-judge-18473215.php">facing a challenge</a> from Deputy District Attorney Jean Myungjin Roland.

Critics say Stop Crime SF is not just a nonprofit trying to educate the public about judges and criminal justice, but rather a politically motivated group whose court watch program is part of a larger effort that is undermining trust in judges. Jurists, these critics note, must make rulings based on the law but are bound by a <a href="https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/ca_code_judicial_ethics.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">code of ethics</a> that bars them from publicly commenting on their rulings or any controversy that may come before them. Judges also point out that allegations of opacity are false, given that every decision made in court is open to the public.

Critics say Stop Crime SF is not just a nonprofit trying to educate the public about judges and criminal justice, but rather a politically motivated group whose court watch program is part of a larger effort that is undermining trust in judges. Jurists, these critics note, must make rulings based on the law but are bound by a <a href="https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/ca_code_judicial_ethics.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">code of ethics</a> that bars them from publicly commenting on their rulings or any controversy that may come before them. Judges also point out that allegations of opacity are false, given that every decision made in court is open to the public.

“We encourage the public to educate themselves about the judiciary. There&#8217;s nothing wrong with that,” San Francisco Bar Association Board President Vidhya Prabhakaran said. “But the suggestion that <a href="https://stopcrimesf.com/blog/2023/2/24/judges-get-out-of-jail-free-card-for-union-square-ransacking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">judges are somehow</a> intentionally fomenting criminals and crime in the city of San Francisco is ridiculous.”

“We encourage the public to educate themselves about the judiciary. There's nothing wrong with that,” San Francisco Bar Association Board President Vidhya Prabhakaran said. “But the suggestion that <a href="https://stopcrimesf.com/blog/2023/2/24/judges-get-out-of-jail-free-card-for-union-square-ransacking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">judges are somehow</a> intentionally fomenting criminals and crime in the city of San Francisco is ridiculous.”

“We encourage the public to educate themselves about the judiciary. There&#8217;s nothing wrong with that,” San Francisco Bar Association Board President Vidhya Prabhakaran said. “But the suggestion that <a href="https://stopcrimesf.com/blog/2023/2/24/judges-get-out-of-jail-free-card-for-union-square-ransacking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">judges are somehow</a> intentionally fomenting criminals and crime in the city of San Francisco is ridiculous.”

Supervisor Aaron Peskin was less circumspect about Stop Crime SF, which he said was part of a “right-wing assault” on the judiciary.&nbsp;

Supervisor Aaron Peskin was less circumspect about Stop Crime SF, which he said was part of a “right-wing assault” on the judiciary.&nbsp;

Frank Noto, Stop Crime SF’s head, bristled at such characterizations, saying he has been a Democrat his whole life. Peskin’s attacks, he said, amount to interfering with the public’s right to vote for the judges they want in office.&nbsp;

Frank Noto, Stop Crime SF’s head, bristled at such characterizations, saying he has been a Democrat his whole life. Peskin’s attacks, he said, amount to interfering with the public’s right to vote for the judges they want in office.&nbsp;

How Tiled Stairs Led to the Birth of Stop Crime SF

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-tiled-stairs-led-to-the-birth-of-stop-crime-sf">How Tiled Stairs Led to the Birth of Stop Crime SF</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-tiled-stairs-led-to-the-birth-of-stop-crime-sf">How Tiled Stairs Led to the Birth of Stop Crime SF</h2>

The tile staircase at 16th Avenue and Moraga Street has drawn tourists and Instagram users alike to its bright swirling designs since it opened in 2005.&nbsp;

The tile staircase at 16th Avenue and Moraga Street has drawn tourists and Instagram users alike to its bright swirling designs since it opened in 2005.&nbsp;

But as soon as the stairs were unveiled, thieves were drawn to those tourists, said Noto, who, in addition to being president of Stop Crime SF, also leads Stop Crime Action, its sister 501(c)4 nonprofit. “After they built it, the tourists were followed by burglars,” he said.&nbsp;

But as soon as the stairs were unveiled, thieves were drawn to those tourists, said Noto, who, in addition to being president of Stop Crime SF, also leads Stop Crime Action, its sister 501(c)4 nonprofit. “After they built it, the tourists were followed by burglars,” he said.&nbsp;

Noto and a group of about 20 neighbors met in a garage in 2017 and started sharing their experiences with crime. That meeting was the beginning of Stop Crime SF.

Noto and a group of about 20 neighbors met in a garage in 2017 and started sharing their experiences with crime. That meeting was the beginning of Stop Crime SF.

The tiled steps on 16th Ave in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Heights neighborhood are pictured at sunset on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined03_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="The sun hits a long tiled staircase with lush vegetation on either side." class="wp-image-221504"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tiled steps on 16th Avenue are pictured at sunset on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined03_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="The sun hits a long tiled staircase with lush vegetation on either side." class="wp-image-221504"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tiled steps on 16th Avenue are pictured at sunset on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

Noto’s professional experience was suited to the task. He spent much of his professional life as a lobbyist and PR man for developers, fighting local efforts to stop their projects. His firm, GCA Strategies was founded by a now-deceased land-use and NIMBY expert, <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Debra-Stein-dies-Berkeley-land-use-expert-3220454.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Debra Stein</a>. Noto, who remains its principal, said he is a 1%&nbsp;owner. The firm’s managing partner, Milo Trauss—whose sister, Sonja Trauss, founded the YIMBY Party—is currently working for a landowner who wants to develop mostly <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/11/insulting-say-residents-at-housing-meeting-for-22nd-mission-fire-site/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">market-rate housing at 2588 Mission St</a>.

Noto’s professional experience was suited to the task. He spent much of his professional life as a lobbyist and PR man for developers, fighting local efforts to stop their projects. His firm, GCA Strategies was founded by a now-deceased land-use and NIMBY expert, <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Debra-Stein-dies-Berkeley-land-use-expert-3220454.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Debra Stein</a>. Noto, who remains its principal, said he is a 1%&nbsp;owner. The firm’s managing partner, Milo Trauss—whose sister, Sonja Trauss, founded the YIMBY Party—is currently working for a landowner who wants to develop mostly <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/11/insulting-say-residents-at-housing-meeting-for-22nd-mission-fire-site/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">market-rate housing at 2588 Mission St</a>.

Stop Crime SF’s first move was to go to the neighbors’ then-supervisor, Norman Yee, for legislation forcing rental car companies to obscure decals and insignia indicating a car is a rental; Stop Crime SF believed doing so would make them less visible targets for thieves.&nbsp;

Stop Crime SF’s first move was to go to the neighbors’ then-supervisor, Norman Yee, for legislation forcing rental car companies to obscure decals and insignia indicating a car is a rental; Stop Crime SF believed doing so would make them less visible targets for thieves.&nbsp;

The group, not yet legally a nonprofit, continued to advocate for legislation, more police resources and educating voters on its vision of the criminal justice system. In 2018, it held district attorney candidate debates and, in 2020, judicial debates.&nbsp;

The group, not yet legally a nonprofit, continued to advocate for legislation, more police resources and educating voters on its vision of the criminal justice system. In 2018, it held district attorney candidate debates and, in 2020, judicial debates.&nbsp;

Over this period, the court watch program was born, focusing on repeat offenders, judges who released them and property crime.

Over this period, the court watch program was born, focusing on repeat offenders, judges who released them and property crime.

In 2017, car break-ins in San Francisco peaked at 31,000. They have yet to reach such heights since.&nbsp;

In 2017, car break-ins in San Francisco peaked at 31,000. They have yet to reach such heights since.&nbsp;

“We would go to car break-in trials just to show the judge that other people cared,” Noto said.

“We would go to car break-in trials just to show the judge that other people cared,” Noto said.

Court watch volunteer Hatun Noguera outside Department 20 at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco, Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Noguera volunteers for Stop Crime SF, the three year old nonprofit funded mostly by the campaign that ousted Chesa Boudin and its efforts to transform the landscape of the city's criminal justice system from transparency around the DA's office to judges they plan to grade and police commissioners they hope to oust.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined04_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man holds documents while looking up a monitor in a long courtroom hallway as other people walk through the space." class="wp-image-221505"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Court Watch volunteer Hatun Noguera stands outside Department 20 at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco on Nov. 7. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined04_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man holds documents while looking up a monitor in a long courtroom hallway as other people walk through the space." class="wp-image-221505"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Court Watch volunteer Hatun Noguera stands outside Department 20 at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco on Nov. 7. </figcaption></figure>

Joel Engardio, who would go on to be elected as a San Francisco supervisor, served as the executive director of Stop Crime SF from 2017 to 2022. He used skills developed from his unsuccessful 2016 campaign for supervisor to build a website and expand the group’s outreach and public image.&nbsp;

Joel Engardio, who would go on to be elected as a San Francisco supervisor, served as the executive director of Stop Crime SF from 2017 to 2022. He used skills developed from his unsuccessful 2016 campaign for supervisor to build a website and expand the group’s outreach and public image.&nbsp;

In 2020, the group went from being a loose volunteer group to a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to “serve as an advocate for victims, work with police and prosecutors and advocate for the resources they need.”

In 2020, the group went from being a loose volunteer group to a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to “serve as an advocate for victims, work with police and prosecutors and advocate for the resources they need.”

By 2021, Boudin was district attorney, and the Covid epidemic had transformed the city. Stop Crime SF took aim at what it said was Boudin’s lack of transparency around cases, such as detention, convictions and sentencing.

By 2021, Boudin was district attorney, and the Covid epidemic had transformed the city. Stop Crime SF took aim at what it said was Boudin’s lack of transparency around cases, such as detention, convictions and sentencing.

“We tried to get information about drug violations, for example,” Noto said of drug dealing and possession cases. “But we couldn’t get that, so we filed a [Public Records Act request], and they stalled.”&nbsp;

“We tried to get information about drug violations, for example,” Noto said of drug dealing and possession cases. “But we couldn’t get that, so we filed a [Public Records Act request], and they stalled.”&nbsp;

Frank Noto, founder and president of Stop Crime SF, left, poses for a portrait and an anti-theft sign, right, placed by the organization Stop Crime SF, stands by the 16th Ave tiled steps in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. | Gina Castro/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1233" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined05_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two photos side by side - one photo is a tight portrait of a man with a goatee looking at the camera and the other photos reads &quot;Daytime Thieves&quot; in english and 5 other languages with pocues of smashes windows." class="wp-image-221506"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Frank Noto, founder and president of Stop Crime SF, poses for a portrait, left. At right, an anti-theft sign placed by Stop Crime SF stands by the 16th Avenue tiled steps on Thursday. | Gina Castro/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined05_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two photos side by side - one photo is a tight portrait of a man with a goatee looking at the camera and the other photos reads &quot;Daytime Thieves&quot; in english and 5 other languages with pocues of smashes windows." class="wp-image-221506"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Frank Noto, founder and president of Stop Crime SF, poses for a portrait, left. At right, an anti-theft sign placed by Stop Crime SF stands by the 16th Avenue tiled steps on Thursday. | Gina Castro/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

It took thousands in legal fees for an attorney, but the group got the documents and put them online where anyone could research the outcome of any criminal case.&nbsp;

It took thousands in legal fees for an attorney, but the group got the documents and put them online where anyone could research the outcome of any criminal case.&nbsp;

An employee of the District Attorney’s Office at the time said Boudin’s staff was taking steps to make that data public anyway, and Stop Crime SF only used it to instill fear in the public.&nbsp;

An employee of the District Attorney’s Office at the time said Boudin’s staff was taking steps to make that data public anyway, and Stop Crime SF only used it to instill fear in the public.&nbsp;

“They were never really interested in the truth,” said Dylan Yep, who was a data analyst under Boudin. “They were just interested in pushing their agenda. Their agenda was to make people afraid … so that they could push right-wing carceral racist policies. And it worked.”

“They were never really interested in the truth,” said Dylan Yep, who was a data analyst under Boudin. “They were just interested in pushing their agenda. Their agenda was to make people afraid … so that they could push right-wing carceral racist policies. And it worked.”

Yep contends Stop Crime SF cherry-picks cases, highlighting those in which someone was released and then reoffended. But such stories are not necessarily representative, Yep said.

Yep contends Stop Crime SF cherry-picks cases, highlighting those in which someone was released and then reoffended. But such stories are not necessarily representative, Yep said.

Engardio pushed back, saying Stop Crime SF’s requests for case outcomes were politically agnostic. “Information and data is good no matter what side of the political spectrum you are on,” he said.&nbsp;

Engardio pushed back, saying Stop Crime SF’s requests for case outcomes were politically agnostic. “Information and data is good no matter what side of the political spectrum you are on,” he said.&nbsp;

A turning point for the group and its court watch program came when photographer Edward French died in a robbery gone wrong on Twin Peaks.&nbsp;

A turning point for the group and its court watch program came when photographer Edward French died in a robbery gone wrong on Twin Peaks.&nbsp;

“It was kind of traumatizing for our volunteers,” Engardio said. Many of their volunteers were elderly, like French, and saw how property crime can turn violent.&nbsp;

“It was kind of traumatizing for our volunteers,” Engardio said. Many of their volunteers were elderly, like French, and saw how property crime can turn violent.&nbsp;

Supervisor Joel Engardio addresses the Board of Supervisors about the installation of new public restrooms in San Francisco, CA on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined06_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands at a podium speaking into a microphone while gesticulating in the direction of an person." class="wp-image-221508"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Joel Engardio addresses the Board of Supervisors in April.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined06_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands at a podium speaking into a microphone while gesticulating in the direction of an person." class="wp-image-221508"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Joel Engardio addresses the Board of Supervisors in April.</figcaption></figure>

The trial of French’s alleged killers dragged on, said Noto, with defense attorneys using every tactic in the book to lengthen the process. At one point, Boudin fired the prosecutor. Then, the case ended with a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/22/jury-convicts-two-on-robbery-in-2017-killing-of-photographer-hangs-on-murder-charge/">hung jury</a>. A retrial is pending.&nbsp;

San Francisco jury hangs on murder charges in 2017 Twin Peaks killing

The trial of French’s alleged killers dragged on, said Noto, with defense attorneys using every tactic in the book to lengthen the process. At one point, Boudin fired the prosecutor. Then, the case ended with a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/22/jury-convicts-two-on-robbery-in-2017-killing-of-photographer-hangs-on-murder-charge/">hung jury</a>. A retrial is pending.&nbsp;

“So, they delay, and they delay, and our judicial system allows that. It’s really criminal,” Noto said, adding that the group expanded its focus from property crimes to more serious crimes after French’s death.

“So, they delay, and they delay, and our judicial system allows that. It’s really criminal,” Noto said, adding that the group expanded its focus from property crimes to more serious crimes after French’s death.

<a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11914457/how-the-troy-mcalister-case-became-a-flashpoint-in-the-drive-to-recall-sf-da-chesa-boudin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The case of Troy McAlister</a>, who killed two women when he drove into them in a stolen car on New Year’s Eve in 2020, is another example the group points to as a sign of the system&#8217;s dysfunction. McAlister had a long criminal history and had been arrested days before, on Dec. 20, for allegedly driving a stolen car, but was released.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11914457/how-the-troy-mcalister-case-became-a-flashpoint-in-the-drive-to-recall-sf-da-chesa-boudin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The case of Troy McAlister</a>, who killed two women when he drove into them in a stolen car on New Year’s Eve in 2020, is another example the group points to as a sign of the system's dysfunction. McAlister had a long criminal history and had been arrested days before, on Dec. 20, for allegedly driving a stolen car, but was released.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11914457/how-the-troy-mcalister-case-became-a-flashpoint-in-the-drive-to-recall-sf-da-chesa-boudin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The case of Troy McAlister</a>, who killed two women when he drove into them in a stolen car on New Year’s Eve in 2020, is another example the group points to as a sign of the system&#8217;s dysfunction. McAlister had a long criminal history and had been arrested days before, on Dec. 20, for allegedly driving a stolen car, but was released.&nbsp;

Such cases have led the organization to establish its judge report card. Early this year, the group created a committee that will make the final judgments based on a variety of sources. The committee, which has four or five members, will review case outcomes and judicial rulings collected by court watch, as well as appeals and a survey sent out to all judges, defense attorneys and prosecutors.&nbsp;

Such cases have led the organization to establish its judge report card. Early this year, the group created a committee that will make the final judgments based on a variety of sources. The committee, which has four or five members, will review case outcomes and judicial rulings collected by court watch, as well as appeals and a survey sent out to all judges, defense attorneys and prosecutors.&nbsp;

Prosecutors are the only group that participated in significant numbers, Noto said. The judges responded as a body and said they could not comment.&nbsp;

Prosecutors are the only group that participated in significant numbers, Noto said. The judges responded as a body and said they could not comment.&nbsp;

The group has yet to decide whether the grading will be numbered or lettered A to F.

The group has yet to decide whether the grading will be numbered or lettered A to F.

“The group is called Stop Crime SF. It shouldn’t surprise anybody that Stop Crime is concerned with the judges and the criminal courts,” said John Trasviña, the former dean of the University of San Francisco School of Law, who is one of the committee members in charge of Stop Crime SF’s judge report card.

“The group is called Stop Crime SF. It shouldn’t surprise anybody that Stop Crime is concerned with the judges and the criminal courts,” said John Trasviña, the former dean of the University of San Francisco School of Law, who is one of the committee members in charge of Stop Crime SF’s judge report card.

His role on the committee grew out of being the victim of a stickup. The man who robbed him had been released to care for his grandmother during Covid in a separate Marin County case; he was eventually convicted.

His role on the committee grew out of being the victim of a stickup. The man who robbed him had been released to care for his grandmother during Covid in a separate Marin County case; he was eventually convicted.

Board of Education Candidate John D. Trasvina on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined07_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in suit and glasses looks in the direction of someone he's speaking with and a man behind me looks downward." class="wp-image-221509"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Trasviña, the former dean of the University of San Francisco School of Law, is one of the committee members in charge of Stop Crime SF’s judge report card. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined07_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in suit and glasses looks in the direction of someone he's speaking with and a man behind me looks downward." class="wp-image-221509"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Trasviña, the former dean of the University of San Francisco School of Law, is one of the committee members in charge of Stop Crime SF’s judge report card. </figcaption></figure>

“Some people would say, ‘Look at this judge who would let this guy out,’” he said.

“Some people would say, ‘Look at this judge who would let this guy out,’” he said.

San Francisco judges do not comment on their rulings, but Presiding Judge Anne-Christine Massullo did write a statement in response to the report card.&nbsp;

San Francisco judges do not comment on their rulings, but Presiding Judge Anne-Christine Massullo did write a statement in response to the report card.&nbsp;

“Judges take an oath of office to apply the laws of California impartially and fairly to the facts presented in a case,” she said. “When a law changes, as it did with the [California] Supreme Court decision of In re Kenneth Humphrey, judges must apply the new law.”

“Judges take an oath of office to apply the laws of California impartially and fairly to the facts presented in a case,” she said. “When a law changes, as it did with the [California] Supreme Court decision of In re Kenneth Humphrey, judges must apply the new law.”

Humphrey governs when and how people can be detained. Detention without bail requires prosecutors to convince a judge that there is an imminent danger to the public and that no alternative to detention exists.&nbsp;

Humphrey governs when and how people can be detained. Detention without bail requires prosecutors to convince a judge that there is an imminent danger to the public and that no alternative to detention exists.&nbsp;

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financed-by-a-billionaire">Financed by a Billionaire</h2>

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