Annie Gaus

David Campos, who’s running to replace <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall-gets-mostly-back-to-business-with-swearing-in-of-city-attorney-david-chiu/">newly appointed City Attorney David Chiu</a> in the state assembly, has taken a leave of absence from his position as chief of staff at the San Francisco District Attorney’s office.

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David Campos, who’s running to replace <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall-gets-mostly-back-to-business-with-swearing-in-of-city-attorney-david-chiu/">newly appointed City Attorney David Chiu</a> in the state assembly, has taken a leave of absence from his position as chief of staff at the San Francisco District Attorney’s office.

Campos confirmed the leave in an interview with Here/Say on Monday. The leave was effective Nov. 1, according to a campaign staffer.

Campos confirmed the leave in an interview with Here/Say on Monday. The leave was effective Nov. 1, according to a campaign staffer.

Campos was hired by District Attorney Chesa Boudin as chief of staff in October 2020, pledging to work on community and coalition-building programs at the office. The District Attorney’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the duration of Campos’ leave or who would fill in as chief of staff in his absence.&nbsp;

Campos was hired by District Attorney Chesa Boudin as chief of staff in October 2020, pledging to work on community and coalition-building programs at the office. The District Attorney’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the duration of Campos’ leave or who would fill in as chief of staff in his absence.&nbsp;

The District Attorney’s office has drawn scrutiny in recent weeks over reports of mismanagement and high turnover among its attorneys. Two former assistant district attorneys, Donald Du Bain and Brooke Jenkins, recently resigned and joined the campaign to recall Boudin, citing ineffective management of the office. The recall campaign recently submitted about 83,000 signatures to the Department of Elections, and will likely head to voters next year.&nbsp;

The District Attorney’s office has drawn scrutiny in recent weeks over reports of mismanagement and high turnover among its attorneys. Two former assistant district attorneys, Donald Du Bain and Brooke Jenkins, recently resigned and joined the campaign to recall Boudin, citing ineffective management of the office. The recall campaign recently submitted about 83,000 signatures to the Department of Elections, and will likely head to voters next year.&nbsp;

Campos is one of four candidates gunning to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/the-race-to-replace-david-chiu-explained/">represent California’s 17th assembly district,</a> which represents the eastern half of San Francisco.&nbsp;

Campos is one of four candidates gunning to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/the-race-to-replace-david-chiu-explained/">represent California’s 17th assembly district,</a> which represents the eastern half of San Francisco.&nbsp;

A longtime political fixture in San Francisco, Campos was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2008 and has served in a number of government and political roles, including as chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party. He currently serves as vice chair of the California Democratic Party.&nbsp;

A longtime political fixture in San Francisco, Campos was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2008 and has served in a number of government and political roles, including as chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party. He currently serves as vice chair of the California Democratic Party.&nbsp;

Other assembly candidates include District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney, small business owner and activist Thea Selby, and scientist and entrepreneur Bilal Mahmood.&nbsp;

Other assembly candidates include District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney, small business owner and activist Thea Selby, and scientist and entrepreneur Bilal Mahmood.&nbsp;

A special election for the assembly seat will take place next year, although the exact date has yet to be determined. Governor Newsom has until 14 days after Chiu’s official resignation from the assembly on Nov. 1 to declare a special election to replace him.

A special election for the assembly seat will take place next year, although the exact date has yet to be determined. Governor Newsom has until 14 days after Chiu’s official resignation from the assembly on Nov. 1 to declare a special election to replace him.

David Campos takes leave of absence from District Attorney’s Office

Jonah Owen Lamb

In the early hours of New Year&#8217;s Day 2017, a group of men rushed from a corner store called Rubin&#8217;s to confront a trio of rivals.

In the early hours of New Year's Day 2017, a group of men rushed from a corner store called Rubin's to confront a trio of rivals.

In the early hours of New Year&#8217;s Day 2017, a group of men rushed from a corner store called Rubin&#8217;s to confront a trio of rivals.

One of the men from the shop pulled out a weapon and was pistol whipped by someone from the other group. Another threw a bag of glass bottles, which shattered on the sidewalk. Then Thomas Ortiz, another one of the men from the store, fatally shot Ernesto Rosales.&nbsp;

One of the men from the shop pulled out a weapon and was pistol whipped by someone from the other group. Another threw a bag of glass bottles, which shattered on the sidewalk. Then Thomas Ortiz, another one of the men from the store, fatally shot Ernesto Rosales.&nbsp;

None of that is under dispute.&nbsp;

Whether Ortiz acted on behalf of a gang against long-standing Norteño adversaries of the Army Street gang was put in the hands of a jury that on Thursday found him not guilty on all counts.&nbsp;

Whether Ortiz acted on behalf of a gang against long-standing Norteño adversaries of the Army Street gang was put in the hands of a jury that on Thursday found him not guilty on all counts.&nbsp;

Prosecutors had argued that the killing was revenge for the 2014 killing of 14-year-old <a href="https://abc7news.com/rashawn-williams-suspect-mission-district-stabbing/493857/">Rashawn Williams</a>, which happened in front of the same market and led to a spiral of retaliation.

Prosecutors had argued that the killing was revenge for the 2014 killing of 14-year-old <a href="https://abc7news.com/rashawn-williams-suspect-mission-district-stabbing/493857/">Rashawn Williams</a>, which happened in front of the same market and led to a spiral of retaliation.

Ortiz was put on trial for his alleged actions. But so, too, was the idea of what even constitutes a gang in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Ortiz was put on trial for his alleged actions. But so, too, was the idea of what even constitutes a gang in San Francisco.&nbsp;

The issue was raised in court after former District Attorney Chesa Boudin ordered staff to stop charging defendants with gang enhancements, special charges that can add years to a sentence. And it came up months after the San Francisco Police Department overhauled its Gang Task Force, rechristening the unit as the Community Violence Reduction Team.&nbsp;

The issue was raised in court after former District Attorney Chesa Boudin ordered staff to stop charging defendants with gang enhancements, special charges that can add years to a sentence. And it came up months after the San Francisco Police Department overhauled its Gang Task Force, rechristening the unit as the Community Violence Reduction Team.&nbsp;

Similar backlash against law enforcement characterizations of gang violence has also recently gone to the wayside after a court struck down <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2019/04/san-francisco-city-attorney-pledges-to-end-gang-injunctions-by-years-end/">longstanding restrictions</a> the City Attorney’s Office imposed on the way SFPD addresses criminal street groups.&nbsp;

Similar backlash against law enforcement characterizations of gang violence has also recently gone to the wayside after a court struck down <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2019/04/san-francisco-city-attorney-pledges-to-end-gang-injunctions-by-years-end/">longstanding restrictions</a> the City Attorney’s Office imposed on the way SFPD addresses criminal street groups.&nbsp;

The case has also reignited debate over how police and prosecutors should handle gang violence in the city.&nbsp;

The case has also reignited debate over how police and prosecutors should handle gang violence in the city.&nbsp;

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins—who critiqued Boudin for the way he handled another allegedly gang-related murder trial <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/attorney-general-wont-take-over-cases-that-presented-conflicts-for-brooke-jenkins/">involving one of her relatives</a>, and was the inital prosecutor handling the Ortiz case—sat in the audience as the jury read its verdict last week.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins—who critiqued Boudin for the way he handled another allegedly gang-related murder trial <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/attorney-general-wont-take-over-cases-that-presented-conflicts-for-brooke-jenkins/">involving one of her relatives</a>, and was the inital prosecutor handling the Ortiz case—sat in the audience as the jury read its verdict last week.

A view of Cesar Chavez Street (formerly Army Street) looking toward Bryant Street in San Francisco, California, on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. A handful by individuals associated with the Army Street gang have occured in the last few years, forcing SFPD to think about how it identifies and deals with gangs. | Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ArmyStreet091622_INLINED1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76679"/><figcaption>A view of Cesar Chavez Street (formerly Army Street) looking toward Bryant Street on January 20, 2016. Over the last few years, members of &#8216;Army Street gang&#8217; have been involved in a number of assaults, forcing SFPD to think about how it classifies and deals with groups once identified as gangs. | Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ArmyStreet091622_INLINED1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76679"/><figcaption>A view of Cesar Chavez Street (formerly Army Street) looking toward Bryant Street on January 20, 2016. Over the last few years, members of 'Army Street gang' have been involved in a number of assaults, forcing SFPD to think about how it classifies and deals with groups once identified as gangs. | Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ArmyStreet091622_INLINED1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76679"/><figcaption>A view of Cesar Chavez Street (formerly Army Street) looking toward Bryant Street on January 20, 2016. Over the last few years, members of &#8216;Army Street gang&#8217; have been involved in a number of assaults, forcing SFPD to think about how it classifies and deals with groups once identified as gangs. | Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-a-gang">What Makes a Gang?</h2>

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<h2 id="h-what-makes-a-gang">What Makes a Gang?</h2>

Unlike many other major cities, San Francisco has few gangs linked to larger criminal enterprises like the Norteños and Sureños, law enforcement experts say. Most are parochial, often linked to just a few blocks.

Unlike many other major cities, San Francisco has few gangs linked to larger criminal enterprises like the Norteños and Sureños, law enforcement experts say. Most are parochial, often linked to just a few blocks.

The exceptions being Sureños and Norteños, which both have hierarchical structures that exist beyond San Francisco and operate as larger criminal enterprises. Whereas most other groups in San Francisco that police have identified as gangs have much less rigid structures. Public defenders have argued that they are simply neighborhood groups whose members break the law from time to time.

The exceptions being Sureños and Norteños, which both have hierarchical structures that exist beyond San Francisco and operate as larger criminal enterprises. Whereas most other groups in San Francisco that police have identified as gangs have much less rigid structures. Public defenders have argued that they are simply neighborhood groups whose members break the law from time to time.

In the course of their investigations, police use a number of tools to prove gang affiliation. In the Ortiz case, the testimony of Sgt. Robert Trujillo illustrated the multifaceted process police use.&nbsp;

In the course of their investigations, police use a number of tools to prove gang affiliation. In the Ortiz case, the testimony of Sgt. Robert Trujillo illustrated the multifaceted process police use.&nbsp;

SFPD’s gang designation can include a person’s social media posts, their tattoos, who they hang out with, the clothes they wear, who they associate with in jail and what graffiti they scrawl on the urban landscape, Trujillo testified.

SFPD’s gang designation can include a person’s social media posts, their tattoos, who they hang out with, the clothes they wear, who they associate with in jail and what graffiti they scrawl on the urban landscape, Trujillo testified.

Social media, Trujillo said, is often where police find people who “self identify” as gang members by wearing certain colors or flashing hand signs or writing posts alluding to a specific group.&nbsp;

Social media, Trujillo said, is often where police find people who “self identify” as gang members by wearing certain colors or flashing hand signs or writing posts alluding to a specific group.&nbsp;

As an indication of the level of continued criminal activity linked to gangs, at least in terms of how the police see it, <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/Public-Safety/Police-Department-Incident-Reports-2018-to-Present/wg3w-h783/data?inDatasetSearch=true#expand">318 incidents</a> since 2018 were gang related, according to Data SF. Still, in the past year the number of such incidents has been a small fraction of those cases with only <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/Public-Safety/Police-Department-Incident-Reports-2018-to-Present/wg3w-h783/data?inDatasetSearch=true#expand">27 being gang related</a>.&nbsp;

As an indication of the level of continued criminal activity linked to gangs, at least in terms of how the police see it, <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/Public-Safety/Police-Department-Incident-Reports-2018-to-Present/wg3w-h783/data?inDatasetSearch=true#expand">318 incidents</a> since 2018 were gang related, according to Data SF. Still, in the past year the number of such incidents has been a small fraction of those cases with only <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/Public-Safety/Police-Department-Incident-Reports-2018-to-Present/wg3w-h783/data?inDatasetSearch=true#expand">27 being gang related</a>.&nbsp;

As far as affiliation, police said Ortiz is an Army Street gang member.&nbsp;

As far as affiliation, police said Ortiz is an Army Street gang member.&nbsp;

A Google Street View of Ruben’s Market at 2997 Folsom St, San Francisco. On New Year’s Day 2017, a confrontation occurred outside the the store which left Ernesto Rosales dead and Thomas Ortiz accused of his murder.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ArmyStreet091622_INLINED2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76688"/><figcaption>A Google Street View of Ruben’s Market at 2997 Folsom St, San Francisco. On New Year’s Day 2017, a confrontation occurred outside the the store which left Ernesto Rosales dead and Thomas Ortiz accused of his murder.</figcaption></figure>

In the case of the Army Street gang that means donning camo, writing or wearing the number 26 for 26th Street near the Bernal Dwellings, which used to be called the Army Street Projects and is where most of the alleged members are from.&nbsp;Cesar Chavez Street, which the Bernal Dwellings are located, used to be called Army Street.

In the case of the Army Street gang that means donning camo, writing or wearing the number 26 for 26th Street near the Bernal Dwellings, which used to be called the Army Street Projects and is where most of the alleged members are from.&nbsp;Cesar Chavez Street, which the Bernal Dwellings are located, used to be called Army Street.

In a report on the Army Street Gang in 2018, another officer who testified, Sgt. Scott Lau, wrote that the group has been around since the 1990s and its territory has centered on Bernal Dwellings. The group, he wrote, uses a number of symbols such as A+, Army St, 26 Mob and ASG and has been involved in robberies, battery and even murder. 

In a report on the Army Street Gang in 2018, another officer who testified, Sgt. Scott Lau, wrote that the group has been around since the 1990s and its territory has centered on Bernal Dwellings. The group, he wrote, uses a number of symbols such as A+, Army St, 26 Mob and ASG and has been involved in robberies, battery and even murder.

“The primary activity of the Army St. gang is crime,” Trujillo wrote.&nbsp;

“The primary activity of the Army St. gang is crime,” Trujillo wrote.&nbsp;

Retired Gang Task Force member Leonard Broburg said that often when members of any of these groups moved out of the county and committed a crime, SFPD gang experts were summoned as experts in their prosecution.&nbsp;

Retired Gang Task Force member Leonard Broburg said that often when members of any of these groups moved out of the county and committed a crime, SFPD gang experts were summoned as experts in their prosecution.&nbsp;

While there are more organized gangs in San Francisco, like the Norteños, the murky definitions of gangs and their members is hard to dispute because the expertise is so specialized, San Francisco deputy public defender Yali Corea-Levy argued.&nbsp;

While there are more organized gangs in San Francisco, like the Norteños, the murky definitions of gangs and their members is hard to dispute because the expertise is so specialized, San Francisco deputy public defender Yali Corea-Levy argued.&nbsp;

“How do you impeach them, prove that they are wrong?” he asked in court.&nbsp;

“How do you impeach them, prove that they are wrong?” he asked in court.&nbsp;

There is no textbook, no outside expert to refute the gang designations made by the police department, he added.&nbsp;

There is no textbook, no outside expert to refute the gang designations made by the police department, he added.&nbsp;

“All I can do is call other cops and demonstrate they can’t agree,” Corea-Levy said. “It’s not a real area of expertise.”

“All I can do is call other cops and demonstrate they can’t agree,” Corea-Levy said. “It’s not a real area of expertise.”

In the Ortiz trial, Corea-Levy asked three officers to identify Army Street Gang members—and all three officers disagreed but for one name.&nbsp;

In the Ortiz trial, Corea-Levy asked three officers to identify Army Street Gang members—and all three officers disagreed but for one name.&nbsp;

In a picture shown to the jury, Corea-Levy noted that a Bernal Dwelling resident, who was involved in the fight that led to the <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/alleged-gang-member-to-enter-plea-in-2017-mission-district-homicide/article_408baa16-7213-59c5-8dfe-c127df340d8a.html">killing</a>, was shown beside his mother, who wore a camouflage sweatshirt with the word “army” emblazoned across it—one of many clues police would say indicate gang affiliation.

In a picture shown to the jury, Corea-Levy noted that a Bernal Dwelling resident, who was involved in the fight that led to the <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/alleged-gang-member-to-enter-plea-in-2017-mission-district-homicide/article_408baa16-7213-59c5-8dfe-c127df340d8a.html">killing</a>, was shown beside his mother, who wore a camouflage sweatshirt with the word “army” emblazoned across it—one of many clues police would say indicate gang affiliation.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gang-task-force">Gang Task Force?&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 id="h-gang-task-force">Gang Task Force?&nbsp;</h2>

SFPD’s Gang Task Force was born more than four decades ago, in 1977, after a bloody Chinatown shooting known as the Golden Dragon massacre in which convicted gang boss Raymond “Shrimpboy” Chow was present. The gunfire left five dead and 11 injured. Initially focused on Asian gangs, the unit began to investigate Latino and Black gangs in the 1980s, <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission//special-investigations-div-gtf">according to the SFPD</a>.

SFPD’s Gang Task Force was born more than four decades ago, in 1977, after a bloody Chinatown shooting known as the Golden Dragon massacre in which convicted gang boss Raymond “Shrimpboy” Chow was present. The gunfire left five dead and 11 injured. Initially focused on Asian gangs, the unit began to investigate Latino and Black gangs in the 1980s, <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission//special-investigations-div-gtf">according to the SFPD</a>.

Last year, however, the Gang Task Force was “disbanded” and rebranded with the department adding 10 officers and rechristening the unit as the Community Violence Reduction Team.&nbsp;

Last year, however, the Gang Task Force was “disbanded” and rebranded with the department adding 10 officers and rechristening the unit as the Community Violence Reduction Team.&nbsp;

Sgt. Kevin Knoble, left, of SFPD's gang task force speaks with a young man (did not want name used in photo) who is on the city's gang injuction while he patrols through Visitacion Valley on Thursday, August 23, 2012. | Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1409559342-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77003"/><figcaption>Sgt. Kevin Knoble, right, of SFPD&#8217;s Gang Task Force speaks with a young man who is on the city&#8217;s gang injunction while he patrols through Visitacion Valley on Thursday, August 23, 2012. | Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1409559342-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77003"/><figcaption>Sgt. Kevin Knoble, right, of SFPD's Gang Task Force speaks with a young man who is on the city's gang injunction while he patrols through Visitacion Valley on Thursday, August 23, 2012. | Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1409559342-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77003"/><figcaption>Sgt. Kevin Knoble, right, of SFPD&#8217;s Gang Task Force speaks with a young man who is on the city&#8217;s gang injunction while he patrols through Visitacion Valley on Thursday, August 23, 2012. | Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

“There is no more Gang Task Force,” Chief Bill Scott said to the San Francisco Police Commision <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/archives/faced-with-surge-in-shootings-chief-scott-reenvisions-sfpd-s-gang-task-force/article_e2059171-0a93-5d9d-8918-f898140f32cc.html">in May of 2021</a>, adding that it was a total restructuring.

“There is no more Gang Task Force,” Chief Bill Scott said to the San Francisco Police Commision <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/archives/faced-with-surge-in-shootings-chief-scott-reenvisions-sfpd-s-gang-task-force/article_e2059171-0a93-5d9d-8918-f898140f32cc.html">in May of 2021</a>, adding that it was a total restructuring.

The new unit is meant to work with civilian groups to end gun violence and the Gun Crime Intelligence Center, to try and understand the complicated causes of such violence.&nbsp;

The new unit is meant to work with civilian groups to end gun violence and the Gun Crime Intelligence Center, to try and understand the complicated causes of such violence.&nbsp;

But even though its name has been softened, how it operates when it comes to identifying gangs remains fairly unchanged, Corea-Levy said.

But even though its name has been softened, how it operates when it comes to identifying gangs remains fairly unchanged, Corea-Levy said.

“‘Gang’ is a label put on by law enforcement,” he said, “which is something the unit, whatever you call it, continues to do.”&nbsp;

“‘Gang’ is a label put on by law enforcement,” he said, “which is something the unit, whatever you call it, continues to do.”&nbsp;

As if to affirm as much, an April memo that Sgt. Trujillo wrote in the Ortiz case notes that the unit is no longer the Gang Task Force—but it was penned on stationary still marked with the Gang Task Force letterhead. The department’s website also still lists <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/gang-task-force">the task force</a> under its old name.

As if to affirm as much, an April memo that Sgt. Trujillo wrote in the Ortiz case notes that the unit is no longer the Gang Task Force—but it was penned on stationary still marked with the Gang Task Force letterhead. The department’s website also still lists <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/gang-task-force">the task force</a> under its old name.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-violence-continues">The Violence Continues</h2>

<h2 id="h-the-violence-continues">The Violence Continues</h2>

Regardless of whether a group fits the police definition of gangs, there’s no denying that rivalries among various factions have led to killings in San Francisco.

Regardless of whether a group fits the police definition of gangs, there’s no denying that rivalries among various factions have led to killings in San Francisco.

A <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/archives/analysis-links-12-groups-and-gangs-to-most-of-sf-s-gun-violence/article_f70d350c-9dbc-5d11-bab4-0fa3c921abf9.html">2021 analysis</a> found that 12 groups were responsible for the majority of violence committed in the city. Those cliques—in the Bayview, Visitacion Valley, the Fillmore and the Mission—were responsible for most shootings from 2017 to mid-2020, according to police data. All told, the analysis noted, roughly 200 people are responsible for most gun violence in San Francisco.&nbsp;

A <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/archives/analysis-links-12-groups-and-gangs-to-most-of-sf-s-gun-violence/article_f70d350c-9dbc-5d11-bab4-0fa3c921abf9.html">2021 analysis</a> found that 12 groups were responsible for the majority of violence committed in the city. Those cliques—in the Bayview, Visitacion Valley, the Fillmore and the Mission—were responsible for most shootings from 2017 to mid-2020, according to police data. All told, the analysis noted, roughly 200 people are responsible for most gun violence in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Thomas Ortiz, who was found not guilty on all counts in the recent murder trial for a 2017 killing, several years ago. Courtesy photo

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ArmyStreet091622_INLINED4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76702" width="700" height="467"/><figcaption>Thomas Ortiz, who was found not guilty on all counts in the recent murder trial for a 2017 killing, several years ago. Courtesy photo</figcaption></figure>

But groups come and go, making it all the more complicated to identify hierarchies and affiliations. In the case of the so-called Army Street Gang, it has all but dissipated since the 2017 killing, as police say its more active members have either been murdered, moved or gotten out of the game.&nbsp;

But groups come and go, making it all the more complicated to identify hierarchies and affiliations. In the case of the so-called Army Street Gang, it has all but dissipated since the 2017 killing, as police say its more active members have either been murdered, moved or gotten out of the game.&nbsp;

As for Ortiz, who was released last week after a four-year jail stint, he is simply happy the jury agreed with his version of events, Corea-Levy said: that is, that he was acting in self-defense.

As for Ortiz, who was released last week after a four-year jail stint, he is simply happy the jury agreed with his version of events, Corea-Levy said: that is, that he was acting in self-defense.

In San Francisco, how ‘gangs’ are defined is up for debate

Astrid Kane

In late September, the wealthiest man in the world waded into San Francisco politics. Apparently upset by a measure being mulled by the Board of Supervisors that would restrict the use of weapons by private security guards, Elon Musk took direct aim at its author.&nbsp;

In late September, the wealthiest man in the world waded into San Francisco politics. Apparently upset by a measure being mulled by the Board of Supervisors that would restrict the use of weapons by private security guards, Elon Musk took direct aim at its author.&nbsp;

“Dean Preston should go to prison,” Musk <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1707725140618858935?s=20">wrote on X</a> to his 174 million followers.

“Dean Preston should go to prison,” Musk <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1707725140618858935?s=20">wrote on X</a> to his 174 million followers.

Musk also pledged to contribute $100,000 to unseat Preston—San Francisco’s lone Democratic Socialist and a tenants rights lawyer—in the November 2024 election, doubling Y Combinator founder Garry Tan’s offer of a $50,000 donation to oust Preston.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Musk also pledged to contribute $100,000 to unseat Preston—San Francisco’s lone Democratic Socialist and a tenants rights lawyer—in the November 2024 election, doubling Y Combinator founder Garry Tan’s offer of a $50,000 donation to oust Preston.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Though Musk has yet to pony up those six figures, the episode illustrated just how well-known, or perhaps infamous, Preston has become—not just in San Francisco but far beyond. Indeed, “Dump Dean” has become less of a call to oust a single supervisor and more of a meme—essentially, among the incumbent’s more vociferous online opponents, a synonym for fixing San Francisco itself.

Though Musk has yet to pony up those six figures, the episode illustrated just how well-known, or perhaps infamous, Preston has become—not just in San Francisco but far beyond. Indeed, “Dump Dean” has become less of a call to oust a single supervisor and more of a meme—essentially, among the incumbent’s more vociferous online opponents, a synonym for fixing San Francisco itself.

A picture of Dump Dean Preston’s page on Grow SF website lists 31 reasons why the oppose Supervisor Dean Preston on March 1, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/deanprestonprofile-20.jpg?w=2500" alt="A computer screen displays a website with text &quot;Dump Dean Preston&quot; and a man's photo." class="wp-image-254670"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A picture of the &#8220;Dump Dean&#8221; page on Grow SF&#8217;s website lists 31 reasons to oppose Preston.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/deanprestonprofile-20.jpg?w=2500" alt="A computer screen displays a website with text &quot;Dump Dean Preston&quot; and a man's photo." class="wp-image-254670"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A picture of the "Dump Dean" page on Grow SF's website lists 31 reasons to oppose Preston.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/deanprestonprofile-20.jpg?w=2500" alt="A computer screen displays a website with text &quot;Dump Dean Preston&quot; and a man's photo." class="wp-image-254670"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A picture of the &#8220;Dump Dean&#8221; page on Grow SF&#8217;s website lists 31 reasons to oppose Preston.</figcaption></figure>

To supporters, Preston is a principled lawmaker who has dedicated his entire career to keeping vulnerable people in their homes. During the pandemic, he pushed to extend a residential eviction moratorium and repurpose vacant hotels as shelter for unhoused residents. He was the driving force behind the Gaza cease-fire resolution in January and a 2022 ballot measure shifting mayoral races from odd-numbered years to higher turnout presidential years, which progressives hoped would work to their benefit. He recently introduced a no-turn-on-red bill, and he’s been a strong supporter of car-free Hayes Street.&nbsp;

To supporters, Preston is a principled lawmaker who has dedicated his entire career to keeping vulnerable people in their homes. During the pandemic, he pushed to extend a residential eviction moratorium and repurpose vacant hotels as shelter for unhoused residents. He was the driving force behind the Gaza cease-fire resolution in January and a 2022 ballot measure shifting mayoral races from odd-numbered years to higher turnout presidential years, which progressives hoped would work to their benefit. He recently introduced a no-turn-on-red bill, and he’s been a strong supporter of car-free Hayes Street.&nbsp;

To detractors, however, Preston is an ideologue more interested in lobbing rhetorical Molotov cocktails than in the nitty-gritty of constituent services. His interest in halting Muni’s fare increases by definition starves the beleaguered transit agency of necessary funding. His anti-incarceration stance leaves him open to the accusation that he’s actively abetting the fentanyl crisis and indifferent to his district’s top concerns. And his insistence on affordable housing makes him the city’s No. 1 NIMBY.

To detractors, however, Preston is an ideologue more interested in lobbing rhetorical Molotov cocktails than in the nitty-gritty of constituent services. His interest in halting Muni’s fare increases by definition starves the beleaguered transit agency of necessary funding. His anti-incarceration stance leaves him open to the accusation that he’s actively abetting the fentanyl crisis and indifferent to his district’s top concerns. And his insistence on affordable housing makes him the city’s No. 1 NIMBY.

As a wealthy man who lives in San Francisco’s tony Alamo Square, Preston has faced endless criticism of the “champagne socialist” stripe, along with accusations of hypocrisy when he opposes market-rate housing and police overtime. Consequently, he faces a tough reelection battle in November: Some $300,000 has been raised already to defeat him, by far the most well-funded campaign against any incumbent.

As a wealthy man who lives in San Francisco’s tony Alamo Square, Preston has faced endless criticism of the “champagne socialist” stripe, along with accusations of hypocrisy when he opposes market-rate housing and police overtime. Consequently, he faces a tough reelection battle in November: Some $300,000 has been raised already to defeat him, by far the most well-funded campaign against any incumbent.

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<figure class="wp-block-video alignwide"><video autoplay controls loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/120523_gazaresolution_bos-00_09_09_00-still020.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240227_deanprestonprofile_gaza_comments.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Preston became emotional when introducing a cease-fire resolution for the Israel-Hamas war at a Board of Supervisors meeting in December.</figcaption></figure>

To be sure, Preston has cultivated a reputation during his five years on the Board of Supervisors as a crusader. As the security-guard weapons measure showed, he is unafraid to tackle hot-button issues. He drafted the legislation after 24-year-old Banko Brown was shot and killed by a security guard at a downtown San Francisco Walgreens last April for allegedly stealing $15 worth of candy. The guard was arrested, but no charges were filed. Crowds protested, and elected officials sought, unsuccessfully, to have the state attorney general step in.&nbsp;

To be sure, Preston has cultivated a reputation during his five years on the Board of Supervisors as a crusader. As the security-guard weapons measure showed, he is unafraid to tackle hot-button issues. He drafted the legislation after 24-year-old Banko Brown was shot and killed by a security guard at a downtown San Francisco Walgreens last April for allegedly stealing $15 worth of candy. The guard was arrested, but no charges were filed. Crowds protested, and elected officials sought, unsuccessfully, to have the state attorney general step in.&nbsp;

&#8220;Property should never be placed above human life, and our laws should be crystal-clear on that,&#8221; Preston said at the time.&nbsp;

"Property should never be placed above human life, and our laws should be crystal-clear on that," Preston said at the time.&nbsp;

&#8220;Property should never be placed above human life, and our laws should be crystal-clear on that,&#8221; Preston said at the time.&nbsp;

Musk’s anger aside, Preston’s measure proved uncontroversial among his colleagues on the board. It passed 11-0, and Mayor London Breed signed it into law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Musk’s anger aside, Preston’s measure proved uncontroversial among his colleagues on the board. It passed 11-0, and Mayor London Breed signed it into law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Breed is facing a tough election fight in November as well. Although Supervisor Aaron Peskin is widely expected to enter the race, at present every major mayoral candidate is grouped among the city’s moderates. This makes Preston San Francisco’s most visible progressive at a time when the entire progressive project is under sustained assault.

Breed is facing a tough election fight in November as well. Although Supervisor Aaron Peskin is widely expected to enter the race, at present every major mayoral candidate is grouped among the city’s moderates. This makes Preston San Francisco’s most visible progressive at a time when the entire progressive project is under sustained assault.

Preston is at the center of the city’s political zeitgeist. And depending on how you feel about the state of San Francisco today, you probably either love him or hate him.

Preston is at the center of the city’s political zeitgeist. And depending on how you feel about the state of San Francisco today, you probably either love him or hate him.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-greenwich-village-to-alamo-square">From Greenwich Village to Alamo Square</h2>

Born in 1969 in New York’s Greenwich Village, Preston grew up with two siblings in a grand, prewar apartment building opposite Washington Square, right near New York University. His mother, Linda, was a native New Yorker. His father, Kenneth, born Hans Albert Pressburger in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1931, fled the Nazis with his parents, arriving in New York in 1941. They founded a medical device distribution company, J. A. Preston, that was later assigned patents for rehabilitative instruments like a hand dynamometer to test grip strength.

Born in 1969 in New York’s Greenwich Village, Preston grew up with two siblings in a grand, prewar apartment building opposite Washington Square, right near New York University. His mother, Linda, was a native New Yorker. His father, Kenneth, born Hans Albert Pressburger in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1931, fled the Nazis with his parents, arriving in New York in 1941. They founded a medical device distribution company, J. A. Preston, that was later assigned patents for rehabilitative instruments like a hand dynamometer to test grip strength.

Preston’s education reflects a privileged upbringing. He graduated from New York’s prestigious Horace Mann School, an Ivy League preparatory academy where tuition today runs about $62,000 per year. Preston then enrolled at Bowdoin College, a small private school in Maine where he later met his wife, Jenckyn Goosby. He graduated magna cum laude in the Class of ’91 with a double major in anthropology and economics.&nbsp;

Preston’s education reflects a privileged upbringing. He graduated from New York’s prestigious Horace Mann School, an Ivy League preparatory academy where tuition today runs about $62,000 per year. Preston then enrolled at Bowdoin College, a small private school in Maine where he later met his wife, Jenckyn Goosby. He graduated magna cum laude in the Class of ’91 with a double major in anthropology and economics.&nbsp;

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<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote>“I've never been a landlord in my entire life. I've never even represented a landlord.”<cite>Dean Preston</cite></blockquote></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote>“I&#8217;ve never been a landlord in my entire life. I&#8217;ve never even represented a landlord.”<cite>Dean Preston</cite></blockquote></figure>

Two years after graduating from Bowdoin, Preston moved to San Francisco with Goosby, who is part of a locally prominent Black family. Her grandfather, Dr. Zuretti Goosby, a dentist in private practice, was the first Black member of the San Francisco Board of Education, appointed in 1967. During his 12-year tenure, “Zoo” rose to become president of that body, helping shepherd the city’s schools out of the era of official racial segregation.&nbsp;

Two years after graduating from Bowdoin, Preston moved to San Francisco with Goosby, who is part of a locally prominent Black family. Her grandfather, Dr. Zuretti Goosby, a dentist in private practice, was the first Black member of the San Francisco Board of Education, appointed in 1967. During his 12-year tenure, “Zoo” rose to become president of that body, helping shepherd the city’s schools out of the era of official racial segregation.&nbsp;

Preston got his law degree from the University of California Hastings in 1996. Initially attracted to international human rights, Preston became a tenants rights lawyer.

Preston got his law degree from the University of California Hastings in 1996. Initially attracted to international human rights, Preston became a tenants rights lawyer.

He worked for seven years at the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, a taxpayer-funded supportive housing nonprofit that has long assisted marginal populations but whose properties <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-homeless-housing-drug-overdose-deaths/">have more recently been the site of fatal overdoses</a>. “What appealed to me,” Preston said to <a href="https://beyondchron.org/dean-preston-to-start-statewide-tenant-organization/">Beyond Chron</a> in 2007, “was doing cases that were about people—rather than paper.”

3 people die of drug overdoses every week in San Francisco supportive housing

He worked for seven years at the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, a taxpayer-funded supportive housing nonprofit that has long assisted marginal populations but whose properties <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-homeless-housing-drug-overdose-deaths/">have more recently been the site of fatal overdoses</a>. “What appealed to me,” Preston said to <a href="https://beyondchron.org/dean-preston-to-start-statewide-tenant-organization/">Beyond Chron</a> in 2007, “was doing cases that were about people—rather than paper.”

A flyer hangs outside of San Francisco District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston’s office in City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Preston, a Democratic Socialist, will run for re-election next year for his second term.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined02_20240105_deanprestonprofile.jpg?w=2500" alt="a sign in various colors and fonts thanks an elected official for helping people remain in their homes" class="wp-image-253707"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Preston&#8217;s office contains a thank-you from constituents who view him as a leader in helping low-income people stay in their homes.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined02_20240105_deanprestonprofile.jpg?w=2500" alt="a sign in various colors and fonts thanks an elected official for helping people remain in their homes" class="wp-image-253707"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Preston's office contains a thank-you from constituents who view him as a leader in helping low-income people stay in their homes.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined02_20240105_deanprestonprofile.jpg?w=2500" alt="a sign in various colors and fonts thanks an elected official for helping people remain in their homes" class="wp-image-253707"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Preston&#8217;s office contains a thank-you from constituents who view him as a leader in helping low-income people stay in their homes.</figcaption></figure>

In 2008, Preston left the housing clinic and founded Tenants Together, which describes itself as California’s only statewide renters’ rights organization and which was instrumental in securing a right to an attorney for all San Franciscans facing eviction. It has also fought abuses of the Ellis Act, a controversial California law that enables landlords to clear a building of its tenants before putting it on the market.

In 2008, Preston left the housing clinic and founded Tenants Together, which describes itself as California’s only statewide renters’ rights organization and which was instrumental in securing a right to an attorney for all San Franciscans facing eviction. It has also fought abuses of the Ellis Act, a controversial California law that enables landlords to clear a building of its tenants before putting it on the market.

Meanwhile, the elder Prestons eventually followed Dean and his two siblings west, relocating to San Francisco. They bought a unit at 1333 Jones St., a mid-century apartment tower otherwise known as The Comstock. Linda Preston died in 2009, Kenneth in 2021. A year later, the two-bedroom co-op <a href="https://sfplanninggis.org/pim/?pub=true">sold for $2.6 million</a>.

Meanwhile, the elder Prestons eventually followed Dean and his two siblings west, relocating to San Francisco. They bought a unit at 1333 Jones St., a mid-century apartment tower otherwise known as The Comstock. Linda Preston died in 2009, Kenneth in 2021. A year later, the two-bedroom co-op <a href="https://sfplanninggis.org/pim/?pub=true">sold for $2.6 million</a>.

Preston and his wife own a single-family home in Alamo Square, where they live with their two daughters, and which Zillow estimates to be worth about $2.5 million—roughly three times what they paid for it in 1999. In 2022 and 2023 financial disclosure statements, Preston listed ownership in four blue-chip tech companies, including Apple and Cisco Systems, of between $100,001 and $1 million each. Separately, a Goosby family trust owns several buildings in San Francisco, but since its membership is private, it is unclear whether Jenckyn Goosby receives a portion of any rental income.

Preston and his wife own a single-family home in Alamo Square, where they live with their two daughters, and which Zillow estimates to be worth about $2.5 million—roughly three times what they paid for it in 1999. In 2022 and 2023 financial disclosure statements, Preston listed ownership in four blue-chip tech companies, including Apple and Cisco Systems, of between $100,001 and $1 million each. Separately, a Goosby family trust owns several buildings in San Francisco, but since its membership is private, it is unclear whether Jenckyn Goosby receives a portion of any rental income.

Opponents have pointed to his in-laws’ trust as proof that Preston is a closet landlord, an accusation he denies, adding that he has been part of a tenant lawyers’ organization that explicitly forbids members from owning rental property.

Opponents have pointed to his in-laws’ trust as proof that Preston is a closet landlord, an accusation he denies, adding that he has been part of a tenant lawyers’ organization that explicitly forbids members from owning rental property.

“I&#8217;ve never been a landlord in my entire life,” he said. “I&#8217;ve never even represented a landlord.”

“I've never been a landlord in my entire life,” he said. “I've never even represented a landlord.”

“I&#8217;ve never been a landlord in my entire life,” he said. “I&#8217;ve never even represented a landlord.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-only-democratic-socialist">The only Democratic Socialist</h2>

In person, Preston is soft-spoken, with a tendency toward defensiveness. More than casting oratorical thunderbolts down from Marxist Mount Olympus, he waded into the minutiae of city policy while pausing to greet supporters who interrupted to say hello during a recent interview at a Peet’s near City Hall.&nbsp;

In person, Preston is soft-spoken, with a tendency toward defensiveness. More than casting oratorical thunderbolts down from Marxist Mount Olympus, he waded into the minutiae of city policy while pausing to greet supporters who interrupted to say hello during a recent interview at a Peet’s near City Hall.&nbsp;

Online, though, he has been belligerent toward constituents, with a tendency to assign blame for multifaceted issues on capitalism. He has been called a mansplainer. Shortly after Musk tweeted for his imprisonment, he left the platform altogether.

Online, though, he has been belligerent toward constituents, with a tendency to assign blame for multifaceted issues on capitalism. He has been called a mansplainer. Shortly after Musk tweeted for his imprisonment, he left the platform altogether.

One’s opinion about Preston’s five years in office may be ascertained with a simple word-association exercise. If the term “socialism” evokes Copenhagen’s ample bike lanes and free health care in your mind, you probably like Dean Preston. If it suggests Caracas’ hyperinflation and breakdown of civil order, you’re maybe not such a fan.&nbsp;

One’s opinion about Preston’s five years in office may be ascertained with a simple word-association exercise. If the term “socialism” evokes Copenhagen’s ample bike lanes and free health care in your mind, you probably like Dean Preston. If it suggests Caracas’ hyperinflation and breakdown of civil order, you’re maybe not such a fan.&nbsp;

Perhaps more than his personality, it’s Preston’s affiliation with the 90,000-member strong Democratic Socialists of America that strongly colors opinions about him. To some, the organization’s anti-Zionist stance is disqualifying right out of the gate. To others, it’s a sign that a well-off Gen Xer grasps millennial and Gen Z anxieties about the future. Preston is undeterred.

Perhaps more than his personality, it’s Preston’s affiliation with the 90,000-member strong Democratic Socialists of America that strongly colors opinions about him. To some, the organization’s anti-Zionist stance is disqualifying right out of the gate. To others, it’s a sign that a well-off Gen Xer grasps millennial and Gen Z anxieties about the future. Preston is undeterred.

Supervisor Dean Preston joins DSA and other community groups in celebrating  that the empty homes Tax has enough petition signatures to qualify for the ballot, at San Francisco City Hall on Thursday, June 30, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined03_20240105_deanprestonprofile.jpg?w=2500" alt="Dean Preston stands in profile with his hands clasped. He is wearing a blue dress shit and gray jacket and standing in front of a younger Latinx person holding a protest sign." class="wp-image-253708"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Preston&#8217;s affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America has brought him both admiration and scrutiny.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined03_20240105_deanprestonprofile.jpg?w=2500" alt="Dean Preston stands in profile with his hands clasped. He is wearing a blue dress shit and gray jacket and standing in front of a younger Latinx person holding a protest sign." class="wp-image-253708"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Preston's affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America has brought him both admiration and scrutiny.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined03_20240105_deanprestonprofile.jpg?w=2500" alt="Dean Preston stands in profile with his hands clasped. He is wearing a blue dress shit and gray jacket and standing in front of a younger Latinx person holding a protest sign." class="wp-image-253708"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Preston&#8217;s affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America has brought him both admiration and scrutiny.</figcaption></figure>

“Obviously, the majority of people in my district did not think of this as a problem,” he said of his DSA affiliation. “Because I ran very clearly as a Democratic Socialist and was elected first time by a narrow margin, and then second time by a double-digit margin.”

“Obviously, the majority of people in my district did not think of this as a problem,” he said of his DSA affiliation. “Because I ran very clearly as a Democratic Socialist and was elected first time by a narrow margin, and then second time by a double-digit margin.”

“There&#8217;s nothing offensive about being a Democratic Socialist,” said Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors. “Bernie Sanders was a viable candidate for president of the United States. Matter of fact, there&#8217;s something kind of interesting about having that diverse voice on the board.”

“There's nothing offensive about being a Democratic Socialist,” said Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors. “Bernie Sanders was a viable candidate for president of the United States. Matter of fact, there's something kind of interesting about having that diverse voice on the board.”

“There&#8217;s nothing offensive about being a Democratic Socialist,” said Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors. “Bernie Sanders was a viable candidate for president of the United States. Matter of fact, there&#8217;s something kind of interesting about having that diverse voice on the board.”

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