Gabe Greschler

Kevin Truong

A new poll conducted by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is showing strong support for two propositions on the March 5 ballot that are poised to increase law enforcement’s powers and create stricter rules surrounding welfare and drug use, data that suggests voters are leaning away from some of the city’s more progressive policies on policing and social services.&nbsp;

core/paragraph

A new poll conducted by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is showing strong support for two propositions on the March 5 ballot that are poised to increase law enforcement’s powers and create stricter rules surrounding welfare and drug use, data that suggests voters are leaning away from some of the city’s more progressive policies on policing and social services.&nbsp;

The Chamber found that a significant majority of San Franciscans—61%—would vote yes on Prop. E, which would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-mayor-police-drones/">expand the Police Department’s surveillance capabilities</a> and allow officers to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">make more vehicle pursuits</a>. Thirty-seven percent are in opposition.

Vehicle pursuits, sideshows and car break-ins: How Mayor Breed wants San Francisco police to use drones

San Francisco mayor wants to give cops a long leash. Here’s what you’ll be voting on

The Chamber found that a significant majority of San Franciscans—61%—would vote yes on Prop. E, which would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-mayor-police-drones/">expand the Police Department’s surveillance capabilities</a> and allow officers to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">make more vehicle pursuits</a>. Thirty-seven percent are in opposition.

The polling also found that Prop. F, which would require screening and treatment for single adults suspected of being addicted to illegal drugs as a condition of receiving cash assistance, is garnering similarly robust support, with 61% of voters in support and 36% opposed.

The polling also found that Prop. F, which would require screening and treatment for single adults suspected of being addicted to illegal drugs as a condition of receiving cash assistance, is garnering similarly robust support, with 61% of voters in support and 36% opposed.

Not all of the propositions are seeing such outright support: Proposition C, which incentivizes turning office space into housing by waiving the conversion’s transfer tax, had 53% of voters in support and 42% against. All three propositions were placed on the ballot by Mayor London Breed and need simple majorities to pass.

Not all of the propositions are seeing such outright support: Proposition C, which incentivizes turning office space into housing by waiving the conversion’s transfer tax, had 53% of voters in support and 42% against. All three propositions were placed on the ballot by Mayor London Breed and need simple majorities to pass.

The Chamber’s polling offers insights into where voters are landing on ballot measures championed by Breed, who faces a tough reelection contest in November. As frustrations run high over public safety, homelessness and other pressing issues, Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-mayor-race-breed-lurie-poll/">popularity has slipped</a>.

Bad news for Mayor London Breed in new poll

The Chamber’s polling offers insights into where voters are landing on ballot measures championed by Breed, who faces a tough reelection contest in November. As frustrations run high over public safety, homelessness and other pressing issues, Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-mayor-race-breed-lurie-poll/">popularity has slipped</a>.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed speaks at City Hall on Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023. The mayor gave a press conference about the upcoming APEC summit.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/apecgraton10242023-13.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a purple dress speaks at a microphone; another woman smiles in the background." class="wp-image-245501"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco voters appear to be supportive of ballot measures placed on the March 5 ballot by Mayor London Breed. </figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/apecgraton10242023-13.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a purple dress speaks at a microphone; another woman smiles in the background." class="wp-image-245501"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco voters appear to be supportive of ballot measures placed on the March 5 ballot by Mayor London Breed. </figcaption></figure>

“I think voters in San Francisco are looking for solutions to address the problems they see in the city,” said Ruth Bernstein, CEO of EMC Research, which conducted 500 interviews for the poll. “They are seeing concerns about crime. They are seeing a number of challenges in the city. And they are open and supportive of changes that are going to address some of those problems.”

“I think voters in San Francisco are looking for solutions to address the problems they see in the city,” said Ruth Bernstein, CEO of EMC Research, which conducted 500 interviews for the poll. “They are seeing concerns about crime. They are seeing a number of challenges in the city. And they are open and supportive of changes that are going to address some of those problems.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stronger-policing-and-drug-policy">Stronger policing and drug policy</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stronger-policing-and-drug-policy">Stronger policing and drug policy</h2>

Prop. E, which would allow police officers to use drones, more cameras and automated license plate readers and give them more latitude to chase suspects, is seeing a firehose of money coming in from a variety of tech leaders, including Ripple chairman Chris Larsen and venture capitalist Ron Conway.&nbsp;

Prop. E, which would allow police officers to use drones, more cameras and automated license plate readers and give them more latitude to chase suspects, is seeing a firehose of money coming in from a variety of tech leaders, including Ripple chairman Chris Larsen and venture capitalist Ron Conway.&nbsp;

The ballot measure would also require the Police Commission, which acts as an oversight group of the department, to gather community feedback if they are implementing new policies. It would also task the watchdog and department to reduce tasks considered time-consuming for police officers.

The ballot measure would also require the Police Commission, which acts as an oversight group of the department, to gather community feedback if they are implementing new policies. It would also task the watchdog and department to reduce tasks considered time-consuming for police officers.

As of Tuesday, the ballot measure has racked up nearly $1.5 million, according to the city’s Ethics Commission—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/22/london-breed-prop-e-san-francisco-police-fundraising/">by far the most cash injected in support of a proposition</a> for the March election.&nbsp;

This San Francisco ballot measure would boost police surveillance. It&#8217;s raised $1M

As of Tuesday, the ballot measure has racked up nearly $1.5 million, according to the city’s Ethics Commission—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/22/london-breed-prop-e-san-francisco-police-fundraising/">by far the most cash injected in support of a proposition</a> for the March election.&nbsp;

One of Breed’s main opponents in the race this November, Daniel Lurie, has established his own committee supporting the measure.

One of Breed’s main opponents in the race this November, Daniel Lurie, has established his own committee supporting the measure.

The proposition’s opponents have raised $200,000, with the American Civil Liberties Union speaking out against the measure, describing it as going backward on police reforms and removing teeth from the Police Commission’s oversight role.

The proposition’s opponents have raised $200,000, with the American Civil Liberties Union speaking out against the measure, describing it as going backward on police reforms and removing teeth from the Police Commission’s oversight role.

“I think it&#8217;s obvious that people are reacting to the news and information to the ongoing flash mob crimes event and the problem of open drug sales in the Tenderloin and SoMa areas,” said University of San Francisco politics professor James Taylor. “And this was predictable, that the public would act in that particular way. It would be surprising if the public opposed any of the reforms.”&nbsp;

“I think it's obvious that people are reacting to the news and information to the ongoing flash mob crimes event and the problem of open drug sales in the Tenderloin and SoMa areas,” said University of San Francisco politics professor James Taylor. “And this was predictable, that the public would act in that particular way. It would be surprising if the public opposed any of the reforms.”&nbsp;

“I think it&#8217;s obvious that people are reacting to the news and information to the ongoing flash mob crimes event and the problem of open drug sales in the Tenderloin and SoMa areas,” said University of San Francisco politics professor James Taylor. “And this was predictable, that the public would act in that particular way. It would be surprising if the public opposed any of the reforms.”&nbsp;

Ken Reigenborn uses drugs in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco on July 4, 2022. Homelessness and public drug use including the use of fentanyl continue to be major public health issues in the City.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2022_july_04_tenderloin_addiction-17.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is hunched over, using a straw on a device in his hand, with graffiti and items in the background." class="wp-image-241307"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A new poll shows that 61% of San Francisco voters support Prop. F, which would require single adults suspected of being addicted to illegal drugs to undergo screening and agree to treatment as a condition of receiving cash welfare benefits. </figcaption></figure>

The mayor’s other proposition, Prop. F, would require single adults on city welfare payments who are suspected of using illicit drugs to undergo screening and treatment if they want to keep receiving benefits.&nbsp;

The mayor’s other proposition, Prop. F, would require single adults on city welfare payments who are suspected of using illicit drugs to undergo screening and treatment if they want to keep receiving benefits.&nbsp;

A <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/san-francisco-drugs-welfare-poll-march-2024-election/">poll in December</a> showed similar support from the public, with 66% voting yes. Over $500,000 has been raised for the measure, with support coming in part from Ripple’s Larsen.&nbsp;

Controversial plan to screen welfare recipients for drugs is backed by voters, poll says

A <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/san-francisco-drugs-welfare-poll-march-2024-election/">poll in December</a> showed similar support from the public, with 66% voting yes. Over $500,000 has been raised for the measure, with support coming in part from Ripple’s Larsen.&nbsp;

Opposition has come from some of the city’s elected officials—including a “no” vote by the San Francisco Democratic Party—with some electeds expressing skepticism over how impactful the rule will be in actually fighting the city’s drug crisis.

Opposition has come from some of the city’s elected officials—including a “no” vote by the San Francisco Democratic Party—with some electeds expressing skepticism over how impactful the rule will be in actually fighting the city’s drug crisis.

“I suspect it reflects frustration and anger,” said Stanford professor Keith Humphreys, an expert on drug addiction, about the public’s support. “We’re not a city overrun by right-wing people. They’ve just come to the end of their rope.”

“I suspect it reflects frustration and anger,” said Stanford professor Keith Humphreys, an expert on drug addiction, about the public’s support. “We’re not a city overrun by right-wing people. They’ve just come to the end of their rope.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-downtown-recovery-and-office-conversions">Downtown recovery and office conversions</h2>

The health of downtown San Francisco and policies meant to speed up its languid recovery was also a major theme of the poll results.&nbsp;

The health of downtown San Francisco and policies meant to speed up its languid recovery was also a major theme of the poll results.&nbsp;

Some 84% of voters support the idea of providing financial incentives for small businesses to stay or relocate downtown, and 81% support tax incentives for helping to fill vacant ground-floor spaces that have increasingly dotted the city’s central business district.&nbsp;

Some 84% of voters support the idea of providing financial incentives for small businesses to stay or relocate downtown, and 81% support tax incentives for helping to fill vacant ground-floor spaces that have increasingly dotted the city’s central business district.&nbsp;

That backing extends to large companies as well, although to a slightly lesser extent. The poll found that 71% of voters support offering incentives for large businesses to stay or move downtown.

That backing extends to large companies as well, although to a slightly lesser extent. The poll found that 71% of voters support offering incentives for large businesses to stay or move downtown.

The concept of converting vacant offices to other uses has the support of 85% of voters, with more than three-fourths of respondents agreeing that additional housing should be added to the city’s downtown.&nbsp;

The concept of converting vacant offices to other uses has the support of 85% of voters, with more than three-fourths of respondents agreeing that additional housing should be added to the city’s downtown.&nbsp;

Empty space in office building in downtown San Francisco. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SFDotwntown06232023_08.jpg?w=2500" alt="A close-up of a modern building's facade showing several floors with glass windows and office interiors." class="wp-image-174911"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prop. C would offer tax incentives to convert downtown office buildings into housing. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

However, when it comes to the actual policy prescriptions on the March ballot, opinions were much more mixed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, when it comes to the actual policy prescriptions on the March ballot, opinions were much more mixed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prop. C would offer tax incentives to turn these empty towers into residential developments. If passed, developers would avoid the 5.5%-6% tax when properties worth over $10 million change hands. Only 53% of voters supported the transfer tax pause, compared with 42% in opposition.&nbsp;

Prop. C would offer tax incentives to turn these empty towers into residential developments. If passed, developers would avoid the 5.5%-6% tax when properties worth over $10 million change hands. Only 53% of voters supported the transfer tax pause, compared with 42% in opposition.&nbsp;

EMC Research’s Bernstein said that the reason why support for Prop. C may be less robust than the policing and drug propositions—despite broad support for increased housing—could simply come down to its lengthy and dull language. That’s in spite of wide support for increasing housing.

EMC Research’s Bernstein said that the reason why support for Prop. C may be less robust than the policing and drug propositions—despite broad support for increased housing—could simply come down to its lengthy and dull language. That’s in spite of wide support for increasing housing.

“You gotta work through a lot of words there to get at it: This is an incentive to build more housing,” she said.

“You gotta work through a lot of words there to get at it: This is an incentive to build more housing,” she said.

On Tuesday, the mayor provided an update to her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/09/downtown-san-francisco-is-dead-heres-the-plan-to-save-it/">Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future</a>, a plan unveiled last February that included a litany of ideas that have been put in action to reimagine downtown, including cutting red tape around development, a tax freeze for retail, hotels and other sectors, and increasing resources for public safety initiatives.

Downtown San Francisco is dead. Here’s the plan to save it

On Tuesday, the mayor provided an update to her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/09/downtown-san-francisco-is-dead-heres-the-plan-to-save-it/">Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future</a>, a plan unveiled last February that included a litany of ideas that have been put in action to reimagine downtown, including cutting red tape around development, a tax freeze for retail, hotels and other sectors, and increasing resources for public safety initiatives.

According to the mayor’s office, future plans include further support of arts, culture and entertainment uses, the launch of new outdoor concerts, pop-ups and small business support and further progress on efforts to bring educational institutions downtown.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the mayor’s office, future plans include further support of arts, culture and entertainment uses, the launch of new outdoor concerts, pop-ups and small business support and further progress on efforts to bring educational institutions downtown.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

San Francisco voters want more police powers, new poll shows

Brian Hofer

Mayor London Breed wants to appear like she’s tough on crime with a citywide campaign for her ballot measure, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/22/london-breed-prop-e-san-francisco-police-fundraising/">Proposition E</a>, which she claims will make San Francisco safer.

Mayor London Breed wants to appear like she’s tough on crime with a citywide campaign for her ballot measure, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/22/london-breed-prop-e-san-francisco-police-fundraising/">Proposition E</a>, which she claims will make San Francisco safer.

But while Breed says Prop. E would relieve the police department from cumbersome oversight and paperwork, the measure actually would give San Francisco police a free pass to get around the city’s popular safeguards governing the use of inaccurate and racially biased facial recognition technology.&nbsp;

But while Breed says Prop. E would relieve the police department from cumbersome oversight and paperwork, the measure actually would give San Francisco police a free pass to get around the city’s popular safeguards governing the use of inaccurate and racially biased facial recognition technology.&nbsp;

In 2019, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved by a 10-1 vote an ordinance that made tech-friendly San Francisco the first city in the nation to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/26811969c30a4aa4aee1fe93d47e2370">ban the use of facial recognition</a> by police and other city agencies. The public safety ordinance has been remarkably successful and unobjectionable. About 28 city departments—including the police—have<a href="https://sf.gov/resource/surveillance-technology-inventory"> adopted</a> over 60 public policies covering the city’s use of aerial drones, under-door cameras, call-recording software, juvenile alcohol monitors, social media monitoring software and more.

In 2019, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved by a 10-1 vote an ordinance that made tech-friendly San Francisco the first city in the nation to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/26811969c30a4aa4aee1fe93d47e2370">ban the use of facial recognition</a> by police and other city agencies. The public safety ordinance has been remarkably successful and unobjectionable. About 28 city departments—including the police—have<a href="https://sf.gov/resource/surveillance-technology-inventory"> adopted</a> over 60 public policies covering the city’s use of aerial drones, under-door cameras, call-recording software, juvenile alcohol monitors, social media monitoring software and more.

Now, residents better understand how their personal information is collected, used and potentially shared. Police and other agencies can use this cutting-edge technology within parameters.

Now, residents better understand how their personal information is collected, used and potentially shared. Police and other agencies can use this cutting-edge technology within parameters.

The measure on the March ballot would let police use cameras and drones without being subject to the current requirement that they first be vetted and would give the police more leeway to pursue vehicles.&nbsp;

The measure on the March ballot would let police use cameras and drones without being subject to the current requirement that they first be vetted and would give the police more leeway to pursue vehicles.&nbsp;

But the mayor’s proposition is a fraud and a waste of scarce taxpayer money at a time when San Francisco is facing a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/13/san-francisco-budget-cuts-800-million-deficit-taxes-spending/">projected historic deficit</a>. Drones are already covered by a state law, AB 481, which requires an impact analysis and use policy similar to the city’s current safeguards. The police can comply with that law and the surveillance ordinance at the same time by getting the Board of Supervisors to approve a policy.

Facing $800M deficit, San Francisco mayor orders steep budget cuts

But the mayor’s proposition is a fraud and a waste of scarce taxpayer money at a time when San Francisco is facing a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/13/san-francisco-budget-cuts-800-million-deficit-taxes-spending/">projected historic deficit</a>. Drones are already covered by a state law, AB 481, which requires an impact analysis and use policy similar to the city’s current safeguards. The police can comply with that law and the surveillance ordinance at the same time by getting the Board of Supervisors to approve a policy.

Breed claims police haven’t implemented some essential drone and camera technology because they are burdened with excessive paperwork. A committee working with the police department has already drafted a policy on using drones in San Francisco, but Breed has refused to submit it to the board for approval because she wants a win at the ballot box. If the mayor really cared about the city’s safety, she would allow the board to consider adopting the policy.&nbsp;

Breed claims police haven’t implemented some essential drone and camera technology because they are burdened with excessive paperwork. A committee working with the police department has already drafted a policy on using drones in San Francisco, but Breed has refused to submit it to the board for approval because she wants a win at the ballot box. If the mayor really cared about the city’s safety, she would allow the board to consider adopting the policy.&nbsp;

The police haven’t been bogged down by paperwork. They have essentially ignored the surveillance technology ordinance for the past five years, aside from the three times they sought—and received—approval from the city to use <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/policies/19b-surveillance-technology-policies">a host of technologies</a>.

The police haven’t been bogged down by paperwork. They have essentially ignored the surveillance technology ordinance for the past five years, aside from the three times they sought—and received—approval from the city to use <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/policies/19b-surveillance-technology-policies">a host of technologies</a>.

SFPD already routinely uses facial recognition despite the ban, according to our attorneys at Secure Justice, a civil liberties advocacy group that opposes the unlawful use of surveillance technology.

SFPD already routinely uses facial recognition despite the ban, according to our attorneys at Secure Justice, a civil liberties advocacy group that opposes the unlawful use of surveillance technology.

The mayor’s cynical political calculation to take this issue to the ballot is the worst option for San Francisco residents and visitors. It’s a political cudgel rooted in an allergy to actual governance and refusal to comply with a law that has matured well over the past four years. The ballot measure will heighten the mayor’s profile, but voters should understand it is a brute political instrument designed to distort public dialogue about San Francisco&#8217;s challenges.

The mayor’s cynical political calculation to take this issue to the ballot is the worst option for San Francisco residents and visitors. It’s a political cudgel rooted in an allergy to actual governance and refusal to comply with a law that has matured well over the past four years. The ballot measure will heighten the mayor’s profile, but voters should understand it is a brute political instrument designed to distort public dialogue about San Francisco's challenges.

The mayor’s cynical political calculation to take this issue to the ballot is the worst option for San Francisco residents and visitors. It’s a political cudgel rooted in an allergy to actual governance and refusal to comply with a law that has matured well over the past four years. The ballot measure will heighten the mayor’s profile, but voters should understand it is a brute political instrument designed to distort public dialogue about San Francisco&#8217;s challenges.

Why would the mayor roll back guardrails designed to protect San Franciscans from unwarranted surveillance? The answer is politics. Breed’s<a href="https://www.probolskyresearch.com/2023/06/23/san-francisco-voters-unhappy-with-direction-of-the-city-and-mayor-breed-2/"> approval rating</a> hit a new low of 27% last year. Chris Larsen, a billionaire tech investor who has funded the installation of surveillance cameras throughout San Francisco and is a major Breed backer, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">has provided the mayor with a campaign war chest</a>, which she appears to be using to go after civilian oversight bodies as the scapegoat for her public safety failures.

Tech boss tops list of donors to Breed&#8217;s March 2024 ballot measures

Why would the mayor roll back guardrails designed to protect San Franciscans from unwarranted surveillance? The answer is politics. Breed’s<a href="https://www.probolskyresearch.com/2023/06/23/san-francisco-voters-unhappy-with-direction-of-the-city-and-mayor-breed-2/"> approval rating</a> hit a new low of 27% last year. Chris Larsen, a billionaire tech investor who has funded the installation of surveillance cameras throughout San Francisco and is a major Breed backer, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">has provided the mayor with a campaign war chest</a>, which she appears to be using to go after civilian oversight bodies as the scapegoat for her public safety failures.

But safeguards that govern data retention and sharing sensitive information with third parties are more important than ever. We live in the era of AI-enabled surveillance, tactical robots and self-driving cars equipped with more cameras than a dragnet. And since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, some states have sought information on people seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care in San Francisco.&nbsp;

But safeguards that govern data retention and sharing sensitive information with third parties are more important than ever. We live in the era of AI-enabled surveillance, tactical robots and self-driving cars equipped with more cameras than a dragnet. And since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, some states have sought information on people seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care in San Francisco.&nbsp;

This wouldn’t be the first time Breed used political opportunism as her guiding principle. Last fall, after the San Francisco Chronicle reported that city agencies were giving parking tickets to many stolen vehicles, creating a double burden for the victims of theft, Breed<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-mayor-orders-city-stop-ticketing-stolen-18420531.php"> ordered</a> the San Francisco Police Department and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority to work together to use automated license plate readers to stop ticketing stolen cars, claiming that burdensome red tape from the surveillance ordinance was getting in the way. Even though nothing in the rule prevented city departments from executing the mayor’s plan, at least one super PAC used it to launch a<a href="https://report.growsf.org/p/the-growsf-report-mayor-breed-directs?publication_id=294324&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;r=19q06m"> targeted political campaign</a> against city supervisors and the ordinance itself.

This wouldn’t be the first time Breed used political opportunism as her guiding principle. Last fall, after the San Francisco Chronicle reported that city agencies were giving parking tickets to many stolen vehicles, creating a double burden for the victims of theft, Breed<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-mayor-orders-city-stop-ticketing-stolen-18420531.php"> ordered</a> the San Francisco Police Department and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority to work together to use automated license plate readers to stop ticketing stolen cars, claiming that burdensome red tape from the surveillance ordinance was getting in the way. Even though nothing in the rule prevented city departments from executing the mayor’s plan, at least one super PAC used it to launch a<a href="https://report.growsf.org/p/the-growsf-report-mayor-breed-directs?publication_id=294324&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;r=19q06m"> targeted political campaign</a> against city supervisors and the ordinance itself.

SFMTA<a href="https://www.sfmta.com/press-releases/update-stolen-vehicles-and-ticketing-san-francisco"> promptly clarified</a> that it couldn’t carry out the mayor’s directive because it didn’t maintain any database of stolen vehicles. But the foundation for the mayor’s next political gambit was already set.

SFMTA<a href="https://www.sfmta.com/press-releases/update-stolen-vehicles-and-ticketing-san-francisco"> promptly clarified</a> that it couldn’t carry out the mayor’s directive because it didn’t maintain any database of stolen vehicles. But the foundation for the mayor’s next political gambit was already set.

Board President Aaron Peskin, who authored the surveillance safeguards on behalf of some 30 civil rights groups, has indicated he’s willing to work with Breed to tweak the ordinance. If the goal is good governance, not unnecessary political spats, then she could make the changes through the normal legislative process. Blithely dismissing supervisors as unwilling to collaborate without even trying to do so stokes unnecessary division. It also costs taxpayers when officials could simply amend the ordinance.&nbsp;

Board President Aaron Peskin, who authored the surveillance safeguards on behalf of some 30 civil rights groups, has indicated he’s willing to work with Breed to tweak the ordinance. If the goal is good governance, not unnecessary political spats, then she could make the changes through the normal legislative process. Blithely dismissing supervisors as unwilling to collaborate without even trying to do so stokes unnecessary division. It also costs taxpayers when officials could simply amend the ordinance.&nbsp;

Since San Francisco adopted its ordinance in 2019, dozens of cities nationwide have embraced similar surveillance safeguards, enhancing public trust in the government&#8217;s ability to safely use these technologies. The mayor still has time to work with city leaders on reasonable solutions. Doing so will demonstrate that we can put our faith in public institutions and elected leaders to do their jobs, not just play politics.

Since San Francisco adopted its ordinance in 2019, dozens of cities nationwide have embraced similar surveillance safeguards, enhancing public trust in the government's ability to safely use these technologies. The mayor still has time to work with city leaders on reasonable solutions. Doing so will demonstrate that we can put our faith in public institutions and elected leaders to do their jobs, not just play politics.

Since San Francisco adopted its ordinance in 2019, dozens of cities nationwide have embraced similar surveillance safeguards, enhancing public trust in the government&#8217;s ability to safely use these technologies. The mayor still has time to work with city leaders on reasonable solutions. Doing so will demonstrate that we can put our faith in public institutions and elected leaders to do their jobs, not just play politics.

Brian Hofer is executive director of Secure Justice and chair of the Oakland Privacy Commission. He helped draft the 2019 ordinance.

Brian Hofer is executive director of Secure Justice and chair of the Oakland Privacy Commission. He helped draft the 2019 ordinance.

Breed cynically campaigns on police ballot measure, instead of compromising

Opinion: Breed cynically campaigns on police ballot measure, instead of compromising

Michael Barba

This year was supposed to mark the 42nd and final one that Furlishous Wyatt worked at San Francisco SAFE. But when the end finally came, it was nothing like he expected.

This year was supposed to mark the 42nd and final one that Furlishous Wyatt worked at San Francisco SAFE. But when the end finally came, it was nothing like he expected.

Wyatt, 72, was ready to retire after nearly a lifetime spent improving safety and building trust between police and the community. Instead, he lost his job when the nonprofit abruptly collapsed, leaving him with no health insurance to pay for his medications. The loss was devastating.

Wyatt, 72, was ready to retire after nearly a lifetime spent improving safety and building trust between police and the community. Instead, he lost his job when the nonprofit abruptly collapsed, leaving him with no health insurance to pay for his medications. The loss was devastating.

“I look at SAFE as being my baby,” said Wyatt, who joined the nonprofit in 1982 and was by far its longest-serving employee. &#8220;It&#8217;s the death of a child.”

“I look at SAFE as being my baby,” said Wyatt, who joined the nonprofit in 1982 and was by far its longest-serving employee. "It's the death of a child.”

“I look at SAFE as being my baby,” said Wyatt, who joined the nonprofit in 1982 and was by far its longest-serving employee. &#8220;It&#8217;s the death of a child.”

Wyatt is among a core group of former staffers at SF SAFE who feel their voices have not been heard as a scandal involving misspent funding from city coffers and a crypto billionaire unfolds around the nonprofit, spurring <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/02/san-francisco-safe-criminal-investigation-da-confirms/">a criminal investigation</a> into its finances and the Jan. 24 firing of its executive director, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/06/sf-safe-east-bay-instructors-kyra-worthy-richmond/">Kyra Worthy</a>.

DA confirms criminal probe into troubled nonprofit SF SAFE

Where’s the money? East Bay instructors say ex-San Francisco SAFE head stiffed them

Wyatt is among a core group of former staffers at SF SAFE who feel their voices have not been heard as a scandal involving misspent funding from city coffers and a crypto billionaire unfolds around the nonprofit, spurring <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/02/san-francisco-safe-criminal-investigation-da-confirms/">a criminal investigation</a> into its finances and the Jan. 24 firing of its executive director, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/06/sf-safe-east-bay-instructors-kyra-worthy-richmond/">Kyra Worthy</a>.

Wyatt and his colleagues say they didn’t get their final paychecks when the nonprofit shut down. They lost their health insurance, were not paid out for vacation time and have not received the paperwork they need to file their taxes.

Wyatt and his colleagues say they didn’t get their final paychecks when the nonprofit shut down. They lost their health insurance, were not paid out for vacation time and have not received the paperwork they need to file their taxes.

“We seem like the missing link in this,” Wyatt said. “There&#8217;s no thought that&#8217;s been given to staff and how we&#8217;re suffering and how it&#8217;s affecting us because we have staff members that have to pay their rent, car notes, who have kids.”

“We seem like the missing link in this,” Wyatt said. “There's no thought that's been given to staff and how we're suffering and how it's affecting us because we have staff members that have to pay their rent, car notes, who have kids.”

“We seem like the missing link in this,” Wyatt said. “There&#8217;s no thought that&#8217;s been given to staff and how we&#8217;re suffering and how it&#8217;s affecting us because we have staff members that have to pay their rent, car notes, who have kids.”

Gina Guitron, left, Starr Miles, center, Furlishous Wyatt, right, former employees of San Francisco Safe Inc. (SF Safe) at City Hall in San Francisco on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Former employees of SF Safe employees are filing a complaint with The San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) to receive wages SF Safe owes them after the nonprofit abruptly collapsed, leaving them jobless.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240228-sfsafestaffers16.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three adults stand near an elevator, one holding a phone, with concerned expressions." class="wp-image-254048"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former San Francisco SAFE employees Gina Guitron, left, Starr Miles, center, and Furlishous Wyatt arrive at City Hall for a meeting about their missing paychecks.</figcaption></figure>

On Thursday, Wyatt and his former colleagues gathered at City Hall for a closed-door meeting with the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement, which is investigating their missing payments. They were also joined by people who patrolled Mission Street as community ambassadors for the nonprofit.

On Thursday, Wyatt and his former colleagues gathered at City Hall for a closed-door meeting with the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement, which is investigating their missing payments. They were also joined by people who patrolled Mission Street as community ambassadors for the nonprofit.

Starr Miles, who worked as an operations manager for SF SAFE, said she hoped she and her colleagues would be made whole for their work.

Starr Miles, who worked as an operations manager for SF SAFE, said she hoped she and her colleagues would be made whole for their work.

&#8220;Somebody&#8217;s got the money,&#8221; Miles said. &#8220;The city&#8217;s got to take care of us.&#8221;

"Somebody's got the money," Miles said. "The city's got to take care of us."

&#8220;Somebody&#8217;s got the money,&#8221; Miles said. &#8220;The city&#8217;s got to take care of us.&#8221;

Miles, who is a minister outside of work, said she was deeply embarrassed by the scandal and worried what people would think of her, despite not knowing anything about the financial problems that were unfolding behind the scenes.

Miles, who is a minister outside of work, said she was deeply embarrassed by the scandal and worried what people would think of her, despite not knowing anything about the financial problems that were unfolding behind the scenes.

&#8220;I still say SF SAFE is a good organization,&#8221; Miles said. &#8220;This organization has integrity. But it&#8217;s unfortunate that this happened, that it destroyed the image.&#8221;

"I still say SF SAFE is a good organization," Miles said. "This organization has integrity. But it's unfortunate that this happened, that it destroyed the image."

&#8220;I still say SF SAFE is a good organization,&#8221; Miles said. &#8220;This organization has integrity. But it&#8217;s unfortunate that this happened, that it destroyed the image.&#8221;

&#8220;I mean, you never heard anything bad about SF SAFE until now, until she took over,&#8221; she added.

"I mean, you never heard anything bad about SF SAFE until now, until she took over," she added.

&#8220;I mean, you never heard anything bad about SF SAFE until now, until she took over,&#8221; she added.

Another staffer, who spoke on the condition that she not be named, was frustrated and heartbroken by the implosion. Born and raised in San Francisco, she said she loved her job organizing neighborhood watch groups. She emphasized the value that SF SAFE provided to the city, despite its financial problems.

Another staffer, who spoke on the condition that she not be named, was frustrated and heartbroken by the implosion. Born and raised in San Francisco, she said she loved her job organizing neighborhood watch groups. She emphasized the value that SF SAFE provided to the city, despite its financial problems.

“We actually cared for the community [while] all this in the background was happening,” she said. “Now, we don&#8217;t want people looking at us like this because of somebody else&#8217;s wrongdoing.”

“We actually cared for the community [while] all this in the background was happening,” she said. “Now, we don't want people looking at us like this because of somebody else's wrongdoing.”

“We actually cared for the community [while] all this in the background was happening,” she said. “Now, we don&#8217;t want people looking at us like this because of somebody else&#8217;s wrongdoing.”

Worthy did not respond to a call and text messages seeking comment.

Worthy did not respond to a call and text messages seeking comment.

A former employee of San Francisco Safe Inc. (SF Safe) shows a close up of a complaint form he is filing to receive wages he is owed by SF Safe during a meeting of former SF Safe employees at Peet’s Coffee on 16th Street in San Francisco on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Former employees of SF Safe are filing a complaint with The San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) to receive wages SF Safe owes them after the nonprofit abruptly collapsed, leaving them jobless.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240228-sfsafestaffers01.jpg?w=2500" alt="A hand is holding a paper with handwritten text concerning work duties and a mention of neighborhood security." class="wp-image-254059"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A former SF SAFE employee shows a claim form they filled out for the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement, which is investigating the missing paychecks.</figcaption></figure>

SF SAFE ran out of money to pay its staff despite city records showing that the nonprofit raked in $9.4 million from the San Francisco Police Department and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development since 2018, the year Worthy became director. The city contracted with the nonprofit to host community meetings for the police, organize neighborhood watch groups and operate a security camera program. The nonprofit also secured another $1.8 million in security camera funding from Chris Larsen, the co-founder of the crypto firm Ripple, during Worthy’s tenure.

SF SAFE ran out of money to pay its staff despite city records showing that the nonprofit raked in $9.4 million from the San Francisco Police Department and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development since 2018, the year Worthy became director. The city contracted with the nonprofit to host community meetings for the police, organize neighborhood watch groups and operate a security camera program. The nonprofit also secured another $1.8 million in security camera funding from Chris Larsen, the co-founder of the crypto firm Ripple, during Worthy’s tenure.

A city report concluded last month that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">the nonprofit misspent at least $79,000</a> of the police funding on expenses such as valet parking at a private club, expensive luxury gift boxes handed out at community events and rides from a limo company to Lake Tahoe for a staff-training symposium, according to a report by the Controller’s Office. Larsen has also questioned <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">whether the nonprofit misspent as much as $1 million</a> of the grant funding that he gave the organization to install and maintain security cameras.

Limo rides, a Tahoe trip and luxury gifts: San Francisco police wrongly paid for it all

Crypto boss who gave $1.8M to San Francisco crime nonprofit wants audit of &#8216;discrepancies&#8217;

A city report concluded last month that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">the nonprofit misspent at least $79,000</a> of the police funding on expenses such as valet parking at a private club, expensive luxury gift boxes handed out at community events and rides from a limo company to Lake Tahoe for a staff-training symposium, according to a report by the Controller’s Office. Larsen has also questioned <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">whether the nonprofit misspent as much as $1 million</a> of the grant funding that he gave the organization to install and maintain security cameras.

While the staffers say the implosion blindsided them, they admit there were red flags.

While the staffers say the implosion blindsided them, they admit there were red flags.

Unlike previous directors, Worthy kept details about the nonprofit’s budget and expenditures from her staff, said Wyatt, and did not introduce them to members of the board.&nbsp;She also had other people on the payroll who did not work in the office and whose jobs were unclear to the core staff members.

Unlike previous directors, Worthy kept details about the nonprofit’s budget and expenditures from her staff, said Wyatt, and did not introduce them to members of the board.&nbsp;She also had other people on the payroll who did not work in the office and whose jobs were unclear to the core staff members.

“Everything became a secret,” Wyatt said.

“Everything became a secret,” Wyatt said.

Last summer, the staffers lost their health insurance for a month. Then in August, problems started with their paychecks. Instead of getting paid through direct deposit as usual, the staffers received paper checks with no pay stubs. It would be the first of many paper checks that they received in the coming months from what appeared to be different bank accounts.

Last summer, the staffers lost their health insurance for a month. Then in August, problems started with their paychecks. Instead of getting paid through direct deposit as usual, the staffers received paper checks with no pay stubs. It would be the first of many paper checks that they received in the coming months from what appeared to be different bank accounts.

Worthy told them she needed to move the money from one bank to the other because of problems with at least one of the banks, staffers said. Wyatt said he and his colleagues took her word because she was the executive director.

Worthy told them she needed to move the money from one bank to the other because of problems with at least one of the banks, staffers said. Wyatt said he and his colleagues took her word because she was the executive director.

“She would always tell us that it&#8217;s the fault of the other people,” Wyatt said. “In retrospect, what I make of it is I did not feel that she would lie to us like that. That&#8217;s just wicked evil.”

“She would always tell us that it's the fault of the other people,” Wyatt said. “In retrospect, what I make of it is I did not feel that she would lie to us like that. That's just wicked evil.”

“She would always tell us that it&#8217;s the fault of the other people,” Wyatt said. “In retrospect, what I make of it is I did not feel that she would lie to us like that. That&#8217;s just wicked evil.”

The last payments some staffers received were not even on paper. In January,&nbsp; three of the staffers were paid through the digital payment apps Venmo and Zelle by Worthy and the attorney who represented the nonprofit at the time.

The last payments some staffers received were not even on paper. In January,&nbsp; three of the staffers were paid through the digital payment apps Venmo and Zelle by Worthy and the attorney who represented the nonprofit at the time.

A former employee of San Francisco Safe Inc. (SF Safe)  shows a Venmo payment sent by Dylan Hackett during a meeting of former SF SAFE employees at Peet’s Coffee on 16th Street in San Francisco on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Former employees of SF Safe are filing a complaint with The San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) to receive wages SF Safe owes them after the nonprofit abruptly collapsed, leaving them jobless.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240228-sfsafestaffers05.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person holds a phone displaying a payment receipt of $3,045.74, marked complete, from someone named Dylan Hackett." class="wp-image-254057"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former San Francisco SAFE staffer Starr Miles shows a receipt for a paycheck she received through Venmo from an attorney for the now-defunct nonprofit.</figcaption></figure>

The staffers aren’t sure what to do next. They have contacted an attorney and are considering filing a lawsuit to get paid, one staffer said.

The staffers aren’t sure what to do next. They have contacted an attorney and are considering filing a lawsuit to get paid, one staffer said.

The problem is SF SAFE doesn&#8217;t have any money.

The problem is SF SAFE doesn't have any money.

The problem is SF SAFE doesn&#8217;t have any money.

In a Feb. 5 email, the president of the board, Dan Lawson, urged the staffers to file for unemployment and told them that, &#8220;all seven board members have directed efforts toward finding resources to pay what salary is owed to you.&#8221;

In a Feb. 5 email, the president of the board, Dan Lawson, urged the staffers to file for unemployment and told them that, "all seven board members have directed efforts toward finding resources to pay what salary is owed to you."

In a Feb. 5 email, the president of the board, Dan Lawson, urged the staffers to file for unemployment and told them that, &#8220;all seven board members have directed efforts toward finding resources to pay what salary is owed to you.&#8221;

&#8220;Frankly and sadly there is no money,&#8221; he wrote. &#8220;That does not mean we haven&#8217;t stopped searching.&#8221;

"Frankly and sadly there is no money," he wrote. "That does not mean we haven't stopped searching."

&#8220;Frankly and sadly there is no money,&#8221; he wrote. &#8220;That does not mean we haven&#8217;t stopped searching.&#8221;

Meanwhile, tensions between them and their former boss have reached a boiling point.

Meanwhile, tensions between them and their former boss have reached a boiling point.

San Francisco voters want more police powers, new poll shows

Opinion: Breed cynically campaigns on police ballot measure, instead of compromising

Angry and jobless: Workers blindsided by collapse of nonprofit SF SAFE

Breed, seeking cop union endorsement, looks to blunt police oversight

San Francisco police watchdog votes to curb ‘biased’ traffic stops

Search Results for: chris larsen

San Francisco voters want more police powers, new poll shows

Opinion: Breed cynically campaigns on police ballot measure, instead of compromising

Angry and jobless: Workers blindsided by collapse of nonprofit SF SAFE

Breed, seeking cop union endorsement, looks to blunt police oversight

San Francisco police watchdog votes to curb ‘biased’ traffic stops