Han Li

A press conference hosted by San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan to call for more police in her district turned contentious Friday, with protesters bashing her record on public safety and accusing her of racism and Chan decrying one critic as a “Trump supporter” and another as a “bully.”

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A press conference hosted by San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan to call for more police in her district turned contentious Friday, with protesters bashing her record on public safety and accusing her of racism and Chan decrying one critic as a “Trump supporter” and another as a “bully.”

Chan had gathered with about 15 Richmond District merchants who have been the victims of burglaries and other crimes at the Beauty Network shop on Geary Boulevard to demand Mayor London Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott allocate more police officers and street ambassadors to the neighborhood.

Chan had gathered with about 15 Richmond District merchants who have been the victims of burglaries and other crimes at the Beauty Network shop on Geary Boulevard to demand Mayor London Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott allocate more police officers and street ambassadors to the neighborhood.

Chan is facing a tough reelection fight in November, with public safety taking center stage even though her District 1, which sits north of Golden Gate Park, has one of the lowest crime rates in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Chan is facing a tough reelection fight in November, with public safety taking center stage even though her District 1, which sits north of Golden Gate Park, has one of the lowest crime rates in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Chan said she has repeatedly asked for more resources through an in-person conversation, a public meeting, and by emails and letters, but Breed has ignored her. Now she is starting a petition with the merchants.

Chan said she has repeatedly asked for more resources through an in-person conversation, a public meeting, and by emails and letters, but Breed has ignored her. Now she is starting a petition with the merchants.

As Chan spoke, a small group of protesters—including several holding giant signs criticizing her—showed up outside of the shop. The protesters remained peaceful during the press conference and stayed outside.&nbsp;

As Chan spoke, a small group of protesters—including several holding giant signs criticizing her—showed up outside of the shop. The protesters remained peaceful during the press conference and stayed outside.&nbsp;

After the event concluded, Chan walked out of the store and confronted them.

After the event concluded, Chan walked out of the store and confronted them.

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240325_sausalitoanchor-outseviction-00_01_53_16-still024.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240405_conniechanprotest_video_inline.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protestors interrupt Supervisor Connie Chan as she tries to give a statement to the press on Friday.</figcaption></figure>

“You are the Trump supporter; I see that,” Chan said to one of her critics, Alan Burradell, while he called her “gaslighter, gaslighter, gaslighter.”

“You are the Trump supporter; I see that,” Chan said to one of her critics, Alan Burradell, while he called her “gaslighter, gaslighter, gaslighter.”

Conor Johnston, a former staffer and outspoken political ally of Breed’s, was among the protesters.&nbsp;

Conor Johnston, a former staffer and outspoken political ally of Breed’s, was among the protesters.&nbsp;

“You are not as clever as you think you are,” Johnston yelled at Chan and asked her to respond to her previous controversial comment <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/01/san-francisco-supervisor-richmond-district-chan-philhour-crime/">about dismantling the police department</a>.

Richmond voters have crime on their minds. That’s a big problem for Connie Chan

“You are not as clever as you think you are,” Johnston yelled at Chan and asked her to respond to her previous controversial comment <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/01/san-francisco-supervisor-richmond-district-chan-philhour-crime/">about dismantling the police department</a>.

Chan raised her voice, saying, “Where is the mayor? Where has the mayor been? We don't know where the mayor has been.”

Chan raised her voice, saying, “Where is the mayor? Where has the mayor been? We don't know where the mayor has been.”

She also called her detractors “bullies” as they kept interrupting her interview with a TV reporter. “We are frustrated that people can't even let us talk,” she said.

She also called her detractors “bullies” as they kept interrupting her interview with a TV reporter. “We are frustrated that people can't even let us talk,” she said.

Protesters interrupt Supervisor Connie Chan's rally in the Richmond on Friday, April 5, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_8924.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people conversing on a sunny sidewalk; two women and two men, one holding a paper, with a tree and parked cars." class="wp-image-265397"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Connie Chan's staffer Robyn Burke tries to separate the protesters from the supervisor.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_8924.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people conversing on a sunny sidewalk; two women and two men, one holding a paper, with a tree and parked cars." class="wp-image-265397"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Connie Chan's staffer Robyn Burke tries to separate the protesters from the supervisor.</figcaption></figure>

Johnston slammed Chan for some remarks reported Friday in the Chinese language press. Chan <a href="https://www.singtaousa.com/2024-04-05/%e4%bd%a9%e6%96%af%e9%87%91%e5%ae%a3%e7%a8%b1%e5%8f%83%e9%81%b8%e5%b8%82%e9%95%b7%e8%bc%bf%e8%ab%96%e5%a0%b4%e7%ab%8b%e5%8d%b3%e6%8e%80%e8%b5%b7%e5%a4%a7%e6%b3%a2/4815028">told Sing Tao Daily that Breed was lazy</a>.&nbsp;

Johnston slammed Chan for some remarks reported Friday in the Chinese language press. Chan <a href="https://www.singtaousa.com/2024-04-05/%e4%bd%a9%e6%96%af%e9%87%91%e5%ae%a3%e7%a8%b1%e5%8f%83%e9%81%b8%e5%b8%82%e9%95%b7%e8%bc%bf%e8%ab%96%e5%a0%b4%e7%ab%8b%e5%8d%b3%e6%8e%80%e8%b5%b7%e5%a4%a7%e6%b3%a2/4815028">told Sing Tao Daily that Breed was lazy</a>.&nbsp;

Johnston, calling Breed a “strong Black woman,” asserted this was a racist stereotype.

Johnston, calling Breed a “strong Black woman,” asserted this was a racist stereotype.

“Do you want to apologize for that?” Johnston shouted at Chan.

“Do you want to apologize for that?” Johnston shouted at Chan.

Chan fired back at Johnston, saying, “Wow, you are assuming all Black people are lazy. Wow, that’s what you just said.”

Chan fired back at Johnston, saying, “Wow, you are assuming all Black people are lazy. Wow, that’s what you just said.”

The sidewalk clashes lasted about 10 minutes, and Chan left with her staffer.

The sidewalk clashes lasted about 10 minutes, and Chan left with her staffer.

The Richmond District has seen an increase in burglary incidents this year. The first quarter of 2024 had 107 reported incidents, while the same period in 2023 had 91, according to the San Francisco Police Department’s data dashboard. But the actual number may be higher as some merchants said that their places were broken into multiple times and they have stopped making reports.

The Richmond District has seen an increase in burglary incidents this year. The first quarter of 2024 had 107 reported incidents, while the same period in 2023 had 91, according to the San Francisco Police Department’s data dashboard. But the actual number may be higher as some merchants said that their places were broken into multiple times and they have stopped making reports.

Supervisor Connie Chan rallies with victimized merchants demanding more resources from Mayor London Breed.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_8910.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A group of people in a shop, one holding a flyer, with hair products on shelves and microphones in the foreground." class="wp-image-265408"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Connie Chan speaks to reporters about crimes against merchants and asks for more resources from Mayor London Breed.</figcaption></figure>

Sean Kim said that his ice cream store was broken into three times, and the police data is not accurate.

Sean Kim said that his ice cream store was broken into three times, and the police data is not accurate.

“This is not politics. It’s about surviving,” Kim said. “Business owners sometimes don’t report because they are busy.”

“This is not politics. It’s about surviving,” Kim said. “Business owners sometimes don’t report because they are busy.”

Chan’s most serious challenger in the November election is Marjan Philhour, a former Breed staffer who is campaigning on restoring public safety and labeling Chan as anti-police. Chan’s campaign messaging focuses on what she says are Breed’s failures in running the city.

Chan’s most serious challenger in the November election is Marjan Philhour, a former Breed staffer who is campaigning on restoring public safety and labeling Chan as anti-police. Chan’s campaign messaging focuses on what she says are Breed’s failures in running the city.

“Marjan Philhour is covering up for the mayor’s incompetence by attacking me,” Chan said. “Because it’s easier to attack me than attack her own boss, isn’t it?”

“Marjan Philhour is covering up for the mayor’s incompetence by attacking me,” Chan said. “Because it’s easier to attack me than attack her own boss, isn’t it?”

Mason Lee, the mayor’s spokesperson, said Chan has not asked for any meetings with Breed to discuss public safety in the Richmond.

Mason Lee, the mayor’s spokesperson, said Chan has not asked for any meetings with Breed to discuss public safety in the Richmond.

“If she wants to work with the mayor tackling neighborhood issues, she could start by actually asking her to sit down and talk about any ideas or solutions,” Lee said. “That’s the hard work that many of her colleagues do.”

“If she wants to work with the mayor tackling neighborhood issues, she could start by actually asking her to sit down and talk about any ideas or solutions,” Lee said. “That’s the hard work that many of her colleagues do.”

Philhour worked on Breed’s 2018 mayoral campaign after the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee, and she joined Breed’s administration for a year and a half as a senior advisor. She left the Mayor’s Office in March 2020 to run for supervisor, but lost to Chan by 125 votes.

Philhour worked on Breed’s 2018 mayoral campaign after the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee, and she joined Breed’s administration for a year and a half as a senior advisor. She left the Mayor’s Office in March 2020 to run for supervisor, but lost to Chan by 125 votes.

“Last I checked, Connie Chan is our elected supervisor,” Philhour said. “She has been at the helm for four years, and we are paying the price for a total leadership void.”

“Last I checked, Connie Chan is our elected supervisor,” Philhour said. “She has been at the helm for four years, and we are paying the price for a total leadership void.”

‘Trump supporter,’ ‘bully’ and ‘racist’: Supervisor Connie Chan clashes with protesters

Mike Ege

Two San Francisco lawmakers want the city to consider suing California over a state law they see as an unfair, discriminatory mandate to build more market-rate housing.&nbsp;

Two San Francisco lawmakers want the city to consider suing California over a state law they see as an unfair, discriminatory mandate to build more market-rate housing.&nbsp;

It’s the latest development in a long, drawn-out policy battle over how the city should solve its affordability problems.&nbsp;

It’s the latest development in a long, drawn-out policy battle over how the city should solve its affordability problems.&nbsp;

In a Dec. 26 letter, Board President Aaron Peskin and Supervisor Connie Chan asked City Attorney David Chiu to advise the Board of Supervisors on defending the city against the “unfair legislative mandates that are diminishing our City’s ability to build the affordable housing our residents desperately need.”&nbsp;

In a Dec. 26 letter, Board President Aaron Peskin and Supervisor Connie Chan asked City Attorney David Chiu to advise the Board of Supervisors on defending the city against the “unfair legislative mandates that are diminishing our City’s ability to build the affordable housing our residents desperately need.”&nbsp;

The letter refers to SB 423, a state law sponsored by state Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat who represents San Francisco and is a former supervisor himself. The law forces cities to cut red tape, especially discretionary reviews, from the approval process for new housing. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/27/san-francisco-blows-state-housing-deadline-constraints-reduction-ordinance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">After much legislative foot-dragging</a>, San Francisco recently approved the Constraints Reduction Ordinance, a law that changed the city’s approval processes to streamline housing production. Peskin and Chan were the only votes against the law.

San Francisco blows housing deadline, prompting standoff with state regulators

The letter refers to SB 423, a state law sponsored by state Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat who represents San Francisco and is a former supervisor himself. The law forces cities to cut red tape, especially discretionary reviews, from the approval process for new housing. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/27/san-francisco-blows-state-housing-deadline-constraints-reduction-ordinance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">After much legislative foot-dragging</a>, San Francisco recently approved the Constraints Reduction Ordinance, a law that changed the city’s approval processes to streamline housing production. Peskin and Chan were the only votes against the law.

Supervisor Connie Chan during the Board of Supervisors meeting within the Board of Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/INLINED07_BOSExpenses10182023.jpg?w=2230" alt="Supervisor Connie Chan during the Board of Supervisors meeting within the Board of Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-212460"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Connie Chan co-signed a letter to City Attorney David Chiu asking to explore litigation options against California over recent housing mandates.</figcaption></figure>

“The anti-housing forces in San Francisco are terrified because SB 423 will actually help San Francisco address its housing shortage,” Wiener said in a statement. “This bogus (talk of a) lawsuit further exposes how badly San Francisco needs to be held accountable for its intransigence on housing. These supervisors would do well to spend more time on solutions instead of continuing to create more obstacles.”

“The anti-housing forces in San Francisco are terrified because SB 423 will actually help San Francisco address its housing shortage,” Wiener said in a statement. “This bogus (talk of a) lawsuit further exposes how badly San Francisco needs to be held accountable for its intransigence on housing. These supervisors would do well to spend more time on solutions instead of continuing to create more obstacles.”

Wiener is not the only member of San Francisco’s delegation to Sacramento to be disdainful of Peskin and Chan’s letter. In <a href="https://twitter.com/matthaneysf/status/1741207223509131673?s=46">a series of tweets</a>, Assemblymember Matt Haney remarked, “Can’t make this stuff up.”

Wiener is not the only member of San Francisco’s delegation to Sacramento to be disdainful of Peskin and Chan’s letter. In <a href="https://twitter.com/matthaneysf/status/1741207223509131673?s=46">a series of tweets</a>, Assemblymember Matt Haney remarked, “Can’t make this stuff up.”

A spokesperson for the City Attorney’s Office told The Standard that they could not publicly comment on the letter.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the City Attorney’s Office told The Standard that they could not publicly comment on the letter.&nbsp;

Peskin and Chan’s letter also argues that San Francisco has kept up its end of the bargain by leading in investments in subsidized housing and that “nearly three-fourths” of the city’s housing quota is already in the city’s planning pipeline, but those units are “awaiting a more favorable economic environment to be constructed.”&nbsp;

Peskin and Chan’s letter also argues that San Francisco has kept up its end of the bargain by leading in investments in subsidized housing and that “nearly three-fourths” of the city’s housing quota is already in the city’s planning pipeline, but those units are “awaiting a more favorable economic environment to be constructed.”&nbsp;

The Planning Department has estimated that a little over 1,800 new housing units were cleared for building in 2023, making it one of the worst years for home building in recent memory, as high-interest rates and construction costs and an overall depressed market have<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/san-francisco-housing-construction-new-laws-sb423/"> made new projects hard to finance</a>. Many in the industry say the situation could change this year.&nbsp;

San Francisco relaxed its housing laws. But don’t expect a building boom

The Planning Department has estimated that a little over 1,800 new housing units were cleared for building in 2023, making it one of the worst years for home building in recent memory, as high-interest rates and construction costs and an overall depressed market have<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/san-francisco-housing-construction-new-laws-sb423/"> made new projects hard to finance</a>. Many in the industry say the situation could change this year.&nbsp;

Peskin and Chan’s letter cited a report from the city’s budget analyst that identifies 60,000 existing vacant housing units. That report is <a href="https://thefrisc.com/its-high-time-to-slay-the-myth-of-all-those-vacant-san-francisco-homes-2efd50728d8">widely disputed by housing policy professionals</a> who argue that almost all the units in the report are in fact in some sort of transition to occupancy.&nbsp;

Peskin and Chan’s letter cited a report from the city’s budget analyst that identifies 60,000 existing vacant housing units. That report is <a href="https://thefrisc.com/its-high-time-to-slay-the-myth-of-all-those-vacant-san-francisco-homes-2efd50728d8">widely disputed by housing policy professionals</a> who argue that almost all the units in the report are in fact in some sort of transition to occupancy.&nbsp;

Chan also cited the report in <a href="https://sfrichmondreview.com/2023/12/18/supervisor-connie-chan-housing-survey-due-dec-22/">a Dec. 18 newsletter</a> sent to constituents urging them to participate in <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6YYSFPD">an online survey</a> for a draft zoning proposal from the Planning Department that would densify some corridors in “high resources neighborhoods” on the west side of the city, including Chan’s district. She described the plan in antagonistic terms as a product of “Mayor London Breed and her Planning Department.”

Chan also cited the report in <a href="https://sfrichmondreview.com/2023/12/18/supervisor-connie-chan-housing-survey-due-dec-22/">a Dec. 18 newsletter</a> sent to constituents urging them to participate in <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6YYSFPD">an online survey</a> for a draft zoning proposal from the Planning Department that would densify some corridors in “high resources neighborhoods” on the west side of the city, including Chan’s district. She described the plan in antagonistic terms as a product of “Mayor London Breed and her Planning Department.”

The letter further argues that San Francisco is being “set up to fail” under SB 423, forcing the city to “approve unaffordable market-rate housing developments across the City without any public input, well ahead of any other jurisdiction in the State. Instead, what we need from the State is a major investment in affordable housing.”

The letter further argues that San Francisco is being “set up to fail” under SB 423, forcing the city to “approve unaffordable market-rate housing developments across the City without any public input, well ahead of any other jurisdiction in the State. Instead, what we need from the State is a major investment in affordable housing.”

John Avalos, Executive Director of the Council of Community Housing Organizations, a coalition of affordable housing developers and tenant advocates, concurs with Peskin and Chan, called the letter "bold and neccessary" to protect San Francisco from state policies which "have been written by the real estate lobby."

John Avalos, Executive Director of the Council of Community Housing Organizations, a coalition of affordable housing developers and tenant advocates, concurs with Peskin and Chan, called the letter "bold and neccessary" to protect San Francisco from state policies which "have been written by the real estate lobby."

Meanwhile advocates for greater housing supply take serious issue with the letter.&nbsp;

Meanwhile advocates for greater housing supply take serious issue with the letter.&nbsp;

Jake Price, San Francisco organizer for the Housing Action Coalition, called the letter “a cheap political stunt— This is just another example of how far certain supervisors are willing to go to obstruct desperately needed housing policy reform,” he told The Standard in an email.

Jake Price, San Francisco organizer for the Housing Action Coalition, called the letter “a cheap political stunt— This is just another example of how far certain supervisors are willing to go to obstruct desperately needed housing policy reform,” he told The Standard in an email.

“If these supervisors spent a fraction of the amount of time they do wasting city resources on trying to fight new housing instead of allowing more to be built, we could’ve addressed our housing shortage years ago,” added Jane Natoli, San Francisco organizing director at YIMBY Action. 

“If these supervisors spent a fraction of the amount of time they do wasting city resources on trying to fight new housing instead of allowing more to be built, we could’ve addressed our housing shortage years ago,” added Jane Natoli, San Francisco organizing director at YIMBY Action.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify a description of the Constraints Reduction Ordinance.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify a description of the Constraints Reduction Ordinance.

San Francisco housing fight: 2 lawmakers urge suing state

Diana Zaslaw describes herself as a “dyed-in-the-wool, classic liberal.” In 2020, the Richmond neighborhood resident voted for progressive Connie Chan to represent her on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Diana Zaslaw describes herself as a “dyed-in-the-wool, classic liberal.” In 2020, the Richmond neighborhood resident voted for progressive Connie Chan to represent her on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

But four years later, Zaslaw is discouraged about the state of the city and her neighborhood, and is unenthusiastic about another vote for Chan.

But four years later, Zaslaw is discouraged about the state of the city and her neighborhood, and is unenthusiastic about another vote for Chan.

“The tragedy of San Francisco overall is seeping into our neighborhood bit by bit,” said Zaslaw, a 54-year-old film producer. “I would have liked to feel and see and know that [Chan] was launching aggressive initiatives to help turn the tide.”

“The tragedy of San Francisco overall is seeping into our neighborhood bit by bit,” said Zaslaw, a 54-year-old film producer. “I would have liked to feel and see and know that [Chan] was launching aggressive initiatives to help turn the tide.”

Instead, Zaslaw is considering casting her ballot for Marjan Philhour, a third-time supervisor candidate and a former adviser to Mayor London Breed. Philhour lost to Chan by 125 votes in 2020 and has put issues of crime and public safety front and center in her current campaign.&nbsp;

Instead, Zaslaw is considering casting her ballot for Marjan Philhour, a third-time supervisor candidate and a former adviser to Mayor London Breed. Philhour lost to Chan by 125 votes in 2020 and has put issues of crime and public safety front and center in her current campaign.&nbsp;

The District 1 supervisor race is shaping up to be one of the most expensive in November’s election and could determine whether progressives lose substantial power on the Board of Supervisors. Chan’s reelection committee has raised $120,000, while Philhour’s has raised $150,000, according to both campaigns.

The District 1 supervisor race is shaping up to be one of the most expensive in November’s election and could determine whether progressives lose substantial power on the Board of Supervisors. Chan’s reelection committee has raised $120,000, while Philhour’s has raised $150,000, according to both campaigns.

Marjan Philhour uses a Chinese-language billboard asking “Are you fed up with Connie Chan?”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0955.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Billboard critiquing Connie Chan with headlines about crime, paid for by Marjan Philhour's campaign." class="wp-image-263548"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Marjan Philhour's campaign posted a Chinese-language billboard asking, “Are you fed up with Connie Chan?”</figcaption></figure>

But that’s not the full story. A committee created to defeat Chan, spearheaded by the group GrowSF touting a “Clear Out Connie” campaign, has raised $72,000. And Philhour raised roughly a quarter-million dollars in her successful March campaign to win a seat on the local Democratic County Central Committee—a race not subject to the same fundraising limits as November’s supervisor races.

But that’s not the full story. A committee created to defeat Chan, spearheaded by the group GrowSF touting a “Clear Out Connie” campaign, has raised $72,000. And Philhour raised roughly a quarter-million dollars in her successful March campaign to win a seat on the local Democratic County Central Committee—a race not subject to the same fundraising limits as November’s supervisor races.

The Richmond is a relatively quiet residential area that sits north of Golden Gate Park and stretches from the Pacific Ocean east, and more than 40% of its residents are Asian Americans. In 2023, the district <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/23/san-francisco-richmond-coolest-neighborhood/">made TimeOut magazine's list of the world's coolest neighborhoods</a>.

San Francisco neighborhood beats Prague&#8217;s Vinohrady on world&#8217;s-coolest list

The Richmond is a relatively quiet residential area that sits north of Golden Gate Park and stretches from the Pacific Ocean east, and more than 40% of its residents are Asian Americans. In 2023, the district <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/23/san-francisco-richmond-coolest-neighborhood/">made TimeOut magazine's list of the world's coolest neighborhoods</a>.

Crime in the Richmond is among the lowest of any part of the city, according to the San Francisco Police Department’s dashboard. Certain violent crimes are trending downward compared with the first quarter of 2023: Robbery dropped from 36 to 23 incidents, and assaults fell from 16 to 13. However, burglary and vehicle theft incidents are increasing. The Richmond police station coverage map and the supervisorial district map largely overlap.

Crime in the Richmond is among the lowest of any part of the city, according to the San Francisco Police Department’s dashboard. Certain violent crimes are trending downward compared with the first quarter of 2023: Robbery dropped from 36 to 23 incidents, and assaults fell from 16 to 13. However, burglary and vehicle theft incidents are increasing. The Richmond police station coverage map and the supervisorial district map largely overlap.

Still, concerns about crime and racially motivated attacks on Asian people have animated voters here. Just a few years after voters showed support for police reform efforts in the wake of George Floyd’s killing in 2020, the pendulum is swinging back toward more pro-law-and-order sentiments and calls to give police more power.

Still, concerns about crime and racially motivated attacks on Asian people have animated voters here. Just a few years after voters showed support for police reform efforts in the wake of George Floyd’s killing in 2020, the pendulum is swinging back toward more pro-law-and-order sentiments and calls to give police more power.

San Francisco District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan stands for a portrait outside SFPD’s Richmond Station on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240328-conniesfpd-001.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands in front of a police car, wearing a striped top and a tan scarf." class="wp-image-263594"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Connie Chan stands for a portrait outside SFPD’s Richmond Station on Saturday.</figcaption></figure>

Philhour has seized the opportunity, hammering Chan for her previous comments about law enforcement and labeling her as anti-police. Chan was an ally of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin, who was recalled in 2022. Chan also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/conniechansanfrancisco/posts/pfbid0ZsA56BD5FiznexZEk9DztwF6QkUYs8zFinxQ9woQy9FFQVJ2wtnKv7JgeycSVvqsl">opposed hiring more police officers in 2020</a>.&nbsp;

Philhour has seized the opportunity, hammering Chan for her previous comments about law enforcement and labeling her as anti-police. Chan was an ally of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin, who was recalled in 2022. Chan also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/conniechansanfrancisco/posts/pfbid0ZsA56BD5FiznexZEk9DztwF6QkUYs8zFinxQ9woQy9FFQVJ2wtnKv7JgeycSVvqsl">opposed hiring more police officers in 2020</a>.&nbsp;

“Our supervisor, Connie Chan, campaigned on dismantling the police,” Philhour said during a January press conference <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">announcing that the San Francisco Police Officers Association</a> had endorsed her. “Our police officers have been demonized by the ideological far left here in Richmond in particular.”

Police union wades back into San Francisco politics after years of sitting on the sidelines

“Our supervisor, Connie Chan, campaigned on dismantling the police,” Philhour said during a January press conference <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">announcing that the San Francisco Police Officers Association</a> had endorsed her. “Our police officers have been demonized by the ideological far left here in Richmond in particular.”

Philhour has hammered on Chan’s comments from a 2020 candidate forum when Chan said, “Definitely, it is time [to] dismantle and restructure our police department.”

Philhour has hammered on Chan’s comments from a 2020 candidate forum when Chan said, “Definitely, it is time [to] dismantle and restructure our police department.”

Philhour also used some of her campaign cash on a Chinese-language billboard asking, “Are you fed up with Connie Chan?” and in English, “Had enough of Connie Chan’s crime crisis?”

Philhour also used some of her campaign cash on a Chinese-language billboard asking, “Are you fed up with Connie Chan?” and in English, “Had enough of Connie Chan’s crime crisis?”

D1 Supervisor candidate Marjan Philhour makes a speech  at Anina in Hayes Valley, where GrowSF hosts an election night party on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240304-electionday_photo_cc-60.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman is speaking into a microphone, smiling, with colorful political campaign posters in the background." class="wp-image-256497"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor candidate Marjan Philhour has put the issues of crime and public safety front and center in her current campaign.</figcaption></figure>

On social media, Philhour frequently <a href="https://twitter.com/MarjanPhilhour/status/1742599424822608006">accused Chan of failing to ensure public safety</a> in the district as high-profile crimes have happened, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-cvs-store-covers-smashed-entrance-with-gift-wrap-after-atm-theft/">two shocking incidents</a> involving thieves crashing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/03/thieves-take-atms-from-san-francisco-bank-and-oakland-grocery-store/">vehicles into buildings to steal their ATMs</a>. Other Chan opponents have taken to social media to criticize Chan for saying <a href="https://twitter.com/SusanDReynolds/status/1571953187233615873">property crime is not a serious crime</a> and to repost videos of constituents who <a href="https://twitter.com/alanburradell/status/1702097935687897239">were angered by her support for a progressive police commissioner</a>.

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On social media, Philhour frequently <a href="https://twitter.com/MarjanPhilhour/status/1742599424822608006">accused Chan of failing to ensure public safety</a> in the district as high-profile crimes have happened, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-cvs-store-covers-smashed-entrance-with-gift-wrap-after-atm-theft/">two shocking incidents</a> involving thieves crashing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/03/thieves-take-atms-from-san-francisco-bank-and-oakland-grocery-store/">vehicles into buildings to steal their ATMs</a>. Other Chan opponents have taken to social media to criticize Chan for saying <a href="https://twitter.com/SusanDReynolds/status/1571953187233615873">property crime is not a serious crime</a> and to repost videos of constituents who <a href="https://twitter.com/alanburradell/status/1702097935687897239">were angered by her support for a progressive police commissioner</a>.

Chan: ‘Why is she fighting me?’&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chan-why-is-she-fighting-me-nbsp">Chan: ‘Why is she fighting me?’&nbsp;</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chan-why-is-she-fighting-me-nbsp">Chan: ‘Why is she fighting me?’&nbsp;</h2>

Chan was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Taiwan before she moved to San Francisco during middle school. Before being elected as a supervisor, she worked in nonprofits and different city departments as a spokeswoman. She briefly had a column at the San Francisco Examiner covering the Asian American community.

Chan was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Taiwan before she moved to San Francisco during middle school. Before being elected as a supervisor, she worked in nonprofits and different city departments as a spokeswoman. She briefly had a column at the San Francisco Examiner covering the Asian American community.

In an interview with The Standard, Chan said she has been working to improve public safety for decades, starting with her work at SF SAFE and the Community Youth Center of San Francisco, before joining the District Attorney’s Office and City Hall as a community liaison and victim advocate.

In an interview with The Standard, Chan said she has been working to improve public safety for decades, starting with her work at SF SAFE and the Community Youth Center of San Francisco, before joining the District Attorney’s Office and City Hall as a community liaison and victim advocate.

Addressing the controversial “dismantle” the police quote, Chan said that as a non-native English speaker, she sometimes does not express herself as clearly as she intends to. While acknowledging she said the quote, she explained she meant to say “dismantle the racism” in the police department.

Addressing the controversial “dismantle” the police quote, Chan said that as a non-native English speaker, she sometimes does not express herself as clearly as she intends to. While acknowledging she said the quote, she explained she meant to say “dismantle the racism” in the police department.

“I wish I was more clear in the way I talked about it than I was in that video,” Chan said.

“I wish I was more clear in the way I talked about it than I was in that video,” Chan said.

As for the video that seems to capture her downplaying the seriousness of property crime, she said her comments have been taken out of context and that she was simply pointing out that property crime is different from violent crime. And she denied that she ever supported “defunding the police,” saying it’s a terrible slogan that has divided the community. 

As for the video that seems to capture her downplaying the seriousness of property crime, she said her comments have been taken out of context and that she was simply pointing out that property crime is different from violent crime. And she denied that she ever supported “defunding the police,” saying it’s a terrible slogan that has divided the community.

San Francisco District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan greets SFPD Community Ambassador Rafael Labutan Jr. along Geary Blvd. on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240328-conniesfpd-012.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling woman shaking hands with a man on a city street corner, both holding coffee cups." class="wp-image-263595"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Connie Chan greets SFPD Community Ambassador Rafael Labutan Jr. along Geary Boulevard on Saturday.</figcaption></figure>

In 2020, during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, Breed led the effort to redirect some of the police department’s budget to community investment. Both Chan and Philhour were supportive of that idea at the time.

In 2020, during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, Breed led the effort to redirect some of the police department’s budget to community investment. Both Chan and Philhour were supportive of that idea at the time.

“We need a comprehensive public safety plan besides law enforcement, which is the key,” Chan told The Standard. “Prevention [of crime] is important, and we keep missing the point of that conversation.”

“We need a comprehensive public safety plan besides law enforcement, which is the key,” Chan told The Standard. “Prevention [of crime] is important, and we keep missing the point of that conversation.”

Chan said that Philhour’s attacks on her, including social media, billboards and other campaign materials, border on obsessive.

Chan said that Philhour’s attacks on her, including social media, billboards and other campaign materials, border on obsessive.

“Why is she fighting me?” Chan said. “Why isn't she fighting for the Richmond? And join me in fighting for the Richmond?”

“Why is she fighting me?” Chan said. “Why isn't she fighting for the Richmond? And join me in fighting for the Richmond?”

David Heller, a beauty product store owner and merchant leader in the Richmond, supports Chan. He said it’s a total lie to label Chan as anti-police and said voters should blame Breed for crime and safety issues, which are citywide problems.

David Heller, a beauty product store owner and merchant leader in the Richmond, supports Chan. He said it’s a total lie to label Chan as anti-police and said voters should blame Breed for crime and safety issues, which are citywide problems.

Even though police data show that certain crimes are trending downward in the Richmond, Heller said that he sees evidence that crime is getting worse. Police data may not be accurate, he said, because people are not reporting crimes.

Even though police data show that certain crimes are trending downward in the Richmond, Heller said that he sees evidence that crime is getting worse. Police data may not be accurate, he said, because people are not reporting crimes.

“My shop has been broken into three times. I'm in the process of putting up a gate,” Heller said. “A lot of people’s stores that got broken into more than two times, they don't report it.”

“My shop has been broken into three times. I'm in the process of putting up a gate,” Heller said. “A lot of people’s stores that got broken into more than two times, they don't report it.”

Chan, who chairs the Board of Supervisors’ Budget and Finance Committee, said she has supported all the police budget increases that have come before her, as well as allocations for police overtime. She said Breed has not delivered results.

Chan, who chairs the Board of Supervisors’ Budget and Finance Committee, said she has supported all the police budget increases that have come before her, as well as allocations for police overtime. She said Breed has not delivered results.

Philhour, who helped run Breed’s 2018 mayoral campaign and later joined her as a senior policy adviser at the Mayor’s Office, defended the mayor.&nbsp;

Philhour, who helped run Breed’s 2018 mayoral campaign and later joined her as a senior policy adviser at the Mayor’s Office, defended the mayor.&nbsp;

San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, left,  listens during a meeting at the Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The Board of Supervisors are expected to pass Peskin's housing legislation again after a veto from Mayor Breed earlier this month.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240326-mayorveto_eg_035.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a hearing room looks pensive, surrounded by microphones and blurred foreground objects." class="wp-image-262742"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, left, listens to a member of the public speak during the Board of Supervisors' meeting at City Hall on Tuesday. </figcaption></figure>

She said the supervisors are obstructionists who are not willing to work with Breed, adding that San Francisco voters have tired of progressive members like Chan and have elected more moderate candidates, such as Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Joel Engardio, in recent years. 

She said the supervisors are obstructionists who are not willing to work with Breed, adding that San Francisco voters have tired of progressive members like Chan and have elected more moderate candidates, such as Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Joel Engardio, in recent years.

Zaslaw, the film producer, said she has not met Chan or Philhour in person and is still doing her research.

Zaslaw, the film producer, said she has not met Chan or Philhour in person and is still doing her research.

“Something could change my mind,” she said. “But as it stands now, Marjan seems aligned with my values and my current concerns.”

“Something could change my mind,” she said. “But as it stands now, Marjan seems aligned with my values and my current concerns.”

Tuesday’s San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting came with a surprise twist at the end as a resolution in support of State Senate Bill 532, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/26/bay-area-traffic-bridge-toll-hike-scott-wiener/">would raise Bay Area bridge tolls by $1.50 over the next five years to help fund struggling transit agencies</a>, was kicked back to committee.&nbsp;

Lawmakers float bridge toll hike to save BART, Muni

Tuesday’s San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting came with a surprise twist at the end as a resolution in support of State Senate Bill 532, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/26/bay-area-traffic-bridge-toll-hike-scott-wiener/">would raise Bay Area bridge tolls by $1.50 over the next five years to help fund struggling transit agencies</a>, was kicked back to committee.&nbsp;

Supervisor Shamann Walton, who represents the Bayview and other southeastern neighborhoods, made the motion to send the resolution back to the board’s Land Use and Transportation Committee. Supervisor Connie Chan, who represents the Richmond District, also supported the move.&nbsp;

Supervisor Shamann Walton, who represents the Bayview and other southeastern neighborhoods, made the motion to send the resolution back to the board’s Land Use and Transportation Committee. Supervisor Connie Chan, who represents the Richmond District, also supported the move.&nbsp;

Supervisor Shamann Walton attends the Board of Supervisors meeting within the Board of Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/022723BOSRoundup-67-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-132366"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Shamann Walton | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The resolution is nonbinding, but Tuesday’s action nevertheless signals pushback against the toll hike bill, sponsored by state Sen. Scott Wiener and transit advocates to save local transit agencies like BART and Muni from a post-Covid “fiscal cliff.”

The resolution is nonbinding, but Tuesday’s action nevertheless signals pushback against the toll hike bill, sponsored by state Sen. Scott Wiener and transit advocates to save local transit agencies like BART and Muni from a post-Covid “fiscal cliff.”

Walton cited the potential negative impacts of a toll hike on low-income people who rely on the bridges to get to jobs or otherwise.&nbsp;

Walton cited the potential negative impacts of a toll hike on low-income people who rely on the bridges to get to jobs or otherwise.&nbsp;

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