Max Harrison-Caldwell

Han Li

Superintendent Matt Wayne has agreed to resign, following widespread outcry against the district&#8217;s school closures process.

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Superintendent Matt Wayne has agreed to resign, following widespread outcry against the district's school closures process.

Superintendent Matt Wayne has agreed to resign, following widespread outcry against the district&#8217;s school closures process.

The news, <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/matt-wayne-resign-sfusd/">first reported by Mission Local</a> and <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sfusd-superintendent-matt-wayne-expected-to-resign-19844517.php">the San Francisco Chronicle</a>, comes amid Wayne&#8217;s listening tour to schools on the district&#8217;s closure and merger list. The Board of Education has called a special meeting for 5 p.m. Friday to consider a separation agreement, sources confirmed to The Standard.

The news, <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/matt-wayne-resign-sfusd/">first reported by Mission Local</a> and <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sfusd-superintendent-matt-wayne-expected-to-resign-19844517.php">the San Francisco Chronicle</a>, comes amid Wayne's listening tour to schools on the district's closure and merger list. The Board of Education has called a special meeting for 5 p.m. Friday to consider a separation agreement, sources confirmed to The Standard.

The news, <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/matt-wayne-resign-sfusd/">first reported by Mission Local</a> and <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sfusd-superintendent-matt-wayne-expected-to-resign-19844517.php">the San Francisco Chronicle</a>, comes amid Wayne&#8217;s listening tour to schools on the district&#8217;s closure and merger list. The Board of Education has called a special meeting for 5 p.m. Friday to consider a separation agreement, sources confirmed to The Standard.

When asked about the reports, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Unified School District sent <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-10-17-oct-18-2024-sf-board-education-special-meeting">a link to the meeting notice</a>, which states that the board is meeting to discuss an item &#8220;related to school district personnel.&#8221; The meeting&#8217;s agenda describes the issue as an employee &#8220;Resignation/Dismissal/Release.&#8221;

When asked about the reports, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Unified School District sent <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-10-17-oct-18-2024-sf-board-education-special-meeting">a link to the meeting notice</a>, which states that the board is meeting to discuss an item "related to school district personnel." The meeting's agenda describes the issue as an employee "Resignation/Dismissal/Release."

When asked about the reports, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Unified School District sent <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-10-17-oct-18-2024-sf-board-education-special-meeting">a link to the meeting notice</a>, which states that the board is meeting to discuss an item &#8220;related to school district personnel.&#8221; The meeting&#8217;s agenda describes the issue as an employee &#8220;Resignation/Dismissal/Release.&#8221;

The board will meet in closed session and report any actions taken afterward.

The board will meet in closed session and report any actions taken afterward.

Wayne&#8217;s expected departure comes amid growing disappointment from City Hall, parents, and the Board of Education over his handling of the school closure process, which will likely be paused and restarted under a new chief executive, on a new timeline.

Wayne's expected departure comes amid growing disappointment from City Hall, parents, and the Board of Education over his handling of the school closure process, which will likely be paused and restarted under a new chief executive, on a new timeline.

Wayne&#8217;s expected departure comes amid growing disappointment from City Hall, parents, and the Board of Education over his handling of the school closure process, which will likely be paused and restarted under a new chief executive, on a new timeline.

&#8220;Superintendent Wayne messed up and didn&#8217;t perform for our kids as we need him to, but the Board of Education also needs to hold themselves accountable,&#8221; Meredith Dodson, executive director of San Francisco Parent Action, said in a phone interview shortly after the news broke.

"Superintendent Wayne messed up and didn't perform for our kids as we need him to, but the Board of Education also needs to hold themselves accountable," Meredith Dodson, executive director of San Francisco Parent Action, said in a phone interview shortly after the news broke.

&#8220;Superintendent Wayne messed up and didn&#8217;t perform for our kids as we need him to, but the Board of Education also needs to hold themselves accountable,&#8221; Meredith Dodson, executive director of San Francisco Parent Action, said in a phone interview shortly after the news broke.

Breed demands that school closure plan be scrapped

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Parents rage at school closures list: ‘horrible,’ ‘devastating’

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On Tuesday, Mayor London Breed called for an immediate halt to the school closure process, citing&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/parents-react-school-closures-list/">widespread confusion and concern</a>&nbsp;among parents, educators, and staff.

Parents rage at school closures list: &#8216;horrible,&#8217; &#8216;devastating&#8217;

On Tuesday, Mayor London Breed called for an immediate halt to the school closure process, citing&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/parents-react-school-closures-list/">widespread confusion and concern</a>&nbsp;among parents, educators, and staff.

Breed said the proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">closures and mergers list</a>, released last week, has made “a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic.”

13 SF public schools targeted for closure or mergers

Breed said the proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">closures and mergers list</a>, released last week, has made “a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic.”

The mayor&#8217;s office said in a statement Thursday evening that Breed was committed to supporting the district.

The mayor's office said in a statement Thursday evening that Breed was committed to supporting the district.

The mayor&#8217;s office said in a statement Thursday evening that Breed was committed to supporting the district.

&#8220;Our public schools cannot fail,&#8221; the statement said. &#8220;The most important thing right now is to maintain local control by balancing the District’s budget, while ensuring that our schools deliver services and programs critical to student success.&#8221;

"Our public schools cannot fail," the statement said. "The most important thing right now is to maintain local control by balancing the District’s budget, while ensuring that our schools deliver services and programs critical to student success."

&#8220;Our public schools cannot fail,&#8221; the statement said. &#8220;The most important thing right now is to maintain local control by balancing the District’s budget, while ensuring that our schools deliver services and programs critical to student success.&#8221;

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is running for mayor, said the lack of transparency around the school closure process and <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sf-schools-hiring-fiasco-19795677.php">issues with the district&#8217;s special education budget</a> created &#8220;unnecessary stress&#8221; and eroded public trust.

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is running for mayor, said the lack of transparency around the school closure process and <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sf-schools-hiring-fiasco-19795677.php">issues with the district's special education budget</a> created "unnecessary stress" and eroded public trust.

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is running for mayor, said the lack of transparency around the school closure process and <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sf-schools-hiring-fiasco-19795677.php">issues with the district&#8217;s special education budget</a> created &#8220;unnecessary stress&#8221; and eroded public trust.

&#8220;Superintendent Wayne’s resignation will offer an opportunity for a fresh start, but SFUSD’s next step must be to prioritize transparency and focus on meeting the needs of our city’s most vulnerable students and families,&#8221; Safaí said in a statement. &#8220;This time, we have to get it right.&#8221;

"Superintendent Wayne’s resignation will offer an opportunity for a fresh start, but SFUSD’s next step must be to prioritize transparency and focus on meeting the needs of our city’s most vulnerable students and families," Safaí said in a statement. "This time, we have to get it right."

&#8220;Superintendent Wayne’s resignation will offer an opportunity for a fresh start, but SFUSD’s next step must be to prioritize transparency and focus on meeting the needs of our city’s most vulnerable students and families,&#8221; Safaí said in a statement. &#8220;This time, we have to get it right.&#8221;

Wayne&#8217;s resignation will surely add to the chaos. Despite parents&#8217; disapproval of his handling of the closure plan, some fear his departure would only worsen the district&#8217;s situation and make a state takeover inevitable.

Wayne's resignation will surely add to the chaos. Despite parents' disapproval of his handling of the closure plan, some fear his departure would only worsen the district's situation and make a state takeover inevitable.

Wayne&#8217;s resignation will surely add to the chaos. Despite parents&#8217; disapproval of his handling of the closure plan, some fear his departure would only worsen the district&#8217;s situation and make a state takeover inevitable.

“I assume he was asked to do so by the board, or at least they made it clear that they would not support what he wanted to do going forward,” said Gerald Kanapathy, a parent at San Francisco Public Montessori, one of the schools on the list. “I think it&#8217;s a dangerous and irresponsible game they&#8217;re playing, and I imagine it has to do with the election in three weeks.”

“I assume he was asked to do so by the board, or at least they made it clear that they would not support what he wanted to do going forward,” said Gerald Kanapathy, a parent at San Francisco Public Montessori, one of the schools on the list. “I think it's a dangerous and irresponsible game they're playing, and I imagine it has to do with the election in three weeks.”

“I assume he was asked to do so by the board, or at least they made it clear that they would not support what he wanted to do going forward,” said Gerald Kanapathy, a parent at San Francisco Public Montessori, one of the schools on the list. “I think it&#8217;s a dangerous and irresponsible game they&#8217;re playing, and I imagine it has to do with the election in three weeks.”

Another parent, Steven Gemmen, president of the public Montessori&#8217;s PTA, said he was proud of the school and larger community for coming together to &#8220;force change.&#8221;

Another parent, Steven Gemmen, president of the public Montessori's PTA, said he was proud of the school and larger community for coming together to "force change."

Another parent, Steven Gemmen, president of the public Montessori&#8217;s PTA, said he was proud of the school and larger community for coming together to &#8220;force change.&#8221;

“This is finally a move in the right direction for SFUSD,&#8221; Gemmen said.

“This is finally a move in the right direction for SFUSD," Gemmen said.

“This is finally a move in the right direction for SFUSD,&#8221; Gemmen said.

The board is expected to appoint an interim superintendent at its regular meeting Tuesday.

The board is expected to appoint an interim superintendent at its regular meeting Tuesday.

Superintendent to resign amid school closure chaos

You may have heard about the school closures and fiscal crisis in the San Francisco Unified School District, but an important election that could shape the district’s future has gone largely under the radar this year.

You may have heard about the school closures and fiscal crisis in the San Francisco Unified School District, but an important election that could shape the district’s future has gone largely under the radar this year.

Four seats are up for grabs at the Board of Education, the seven-member governing body overseeing the policies of the K-12 public school district. The top four winners will join the board next January to work with the superintendent to navigate chaos at the district, including closing a nine-figure budget deficit, laying off staff, and restarting the process of closing and consolidating schools after it was put on pause.

Four seats are up for grabs at the Board of Education, the seven-member governing body overseeing the policies of the K-12 public school district. The top four winners will join the board next January to work with the superintendent to navigate chaos at the district, including closing a nine-figure budget deficit, laying off staff, and restarting the process of closing and consolidating schools after it was put on pause.

As of Nov. 18, Deputy City Attorney Jaime Huling, affordable housing director Parag Gupta, attorney and parent organizer Supryia Ray, and education foundation founder John Jersin, and current board president Matt Alexander were projected to win the election.

As of Nov. 18, Deputy City Attorney Jaime Huling, affordable housing director Parag Gupta, attorney and parent organizer Supryia Ray, and education foundation founder John Jersin, and current board president Matt Alexander were projected to win the election.

Board of Education

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timeline-of-chaos">Timeline of chaos</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timeline-of-chaos">Timeline of chaos</h2>

Those elected will inherit massive challenges that came to a head over the summer when state officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/sfusd-budget-crisis-concerns-warning/">issued a serious warning to the district</a>. Due to its worsening budget crisis, the California Department of Education downgraded the district&#8217;s financial situation to &#8220;negative&#8221; as the deficit mounted to $400 million, prompting state intervention in the district&#8217;s financial decisions, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/state-control-sfusd-hiring/">reviewing its hiring</a>.

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Those elected will inherit massive challenges that came to a head over the summer when state officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/sfusd-budget-crisis-concerns-warning/">issued a serious warning to the district</a>. Due to its worsening budget crisis, the California Department of Education downgraded the district's financial situation to "negative" as the deficit mounted to $400 million, prompting state intervention in the district's financial decisions, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/state-control-sfusd-hiring/">reviewing its hiring</a>.

Those elected will inherit massive challenges that came to a head over the summer when state officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/sfusd-budget-crisis-concerns-warning/">issued a serious warning to the district</a>. Due to its worsening budget crisis, the California Department of Education downgraded the district&#8217;s financial situation to &#8220;negative&#8221; as the deficit mounted to $400 million, prompting state intervention in the district&#8217;s financial decisions, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/state-control-sfusd-hiring/">reviewing its hiring</a>.

The initial rollout of a school closure announcement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/12/sfusd-closures-parents-students/">sent parents into panic mode</a>, with families at smaller schools concerned they would be on the chopping block.

‘Terrified&#8217;: Parents freak out over coming school closures

The initial rollout of a school closure announcement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/12/sfusd-closures-parents-students/">sent parents into panic mode</a>, with families at smaller schools concerned they would be on the chopping block.

In August, then-Board of Education President Lainie Motamedi suddenly resigned, citing personal health reasons. Mayor London Breed subsequently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/23/phil-kim-school-board-appointment-sfusd/">appointed educator Phil Kim to the seat</a>.

Meet the new guy tasked with cleaning up the SF school district&#8217;s mess

In August, then-Board of Education President Lainie Motamedi suddenly resigned, citing personal health reasons. Mayor London Breed subsequently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/23/phil-kim-school-board-appointment-sfusd/">appointed educator Phil Kim to the seat</a>.

The turmoil continued in September when then-Superintendent Matt Wayne decided to delay the announcement of the school closure list. Breed then <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">sent in a stabilization team</a>, led by City Hall veteran Maria Su, in an effort to rescue the district from collapse.

Breed assembles rescue team to save city&#8217;s troubled public schools

The turmoil continued in September when then-Superintendent Matt Wayne decided to delay the announcement of the school closure list. Breed then <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">sent in a stabilization team</a>, led by City Hall veteran Maria Su, in an effort to rescue the district from collapse.

Kids gather during a protest in response to school closures in San Francisco, on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. The San Francisco Unified School District announced Tuesday a list of schools that could face closures and eventual mergers.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241009-harveymilkprotest_0414.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people, including children, hold colorful signs advocating to &quot;Save Our School&quot; near the Castro Theatre, with rainbow themes and messages of hope." class="wp-image-320624"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The school closure plan sparked a huge backlash with kids and parents protesting the proposal.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241009-harveymilkprotest_0414.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people, including children, hold colorful signs advocating to &quot;Save Our School&quot; near the Castro Theatre, with rainbow themes and messages of hope." class="wp-image-320624"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The school closure plan sparked a huge backlash with kids and parents protesting the proposal.</figcaption></figure>

On Oct. 8, the district <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">released the closure list targeting 13 schools</a>, prompting widespread criticism of Wayne for a lack of transparency and input in the process. The backlash grew as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/15/breed-demands-school-closures-plan-be-scrapped/">City Hall leaders</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/09/harvey-milk-school-closure-sfusd/">parents</a>, and the school board lost trust in him. A week after the list announcement, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/17/superintendent-to-resign-amid-school-closure-chaos/">Wayne was forced to resign</a> and the school board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/18/maria-su-superindendent-sfusd/">appointed Su as the new superintendent</a>.

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On Oct. 8, the district <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">released the closure list targeting 13 schools</a>, prompting widespread criticism of Wayne for a lack of transparency and input in the process. The backlash grew as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/15/breed-demands-school-closures-plan-be-scrapped/">City Hall leaders</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/09/harvey-milk-school-closure-sfusd/">parents</a>, and the school board lost trust in him. A week after the list announcement, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/17/superintendent-to-resign-amid-school-closure-chaos/">Wayne was forced to resign</a> and the school board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/18/maria-su-superindendent-sfusd/">appointed Su as the new superintendent</a>.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-are-the-candidates">Who are the candidates?</h2>

Of the 11 candidates running, only two have some level of name recognition — Matt Alexander, the current president of the board and the only incumbent running for reelection, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/17/ann-hsu-enters-school-board-race/">Ann Hsu</a>, a former school board member appointed after the recall of three members in 2022&nbsp;but who later lost reelection.

Controversial school board leader denounced for racist remarks is running for office again

Of the 11 candidates running, only two have some level of name recognition — Matt Alexander, the current president of the board and the only incumbent running for reelection, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/17/ann-hsu-enters-school-board-race/">Ann Hsu</a>, a former school board member appointed after the recall of three members in 2022&nbsp;but who later lost reelection.

&#8220;I&#8217;m proud that during my time on the board, I&#8217;ve been able to build bridges across political lines to get things done for our kids,&#8221; Alexander said in a statement.

"I'm proud that during my time on the board, I've been able to build bridges across political lines to get things done for our kids," Alexander said in a statement.

&#8220;I&#8217;m proud that during my time on the board, I&#8217;ve been able to build bridges across political lines to get things done for our kids,&#8221; Alexander said in a statement.

The other <a href="https://voterguide.sfelections.org/candidate-information/candidates-board-education">nine candidates</a> are business executive Min Chang, nonprofit educator Virginia Cheung, engineer and educator Lefteris Eleftheriou, affordable housing director Parag Gupta, Deputy City Attorney Jaime Huling, education foundation founder John Jersin, college student Maddy Krantz, small business owner Laurance Lem Lee, and attorney and parent organizer Supryia Ray.

The other <a href="https://voterguide.sfelections.org/candidate-information/candidates-board-education">nine candidates</a> are business executive Min Chang, nonprofit educator Virginia Cheung, engineer and educator Lefteris Eleftheriou, affordable housing director Parag Gupta, Deputy City Attorney Jaime Huling, education foundation founder John Jersin, college student Maddy Krantz, small business owner Laurance Lem Lee, and attorney and parent organizer Supryia Ray.

The large pool of candidates split the city&#8217;s political camps and endorsements, with Alexander and Cheung securing progressive support as moderates rallied behind Ray. Chinese American candidates Lee, Hsu, and Chang are also running more on the moderate side.&nbsp;

The large pool of candidates split the city's political camps and endorsements, with Alexander and Cheung securing progressive support as moderates rallied behind Ray. Chinese American candidates Lee, Hsu, and Chang are also running more on the moderate side.&nbsp;

The large pool of candidates split the city&#8217;s political camps and endorsements, with Alexander and Cheung securing progressive support as moderates rallied behind Ray. Chinese American candidates Lee, Hsu, and Chang are also running more on the moderate side.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/sf-teachers-union-surprise-endorsement-moderate-19506792.php">political fight erupted</a> after Gupta, Huling, and Jersin formed an alliance with Alexander to win the endorsement of the progressive teacher’s union. The SF Guardians group, which led the school board recall, <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436ea099b26044931999510l9zdi.xg/d5cf978a">rescinded its endorsement</a> of Jersin and Gupta after their alliance with Alexander, whom they accused of presiding over a <a href="https://sfguardians.substack.com/p/why-we-had-to-rescind-two-endorsements">series of poor decisions</a> that inflamed the crisis at the district.

Earlier this year, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/sf-teachers-union-surprise-endorsement-moderate-19506792.php">political fight erupted</a> after Gupta, Huling, and Jersin formed an alliance with Alexander to win the endorsement of the progressive teacher’s union. The SF Guardians group, which led the school board recall, <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436ea099b26044931999510l9zdi.xg/d5cf978a">rescinded its endorsement</a> of Jersin and Gupta after their alliance with Alexander, whom they accused of presiding over a <a href="https://sfguardians.substack.com/p/why-we-had-to-rescind-two-endorsements">series of poor decisions</a> that inflamed the crisis at the district.

Meredith Dodson, director of SF Parent Action, said the current school board has lost parents&#8217; trust and no incumbents should be considered.

Meredith Dodson, director of SF Parent Action, said the current school board has lost parents' trust and no incumbents should be considered.

Meredith Dodson, director of SF Parent Action, said the current school board has lost parents&#8217; trust and no incumbents should be considered.

&#8220;We really need to see a full reset to the Board of Education with this election,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Parents are hoping that with new, strong leaders, we&#8217;ll see the board get back to the basics.&#8221;

"We really need to see a full reset to the Board of Education with this election," she said. "Parents are hoping that with new, strong leaders, we'll see the board get back to the basics."

&#8220;We really need to see a full reset to the Board of Education with this election,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Parents are hoping that with new, strong leaders, we&#8217;ll see the board get back to the basics.&#8221;

SF school district is in chaos. Here are the 11 candidates vying to clean up the mess

George Kelly

An “out-of-control” illegal fireworks problem is traumatizing San Francisco’s children, pets, autistic residents, and those suffering from dementia or PTSD, the city’s latest civil grand jury report says.

An “out-of-control” illegal fireworks problem is traumatizing San Francisco’s children, pets, autistic residents, and those suffering from dementia or PTSD, the city’s latest civil grand jury report says.

The jury, a civilian oversight body of 19 San Francisco residents, says the issue is due to a lack of coordination among city departments, limited tracking, inadequate public education, and inconsistent messaging on how to report activity.

The jury, a civilian oversight body of 19 San Francisco residents, says the issue is due to a lack of coordination among city departments, limited tracking, inadequate public education, and inconsistent messaging on how to report activity.

“All private fireworks are illegal in San Francisco, yet they continue to be a constant problem throughout the year, especially on July 4,” Bart Fisher, the grand jury committee chairperson, said in a Tuesday press release. “It’s important to get city departments working together towards solutions.”

“All private fireworks are illegal in San Francisco, yet they continue to be a constant problem throughout the year, especially on July 4,” Bart Fisher, the grand jury committee chairperson, said in a Tuesday press release. “It’s important to get city departments working together towards solutions.”

Fireworks pose serious safety risks, causing injuries like burns, lost limbs, hearing and vision damage, and even death, the jury found—including a New Year’s Day incident on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/01/fireworks-death-new-years-day-treasure-island/">Treasure Island where a man died</a>.

Man killed by fireworks in San Francisco on New Year&#8217;s Day

Fireworks pose serious safety risks, causing injuries like burns, lost limbs, hearing and vision damage, and even death, the jury found—including a New Year’s Day incident on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/01/fireworks-death-new-years-day-treasure-island/">Treasure Island where a man died</a>.

The report estimates that around 100,000 San Francisco households have pets frightened by fireworks. It adds that over 3,500 young children, 10,000 autistic residents, 12,500 dementia patients, and 40,200 veterans and adults with PTSD may be affected.  

The report estimates that around 100,000 San Francisco households have pets frightened by fireworks. It adds that over 3,500 young children, 10,000 autistic residents, 12,500 dementia patients, and 40,200 veterans and adults with PTSD may be affected.

Although the report says fireworks are a year-round problem, the report found that June and July saw the largest number of reported incidents by far.

Although the report says fireworks are a year-round problem, the report found that June and July saw the largest number of reported incidents by far.

A crowd in San Francisco's Chinatown surrounded a Waymo robotaxi on Saturday, Feb 10, 2024 where some in the group broke windows and threw fireworks inside, setting the autonomous vehicle ablaze. The incident occurred on Jackson Street near Grant Avenue around 9 p.m. Waymo said that the autonomous vehicle was not transporting any passengers at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/waymo-on-fire-02.jpg?w=1280" alt="Flames engulf a Waymo." class="wp-image-248953"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A crowd in Chinatown surrounded a Waymo robotaxi on Feb. 10, where some in the group broke windows and threw fireworks inside, setting the autonomous vehicle ablaze.</figcaption></figure>

In interviews, the jury heard about fireworks used against police during last July’s Dolores Hill bomb gathering and police identification of a 14-year-old as a suspect in the torching of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/12/waymo-san-francisco-burned-arrests/">Waymo robotaxi in the city’s Chinatown</a> in February.

&#8216;Sheer urban violence&#8217;: San Francisco Waymo burning marks new level of tech hostility

In interviews, the jury heard about fireworks used against police during last July’s Dolores Hill bomb gathering and police identification of a 14-year-old as a suspect in the torching of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/12/waymo-san-francisco-burned-arrests/">Waymo robotaxi in the city’s Chinatown</a> in February.

All neighborhoods across the city experience illegal fireworks, the report found. However, from 2018 to 2023, the Mission area had over double the number of fireworks-related police incidents compared to other neighborhoods.

All neighborhoods across the city experience illegal fireworks, the report found. However, from 2018 to 2023, the Mission area had over double the number of fireworks-related police incidents compared to other neighborhoods.

Bayview-Hunters Point received the most 911 calls from 2018-2023, with the Mission coming in second. The Tenderloin, Sunset, and Western Addition neighborhoods also received a high number of 911 calls reporting illegal fireworks.

Bayview-Hunters Point received the most 911 calls from 2018-2023, with the Mission coming in second. The Tenderloin, Sunset, and Western Addition neighborhoods also received a high number of 911 calls reporting illegal fireworks.

The report recommends that the city create a working group led by the Mayor&#8217;s Office in partnership with the emergency department, fire officials, 311, and the police to help address necessary responses. The Mayor&#8217;s Office is expected to release a joint statement in response to the report on Wednesday.

The report recommends that the city create a working group led by the Mayor's Office in partnership with the emergency department, fire officials, 311, and the police to help address necessary responses. The Mayor's Office is expected to release a joint statement in response to the report on Wednesday.

The report recommends that the city create a working group led by the Mayor&#8217;s Office in partnership with the emergency department, fire officials, 311, and the police to help address necessary responses. The Mayor&#8217;s Office is expected to release a joint statement in response to the report on Wednesday.

Last year’s jury report focused on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/29/sf-jury-finds-inconsistent-nonprofit-monitoring/">homeless nonprofits</a>, but this year’s foreperson, Michael Carboy, declined to explain why illegal fireworks were chosen as a subject.

San Francisco&#8217;s homelessness nonprofits aren&#8217;t properly monitored, civil grand jury finds

Last year’s jury report focused on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/29/sf-jury-finds-inconsistent-nonprofit-monitoring/">homeless nonprofits</a>, but this year’s foreperson, Michael Carboy, declined to explain why illegal fireworks were chosen as a subject.

“The grand jury does not enter into matters of policy. We focus strictly on procedure and process within the city government,” Carboy told The Standard. “We are explicitly prohibited from getting into policy issues.”

“The grand jury does not enter into matters of policy. We focus strictly on procedure and process within the city government,” Carboy told The Standard. “We are explicitly prohibited from getting into policy issues.”

Illegal fireworks are traumatizing SF’s children, pets and autistic residents: report

City College of San Francisco issued a public apology this month for the harm, frustration and confusion its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/22/cantonese-ccsf-setback/">failure to offer</a> a 16-unit Cantonese Certificate of Achievement program for the upcoming academic year may have caused the CCSF community.

City College of San Francisco’s Cantonese program at-risk again

City College of San Francisco issued a public apology this month for the harm, frustration and confusion its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/22/cantonese-ccsf-setback/">failure to offer</a> a 16-unit Cantonese Certificate of Achievement program for the upcoming academic year may have caused the CCSF community.

The public apology was issued July 10.

While the college started developing the program in early 2022, according to the district&#8217;s legal counsel, it was improperly retracted during the final stages of its approval. Community leaders have advocated for the protection of Cantonese classes and creation of the certificate program, arguing that increased access to Cantonese allows students to connect with their heritage and culture and better serve the needs of San Francisco elders.

While the college started developing the program in early 2022, according to the district's legal counsel, it was improperly retracted during the final stages of its approval. Community leaders have advocated for the protection of Cantonese classes and creation of the certificate program, arguing that increased access to Cantonese allows students to connect with their heritage and culture and better serve the needs of San Francisco elders.

While the college started developing the program in early 2022, according to the district&#8217;s legal counsel, it was improperly retracted during the final stages of its approval. Community leaders have advocated for the protection of Cantonese classes and creation of the certificate program, arguing that increased access to Cantonese allows students to connect with their heritage and culture and better serve the needs of San Francisco elders.

The college affirmed its commitment to developing the certificate program for the 2024-2025 school year.

The college affirmed its commitment to developing the certificate program for the 2024-2025 school year.

Alan Wong, president of the City College Board of Trustees, first proposed the 16-unit Cantonese certificate program in 2022 after administrators planned to cut Cantonese classes from the school&#8217;s curriculum. At the time, Cantonese was the only language program lacking both a certificate program and UC-transferrable credits&#8211;two metrics the state uses to allocate funding, Wong noted. Cantonese classes, however, were popular, reaching full enrollment since 2019, Wong said.

Alan Wong, president of the City College Board of Trustees, first proposed the 16-unit Cantonese certificate program in 2022 after administrators planned to cut Cantonese classes from the school's curriculum. At the time, Cantonese was the only language program lacking both a certificate program and UC-transferrable credits--two metrics the state uses to allocate funding, Wong noted. Cantonese classes, however, were popular, reaching full enrollment since 2019, Wong said.

Alan Wong, president of the City College Board of Trustees, first proposed the 16-unit Cantonese certificate program in 2022 after administrators planned to cut Cantonese classes from the school&#8217;s curriculum. At the time, Cantonese was the only language program lacking both a certificate program and UC-transferrable credits&#8211;two metrics the state uses to allocate funding, Wong noted. Cantonese classes, however, were popular, reaching full enrollment since 2019, Wong said.

The college passed Wong&#8217;s resolution to create the certificate program in the fall of 2022, allowing the proposal to advance to the curriculum community who would have to recommend the program to the Board of Trustees. After receiving the recommendation of the curriculum committee, the proposal was then ratified by the Board of Trustees. Its final step was to be submitted to the state chancellor&#8217;s office for approval.

The college passed Wong's resolution to create the certificate program in the fall of 2022, allowing the proposal to advance to the curriculum community who would have to recommend the program to the Board of Trustees. After receiving the recommendation of the curriculum committee, the proposal was then ratified by the Board of Trustees. Its final step was to be submitted to the state chancellor's office for approval.

The college passed Wong&#8217;s resolution to create the certificate program in the fall of 2022, allowing the proposal to advance to the curriculum community who would have to recommend the program to the Board of Trustees. After receiving the recommendation of the curriculum committee, the proposal was then ratified by the Board of Trustees. Its final step was to be submitted to the state chancellor&#8217;s office for approval.

However, several months after college trustees ratified the proposal, Wong was informed that the curriculum committee had decided to retract the certificate and deleted its records from the curriculum management software, he said.

However, several months after college trustees ratified the proposal, Wong was informed that the curriculum committee had decided to retract the certificate and deleted its records from the curriculum management software, he said.

“I just felt in my gut that what happened was wrong. We had approved this certificate and it was supposed to move forward,” Wong explained.

“I just felt in my gut that what happened was wrong. We had approved this certificate and it was supposed to move forward,” Wong explained.

In November, shortly after college trustees approved the certificate, the curriculum committee had retracted their support for the program during in a meeting, reverting the certificate proposal to draft status.

In November, shortly after college trustees approved the certificate, the curriculum committee had retracted their support for the program during in a meeting, reverting the certificate proposal to draft status.

The committee argued that the world languages and cultures department did not have the resources to develop more Cantonese offerings, including a grammar course. World Languages and Cultures Department Chair Diana Garcia-Denson confirmed this decision in a March board of trustees meeting.

The committee argued that the world languages and cultures department did not have the resources to develop more Cantonese offerings, including a grammar course. World Languages and Cultures Department Chair Diana Garcia-Denson confirmed this decision in a March board of trustees meeting.

According to Wong, when he spoke to administrators, they said that the curriculum committee could not retract their support for the certificate after the board of trustees had already approved it; this fact was later confirmed by the district&#8217;s legal counsel in June.

According to Wong, when he spoke to administrators, they said that the curriculum committee could not retract their support for the certificate after the board of trustees had already approved it; this fact was later confirmed by the district's legal counsel in June.

According to Wong, when he spoke to administrators, they said that the curriculum committee could not retract their support for the certificate after the board of trustees had already approved it; this fact was later confirmed by the district&#8217;s legal counsel in June.

As for the reasoning behind the curriculum committee&#8217;s decision, Wong feels that they could have voiced their concerns and proposed changes when they were first discussing the proposal, prior to recommending it. He also noted that the certificate proposal threads together existing classes and does not require additional resources.

As for the reasoning behind the curriculum committee's decision, Wong feels that they could have voiced their concerns and proposed changes when they were first discussing the proposal, prior to recommending it. He also noted that the certificate proposal threads together existing classes and does not require additional resources.

As for the reasoning behind the curriculum committee&#8217;s decision, Wong feels that they could have voiced their concerns and proposed changes when they were first discussing the proposal, prior to recommending it. He also noted that the certificate proposal threads together existing classes and does not require additional resources.

A rally to support saving Cantonese classes in San Francisco in 2021.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/w.jpeg?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-173576"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rally to support saving Cantonese classes in San Francisco in 2021.</figcaption></figure>

“The community celebrated this certificate and for it to be yanked at the last minute because some folks had a change of heart is very unjust and undemocratic, and, as mentioned by the legal counsel, it was an improper action that violated our policies,” Wong said.

“The community celebrated this certificate and for it to be yanked at the last minute because some folks had a change of heart is very unjust and undemocratic, and, as mentioned by the legal counsel, it was an improper action that violated our policies,” Wong said.

Chester Leung, an CCSF student who volunteers with the organization <a href="https://www.savecantonese.org/ccsf">Save Cantonese at CCSF</a>, was delighted when he first heard the college would offer the 16-unit certificate program.

Chester Leung, an CCSF student who volunteers with the organization <a href="https://www.savecantonese.org/ccsf">Save Cantonese at CCSF</a>, was delighted when he first heard the college would offer the 16-unit certificate program.

“The Bay Area is one of the few places where people can have easy access to learn Cantonese and this certificate shows to the people, our community, that Cantonese is worth learning,” Leung said.

“The Bay Area is one of the few places where people can have easy access to learn Cantonese and this certificate shows to the people, our community, that Cantonese is worth learning,” Leung said.

In his experience, Cantonese is a language that has been stigmatized. Even within his own family, his parents discouraged him from learning it saying it would not be useful and instead encouraging him to learn Mandarin.

In his experience, Cantonese is a language that has been stigmatized. Even within his own family, his parents discouraged him from learning it saying it would not be useful and instead encouraging him to learn Mandarin.

“Unfortunately, where I live, there are no community colleges that offer Cantonese, so CCSF was the only lifeline for me if I wanted to reconnect with my heritage and learn my language,” Leung explained.

“Unfortunately, where I live, there are no community colleges that offer Cantonese, so CCSF was the only lifeline for me if I wanted to reconnect with my heritage and learn my language,” Leung explained.

Taking Cantonese classes at CCSF has indeed allowed him to connect with his roots. Out of the grandchildren in his family, he is the only one who can communicate with his grandfather, a monolingual Cantonese speaker.

Taking Cantonese classes at CCSF has indeed allowed him to connect with his roots. Out of the grandchildren in his family, he is the only one who can communicate with his grandfather, a monolingual Cantonese speaker.

Leung worries that without the program this year and with its future still in flux, students will be less motivated to continue learning Cantonese. Instead, they would only take a few classes to fulfill their general education requirements. With less demand, the school might be less inclined to offer their last installment of Cantonese, which Leung said took almost two decades for the school to bring back.

Leung worries that without the program this year and with its future still in flux, students will be less motivated to continue learning Cantonese. Instead, they would only take a few classes to fulfill their general education requirements. With less demand, the school might be less inclined to offer their last installment of Cantonese, which Leung said took almost two decades for the school to bring back.

The 16-unit certificate program, which would appear on students&#8217; transcripts, would provide the motivation for students to continue pursuing Cantonese, Leung suggested.

The 16-unit certificate program, which would appear on students' transcripts, would provide the motivation for students to continue pursuing Cantonese, Leung suggested.

The 16-unit certificate program, which would appear on students&#8217; transcripts, would provide the motivation for students to continue pursuing Cantonese, Leung suggested.

For Wong, establishing the certificate program meant establishing equity amongst the different language programs at City College. It meant meeting state metrics for continued funding, protecting the classes from being cut in the future.

For Wong, establishing the certificate program meant establishing equity amongst the different language programs at City College. It meant meeting state metrics for continued funding, protecting the classes from being cut in the future.

Superintendent to resign amid school closure chaos

SF school district is in chaos. Here are the 11 candidates vying to clean up the mess

Illegal fireworks are traumatizing SF’s children, pets and autistic residents: report

City College of San Francisco apologizes for dropping Cantonese certificate program

State warns SF schools: We’re not going to bail you out of budget armageddon

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Superintendent to resign amid school closure chaos

SF school district is in chaos. Here are the 11 candidates vying to clean up the mess

Illegal fireworks are traumatizing SF’s children, pets and autistic residents: report

City College of San Francisco apologizes for dropping Cantonese certificate program

State warns SF schools: We’re not going to bail you out of budget armageddon