Jonah Owen Lamb

Alex Mullaney

When someone robs a bank in San Francisco, police rush to the scene with sirens blaring. But when a nonprofit executive is accused of stealing taxpayer money — mostly from the Police Department itself — police can’t be bothered.

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When someone robs a bank in San Francisco, police rush to the scene with sirens blaring. But when a nonprofit executive is accused of stealing taxpayer money — mostly from the Police Department itself — police can’t be bothered.

San Francisco SAFE Inc. was founded in 1976 as a project of the San Francisco Police Department to lead community-facing crime-prevention initiatives. (SAFE stands for Safety Awareness for Everyone.) But after last year’s release of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">a controller’s office report flagging misspending</a>, SF SAFE crumpled, leaving its employees and subcontractors in the lurch and its executive director, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/30/fired-boss-sf-safe-nonprofit-charged-34-felonies/">Kyra Worthy, facing criminal charges</a>.

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

Fired boss of scandal-plagued SF SAFE nonprofit charged with 34 felonies

San Francisco SAFE Inc. was founded in 1976 as a project of the San Francisco Police Department to lead community-facing crime-prevention initiatives. (SAFE stands for Safety Awareness for Everyone.) But after last year’s release of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">a controller’s office report flagging misspending</a>, SF SAFE crumpled, leaving its employees and subcontractors in the lurch and its executive director, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/30/fired-boss-sf-safe-nonprofit-charged-34-felonies/">Kyra Worthy, facing criminal charges</a>.

Despite an earlier commitment to determine exactly how much of the $5.3 million SFPD paid SF Safe in the last five years was stolen, misspent or wasted, the department now says it has no plans to carry out the controller’s recommendation to figure out where every cent went.

Despite an earlier commitment to determine exactly how much of the $5.3 million SFPD paid SF Safe in the last five years was stolen, misspent or wasted, the department now says it has no plans to carry out the controller’s recommendation to figure out where every cent went.

After a presentation about efforts to take over the nonprofit’s responsibilities, Chief Bill Scott told the Police Commission on Wednesday that the department will not conduct an audit. Scott initially called for one in June 2023 after a meeting with an SF SAFE vendor alerted him to missing payments.

After a presentation about efforts to take over the nonprofit’s responsibilities, Chief Bill Scott told the Police Commission on Wednesday that the department will not conduct an audit. Scott initially called for one in June 2023 after a meeting with an SF SAFE vendor alerted him to missing payments.

Scott said there is no way to force SF SAFE to hand over financial documents, since it has been dissolved.

Scott said there is no way to force SF SAFE to hand over financial documents, since it has been dissolved.

Kyra Worthy, the executive director of San Francisco SAFE walk through the Bayview district of San Francisco on April 19, 2019. Kyra was dismissed from her duties by the board of directors for the charity Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/190421-sfe-sfsafebayview-012-11.jpg?w=1510" alt="A smiling woman in an orange top with glasses and hoop earrings stands in front of a window with blue signage." class="wp-image-242583"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kyra Worthy, the erstwhile executive director of SF SAFE, is facing 34 felony charges.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/190421-sfe-sfsafebayview-012-11.jpg?w=1510" alt="A smiling woman in an orange top with glasses and hoop earrings stands in front of a window with blue signage." class="wp-image-242583"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kyra Worthy, the erstwhile executive director of SF SAFE, is facing 34 felony charges.</figcaption></figure>

&#8220;I don’t know what [SF SAFE] did with the documents, but we didn’t get them upon request. We didn&#8217;t get any documents. I can&#8217;t tell you what they did with them,” Scott said.

"I don’t know what [SF SAFE] did with the documents, but we didn’t get them upon request. We didn't get any documents. I can't tell you what they did with them,” Scott said.

&#8220;I don’t know what [SF SAFE] did with the documents, but we didn’t get them upon request. We didn&#8217;t get any documents. I can&#8217;t tell you what they did with them,” Scott said.

&#8220;We don&#8217;t have any way to compel the former SF SAFE to give up any documents,” he added later.

"We don't have any way to compel the former SF SAFE to give up any documents,” he added later.

&#8220;We don&#8217;t have any way to compel the former SF SAFE to give up any documents,” he added later.

Scott&#8217;s fatalism drew a strong response from mayoral candidate Aaron Peskin.

Scott's fatalism drew a strong response from mayoral candidate Aaron Peskin.

Scott&#8217;s fatalism drew a strong response from mayoral candidate Aaron Peskin.

“It is mind-boggling that the chief of police — the top law enforcement officer — would not be interested in aggressively investigating a crime that was committed against him and his police department,” said the Board of Supervisors president, who held an Oct. 11 hearing on SF SAFE.

“It is mind-boggling that the chief of police — the top law enforcement officer — would not be interested in aggressively investigating a crime that was committed against him and his police department,” said the Board of Supervisors president, who held an Oct. 11 hearing on SF SAFE.

In a testy back and forth at the police commission hearing, Max Carter-Oberstone, a commissioner, wondered why the SFPD seemed “reluctant” to track down the documents that would illuminate the extent of the fraud.

In a testy back and forth at the police commission hearing, Max Carter-Oberstone, a commissioner, wondered why the SFPD seemed “reluctant” to track down the documents that would illuminate the extent of the fraud.

&#8220;You are saying there will never be an accounting of those $5.3 million?” asked Carter-Oberston, who pressed the chief about why he hadn&#8217;t taken SF SAFE to court to compel it as a contractor to hand over receipts.

"You are saying there will never be an accounting of those $5.3 million?” asked Carter-Oberston, who pressed the chief about why he hadn't taken SF SAFE to court to compel it as a contractor to hand over receipts.

&#8220;You are saying there will never be an accounting of those $5.3 million?” asked Carter-Oberston, who pressed the chief about why he hadn&#8217;t taken SF SAFE to court to compel it as a contractor to hand over receipts.

Scott said he wasn’t sure if his department could do so.

Scott said he wasn’t sure if his department could do so.

“One of the many things that are so troubling [is that] in many ways, it looks like SFPD looked the other way,” Carter-Oberstone said. “That it set up and designed a system not to catch fraud.”

“One of the many things that are so troubling [is that] in many ways, it looks like SFPD looked the other way,” Carter-Oberstone said. “That it set up and designed a system not to catch fraud.”

Since the scandal erupted, the short-staffed SFPD has filled empty positions in the unit responsible for contract monitoring and has hired a new chief financial officer. But how that will prevent future abuses remains an open question among police commissioners.

Since the scandal erupted, the short-staffed SFPD has filled empty positions in the unit responsible for contract monitoring and has hired a new chief financial officer. But how that will prevent future abuses remains an open question among police commissioners.

Before SF SAFE hired Kyra Worthy, misspending questions dogged her East Bay nonprofit

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“We need to know you have put in safeguards to make sure this doesn&#8217;t happen again,” commission President Cindy Elias told Scott. “This happened, you know, under your watch.&#8221;

“We need to know you have put in safeguards to make sure this doesn't happen again,” commission President Cindy Elias told Scott. “This happened, you know, under your watch."

“We need to know you have put in safeguards to make sure this doesn&#8217;t happen again,” commission President Cindy Elias told Scott. “This happened, you know, under your watch.&#8221;

SF SAFE will return to City Hall for a hearing Nov. 7, when its former board president and CFO respond to subpoenas issued by the Board of Supervisors.

SF SAFE will return to City Hall for a hearing Nov. 7, when its former board president and CFO respond to subpoenas issued by the Board of Supervisors.

For <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/29/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-staffers-speak-out/">Furlishous Wyatt</a>, 73, a 42-year SF SAFE employee, resolution can’t come soon enough. The nonprofit’s employees, along with subcontractors, have been stiffed on back pay and benefits, Wyatt said. He is waiting for a judgment from the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement so he can move on.

For <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/29/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-staffers-speak-out/">Furlishous Wyatt</a>, 73, a 42-year SF SAFE employee, resolution can’t come soon enough. The nonprofit’s employees, along with subcontractors, have been stiffed on back pay and benefits, Wyatt said. He is waiting for a judgment from the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement so he can move on.

“We haven&#8217;t received anything since the program ended itself back on Jan. 24 of this year,” Wyatt said. “Myself, as well as my ex-coworkers — we&#8217;re basically in limbo.”

“We haven't received anything since the program ended itself back on Jan. 24 of this year,” Wyatt said. “Myself, as well as my ex-coworkers — we're basically in limbo.”

“We haven&#8217;t received anything since the program ended itself back on Jan. 24 of this year,” Wyatt said. “Myself, as well as my ex-coworkers — we&#8217;re basically in limbo.”

SFPD may have been robbed of millions, but the department isn’t seeking justice

George Kelly

Police said Thursday that three &#8220;prolific vandals&#8221; have been arrested on suspicion of tagging businesses, homes, parks, and city property with graffiti.

Police said Thursday that three "prolific vandals" have been arrested on suspicion of tagging businesses, homes, parks, and city property with graffiti.

Police said Thursday that three &#8220;prolific vandals&#8221; have been arrested on suspicion of tagging businesses, homes, parks, and city property with graffiti.

San Francisco Police Department Chief Bill Scott wasted no time in calling out the suspects for their ages.

San Francisco Police Department Chief Bill Scott wasted no time in calling out the suspects for their ages.

&#8220;Hopefully, these grown adults committing these crimes will one day learn to use their creativity in positive and productive ways,” Scott said. The suspects are between the ages of 34 and 49.

"Hopefully, these grown adults committing these crimes will one day learn to use their creativity in positive and productive ways,” Scott said. The suspects are between the ages of 34 and 49.

&#8220;Hopefully, these grown adults committing these crimes will one day learn to use their creativity in positive and productive ways,” Scott said. The suspects are between the ages of 34 and 49.

Cops said they caught the suspects using spray paint and permanent markers to deface buildings last week.

Cops said they caught the suspects using spray paint and permanent markers to deface buildings last week.

San Francisco police said they've arrested the prolific graffiti artist who used the tag "Aspect" seen here drawn with marker on the window of a 24th Street business on Oct. 10.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/24-122-graffiti-pic-2-rotated.jpg?w=1875" alt="The image shows a night scene with a dimly lit street and a building. The window has a squiggly pattern drawn on it, and there are string lights hanging outside." class="wp-image-322687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police say they&#8217;ve arrested the prolific graffiti artist who used the tag &#8220;Aspect,&#8221; seen on the window of a 24th Street business.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/24-122-graffiti-pic-2-rotated.jpg?w=1875" alt="The image shows a night scene with a dimly lit street and a building. The window has a squiggly pattern drawn on it, and there are string lights hanging outside." class="wp-image-322687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police say they've arrested the prolific graffiti artist who used the tag "Aspect," seen on the window of a 24th Street business.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/24-122-graffiti-pic-2-rotated.jpg?w=1875" alt="The image shows a night scene with a dimly lit street and a building. The window has a squiggly pattern drawn on it, and there are string lights hanging outside." class="wp-image-322687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police say they&#8217;ve arrested the prolific graffiti artist who used the tag &#8220;Aspect,&#8221; seen on the window of a 24th Street business.</figcaption></figure>

SFPD officers detained Anders McLeland, 34, Oct. 10 after allegedly observing him defacing with permanent marker the window of a business on 24th Street between Mission and Valencia. McLeland is suspected of using the tag &#8220;Aspect.&#8221;

SFPD officers detained Anders McLeland, 34, Oct. 10 after allegedly observing him defacing with permanent marker the window of a business on 24th Street between Mission and Valencia. McLeland is suspected of using the tag "Aspect."

SFPD officers detained Anders McLeland, 34, Oct. 10 after allegedly observing him defacing with permanent marker the window of a business on 24th Street between Mission and Valencia. McLeland is suspected of using the tag &#8220;Aspect.&#8221;

A social media profile that appears to be McLeland&#8217;s describes him as a &#8220;highly motivated and organized professional with refined photography and videography skills&#8221; and &#8220;a creative thinker who is detail-oriented.&#8221;

A social media profile that appears to be McLeland's describes him as a "highly motivated and organized professional with refined photography and videography skills" and "a creative thinker who is detail-oriented."

A social media profile that appears to be McLeland&#8217;s describes him as a &#8220;highly motivated and organized professional with refined photography and videography skills&#8221; and &#8220;a creative thinker who is detail-oriented.&#8221;

The profile also showcases what appears to be a McLeland-produced &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsNP2CnsZ28" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">short graffiti film.&#8221;</a>

The profile also showcases what appears to be a McLeland-produced "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsNP2CnsZ28" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">short graffiti film."</a>

The profile also showcases what appears to be a McLeland-produced &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsNP2CnsZ28" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">short graffiti film.&#8221;</a>

The following day, Matthew Schular, 49, was arrested near San Jose and St. Mary&#8217;s avenues after allegedly trespassing and vandalizing Muni property. &#8220;Schular is a prolific tagger and is suspected of using the graffiti name “URBAN,” police said.

The following day, Matthew Schular, 49, was arrested near San Jose and St. Mary's avenues after allegedly trespassing and vandalizing Muni property. "Schular is a prolific tagger and is suspected of using the graffiti name “URBAN,” police said.

The following day, Matthew Schular, 49, was arrested near San Jose and St. Mary&#8217;s avenues after allegedly trespassing and vandalizing Muni property. &#8220;Schular is a prolific tagger and is suspected of using the graffiti name “URBAN,” police said.

Police said Schular was struck by a light-rail train after ignoring warnings to move. He was evaluated at a hospital before being taken into custody.

Police said Schular was struck by a light-rail train after ignoring warnings to move. He was evaluated at a hospital before being taken into custody.

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Joel James, 37, was arrested Oct. 12 on 10th Street between Bryant and Division in SoMa after officers allegedly spotted him tagging property. James, suspected of using the tag &#8220;Ecks,&#8221; appears to be a locally acclaimed graffiti writer with 10,000 followers on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ecksbbb?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>.

Joel James, 37, was arrested Oct. 12 on 10th Street between Bryant and Division in SoMa after officers allegedly spotted him tagging property. James, suspected of using the tag "Ecks," appears to be a locally acclaimed graffiti writer with 10,000 followers on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ecksbbb?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>.

Joel James, 37, was arrested Oct. 12 on 10th Street between Bryant and Division in SoMa after officers allegedly spotted him tagging property. James, suspected of using the tag &#8220;Ecks,&#8221; appears to be a locally acclaimed graffiti writer with 10,000 followers on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ecksbbb?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>.

All three men face misdemeanor vandalism charges. Schular and James were also charged with possession of graffiti tools.

All three men face misdemeanor vandalism charges. Schular and James were also charged with possession of graffiti tools.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Schular&#8217;s name after SFPD spelled it two different ways in their press release Thursday.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Schular's name after SFPD spelled it two different ways in their press release Thursday.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Schular&#8217;s name after SFPD spelled it two different ways in their press release Thursday.

‘Prolific’ graffiti suspects arrested. One is 49 years old

Nearly a week after San Francisco police reopened a 2023 case involving the death of a Chinese immigrant, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said the department would release video footage of the incident &#8220;after the investigation is complete and we’ve determined it will not interfere with the investigation or potential prosecution.&#8221;

Nearly a week after San Francisco police reopened a 2023 case involving the death of a Chinese immigrant, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said the department would release video footage of the incident "after the investigation is complete and we’ve determined it will not interfere with the investigation or potential prosecution."

Nearly a week after San Francisco police reopened a 2023 case involving the death of a Chinese immigrant, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said the department would release video footage of the incident &#8220;after the investigation is complete and we’ve determined it will not interfere with the investigation or potential prosecution.&#8221;

Yanfang Wu, a 63-year-old woman, was pushed on a sidewalk in the Bayview neighborhood last July and later died from her injuries. The SFPD ruled the incident an accident, and no arrests were made.

Yanfang Wu, a 63-year-old woman, was pushed on a sidewalk in the Bayview neighborhood last July and later died from her injuries. The SFPD ruled the incident an accident, and no arrests were made.

However, the person who is said to have pushed Wu, 43-year-old Thea Hopkins,&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/08/thea-hopkins-san-francisco-bayview-attack-asian-female/">was arrested last week for allegedly violently assaulting a 71-year-old Chinese woman</a>. That triggered an outcry from a group of Asian American activists who demanded that law enforcement reexamine the July 2023 case and release footage of the pushing incident.

Suspect in attack on Asian woman, 71, linked to fatal 2023 incident, sources say

However, the person who is said to have pushed Wu, 43-year-old Thea Hopkins,&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/08/thea-hopkins-san-francisco-bayview-attack-asian-female/">was arrested last week for allegedly violently assaulting a 71-year-old Chinese woman</a>. That triggered an outcry from a group of Asian American activists who demanded that law enforcement reexamine the July 2023 case and release footage of the pushing incident.

On Sunday, Mayor London Breed called for the release of the video on Facebook, following a meeting Saturday with community leaders from San Francisco&#8217;s Asian American and Pacific Islander community to commemorate the 2021 <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/17/us/shooting-atlanta-acworth">Atlanta spa shootings</a>, in which six women of Asian descent died.

On Sunday, Mayor London Breed called for the release of the video on Facebook, following a meeting Saturday with community leaders from San Francisco's Asian American and Pacific Islander community to commemorate the 2021 <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/17/us/shooting-atlanta-acworth">Atlanta spa shootings</a>, in which six women of Asian descent died.

On Sunday, Mayor London Breed called for the release of the video on Facebook, following a meeting Saturday with community leaders from San Francisco&#8217;s Asian American and Pacific Islander community to commemorate the 2021 <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/17/us/shooting-atlanta-acworth">Atlanta spa shootings</a>, in which six women of Asian descent died.

&#8220;Right now law enforcement is investigating and we can’t compromise that criminal investigation or prosecution in any way,&#8221; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayorlondonbreed">Breed wrote</a>. &#8220;Once it’s determined releasing the video won’t do that, it should be released.&#8221;

"Right now law enforcement is investigating and we can’t compromise that criminal investigation or prosecution in any way," <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayorlondonbreed">Breed wrote</a>. "Once it’s determined releasing the video won’t do that, it should be released."

&#8220;Right now law enforcement is investigating and we can’t compromise that criminal investigation or prosecution in any way,&#8221; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayorlondonbreed">Breed wrote</a>. &#8220;Once it’s determined releasing the video won’t do that, it should be released.&#8221;

In posts to X on Sunday, Scott <a href="https://twitter.com/sfpdchief/status/1769459755897294851">called the death</a> of Yanfang Wu a tragedy and echoed the mayor&#8217;s position that the department takes cases involving violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community &#8220;very seriously.&#8221;

In posts to X on Sunday, Scott <a href="https://twitter.com/sfpdchief/status/1769459755897294851">called the death</a> of Yanfang Wu a tragedy and echoed the mayor's position that the department takes cases involving violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community "very seriously."

In posts to X on Sunday, Scott <a href="https://twitter.com/sfpdchief/status/1769459755897294851">called the death</a> of Yanfang Wu a tragedy and echoed the mayor&#8217;s position that the department takes cases involving violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community &#8220;very seriously.&#8221;

&#8220;Our investigators are working diligently on the case which is an open and active investigation,&#8221; Scott wrote. &#8220;In all cases, we look for evidence of motivation—including possible hate crimes.&#8221;

"Our investigators are working diligently on the case which is an open and active investigation," Scott wrote. "In all cases, we look for evidence of motivation—including possible hate crimes."

&#8220;Our investigators are working diligently on the case which is an open and active investigation,&#8221; Scott wrote. &#8220;In all cases, we look for evidence of motivation—including possible hate crimes.&#8221;

The chief added that the SFPD will release video of the incident after the investigation is complete, as requested by the mayor, once it was certain not to interfere with the probe or prosecution.

The chief added that the SFPD will release video of the incident after the investigation is complete, as requested by the mayor, once it was certain not to interfere with the probe or prosecution.

SFPD reopens case of 63-year-old Asian woman pushed to death on sidewalk in 2023

After his wife’s accidental death, a San Francisco man wants to move back to China

In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayorlondonbreed/posts/pfbid0Ng1FJCLDYs1n1zdNuWozVA6WsaEnaNcYByWZCs1zie26oFmPCbX9gPU3uyh3BT4Vl">separate statement</a> posted Sunday to Facebook, Breed acknowledged community calls for transparency surrounding Wu&#8217;s death during the anniversary event.

In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayorlondonbreed/posts/pfbid0Ng1FJCLDYs1n1zdNuWozVA6WsaEnaNcYByWZCs1zie26oFmPCbX9gPU3uyh3BT4Vl">separate statement</a> posted Sunday to Facebook, Breed acknowledged community calls for transparency surrounding Wu's death during the anniversary event.

In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayorlondonbreed/posts/pfbid0Ng1FJCLDYs1n1zdNuWozVA6WsaEnaNcYByWZCs1zie26oFmPCbX9gPU3uyh3BT4Vl">separate statement</a> posted Sunday to Facebook, Breed acknowledged community calls for transparency surrounding Wu&#8217;s death during the anniversary event.

&#8220;I believe in transparency and stand with the API community for justice for all victims and survivors of hate incidents,&#8221; Breed said after attending a gathering Saturday marking the third anniversary of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/03/16/atlanta-spa-shootings-asian-american-women-sf-rally-on-national-day-of-remembrance/">Atlanta spa shootings</a>. &#8220;As soon as possible, I want the video released.&#8221;

Atlanta spa shootings: Asian American women in SF demand greater protections on 1-year anniversary

"I believe in transparency and stand with the API community for justice for all victims and survivors of hate incidents," Breed said after attending a gathering Saturday marking the third anniversary of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/03/16/atlanta-spa-shootings-asian-american-women-sf-rally-on-national-day-of-remembrance/">Atlanta spa shootings</a>. "As soon as possible, I want the video released."

&#8220;I believe in transparency and stand with the API community for justice for all victims and survivors of hate incidents,&#8221; Breed said after attending a gathering Saturday marking the third anniversary of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/03/16/atlanta-spa-shootings-asian-american-women-sf-rally-on-national-day-of-remembrance/">Atlanta spa shootings</a>. &#8220;As soon as possible, I want the video released.&#8221;

However, she added that law enforcement must first notify Wu&#8217;s surviving family members before any public release to avoid retraumatizing them.

However, she added that law enforcement must first notify Wu's surviving family members before any public release to avoid retraumatizing them.

However, she added that law enforcement must first notify Wu&#8217;s surviving family members before any public release to avoid retraumatizing them.

Wu’s husband, Rongan Liang, decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/yanfang-wu-husband-return-china-wife-death-bayview/">move back to China</a>&nbsp;after his wife’s death. A Community Youth Center staffer has been helping Liang since the incident and said Liang is currently still in China. The center will also inform him of the new developments in the case.

After his wife&#8217;s accidental death, a San Francisco man wants to move back to China

Wu’s husband, Rongan Liang, decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/yanfang-wu-husband-return-china-wife-death-bayview/">move back to China</a>&nbsp;after his wife’s death. A Community Youth Center staffer has been helping Liang since the incident and said Liang is currently still in China. The center will also inform him of the new developments in the case.

San Francisco police chief to release video of 63-year-old Asian woman’s death

Michael Barba

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott is opting out of the competition to replace the outgoing top cop of Los Angeles before the contest even begins.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott is opting out of the competition to replace the outgoing top cop of Los Angeles before the contest even begins.

Last Friday, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore announced he would <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-01-12/lapd-chief-michel-moore-to-leave-end-of-february">step down at the end of February</a>. If Scott had chosen to seek the job and succeeded in his bid, the move could have had serious political and public safety ramifications for San Francisco.

Last Friday, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore announced he would <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-01-12/lapd-chief-michel-moore-to-leave-end-of-february">step down at the end of February</a>. If Scott had chosen to seek the job and succeeded in his bid, the move could have had serious political and public safety ramifications for San Francisco.

But Scott put an end to any speculation about his potential candidacy Tuesday, telling The Standard in a statement that he would not throw his hat into the ring.

But Scott put an end to any speculation about his potential candidacy Tuesday, telling The Standard in a statement that he would not throw his hat into the ring.

&#8220;I am not interested in any other job,” Scott said. “I have important work to complete here in San Francisco that includes continuing and sustaining our reform efforts, addressing crime, helping our city recover economically, and rebuilding our police force to ensure we have the staff to meet all the city&#8217;s challenges for years to come.&#8221;

"I am not interested in any other job,” Scott said. “I have important work to complete here in San Francisco that includes continuing and sustaining our reform efforts, addressing crime, helping our city recover economically, and rebuilding our police force to ensure we have the staff to meet all the city's challenges for years to come."

&#8220;I am not interested in any other job,” Scott said. “I have important work to complete here in San Francisco that includes continuing and sustaining our reform efforts, addressing crime, helping our city recover economically, and rebuilding our police force to ensure we have the staff to meet all the city&#8217;s challenges for years to come.&#8221;

Scott was a logical contender for the job. He served for 27 years with the Los Angeles Police Department and has tried to return to Southern California before. Less than two years after former Mayor Ed Lee hired him in San Francisco in January 2017, he was a finalist for the Los Angeles job <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-Police-Chief-Bill-Scott-passed-over-12966981.php">but lost</a> to Moore.

Scott was a logical contender for the job. He served for 27 years with the Los Angeles Police Department and has tried to return to Southern California before. Less than two years after former Mayor Ed Lee hired him in San Francisco in January 2017, he was a finalist for the Los Angeles job <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-Police-Chief-Bill-Scott-passed-over-12966981.php">but lost</a> to Moore.

With seven years behind him this month, Scott is the longest-serving San Francisco police chief since Thomas J. Cahill, who served under three mayors from 1958 until 1970.

With seven years behind him this month, Scott is the longest-serving San Francisco police chief since Thomas J. Cahill, who served under three mayors from 1958 until 1970.

Scott’s departure from San Francisco would have put Breed and her political adversaries on the Police Commission in the awkward position of having to work together to choose his successor at a time when the mayor has waged war against the oversight body.

Scott’s departure from San Francisco would have put Breed and her political adversaries on the Police Commission in the awkward position of having to work together to choose his successor at a time when the mayor has waged war against the oversight body.

If Breed wants to hire a police chief, the city charter says she must select one from a pool of at least three candidates chosen by the Police Commission. The commission would be required to make additional nominations if the first round of applicants were rejected by the mayor.

If Breed wants to hire a police chief, the city charter says she must select one from a pool of at least three candidates chosen by the Police Commission. The commission would be required to make additional nominations if the first round of applicants were rejected by the mayor.

That system could have caused problems for the mayor, given that she is currently asking voters to approve Proposition E in an effort to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">throttle the policy-making powers of the Police Commission</a> and give officers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-mayor-police-drones/">the tools that she says they need</a> to do their jobs better.

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That system could have caused problems for the mayor, given that she is currently asking voters to approve Proposition E in an effort to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">throttle the policy-making powers of the Police Commission</a> and give officers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-mayor-police-drones/">the tools that she says they need</a> to do their jobs better.

Scott was hired to reform the San Francisco Police Department in January 2017, following a series of police shootings and a racist text-messaging scandal. His department has since <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/police-reform/cri-current-status">completed 90% of the 272 recommendations for reform</a> laid out by the U.S. Department of Justice in October 2016 and has <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/published-reports/officer-involved-shootings-ois-datahttps://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/published-reports/officer-involved-shootings-ois-data">reduced</a> police shootings.

Scott was hired to reform the San Francisco Police Department in January 2017, following a series of police shootings and a racist text-messaging scandal. His department has since <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/police-reform/cri-current-status">completed 90% of the 272 recommendations for reform</a> laid out by the U.S. Department of Justice in October 2016 and has <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/published-reports/officer-involved-shootings-ois-datahttps://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/published-reports/officer-involved-shootings-ois-data">reduced</a> police shootings.

At the same time, Scott has been confronted by the exploding fentanyl crisis and declines in police staffing seen in cities around the nation. Property crimes such as car break-ins, which plagued San Francisco before his tenure, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/28/crime-rate-san-francisco-2023-property-crime-car-thefts/">remain a problem despite improvements</a>. He has also faced low morale among the rank-and-file and <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1222">calls for his ouster</a> by the police union.

2023 San Francisco crime trends: Car thefts up, car break-ins down

At the same time, Scott has been confronted by the exploding fentanyl crisis and declines in police staffing seen in cities around the nation. Property crimes such as car break-ins, which plagued San Francisco before his tenure, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/28/crime-rate-san-francisco-2023-property-crime-car-thefts/">remain a problem despite improvements</a>. He has also faced low morale among the rank-and-file and <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1222">calls for his ouster</a> by the police union.

Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for Breed, said the mayor “remains focused on working with Chief Scott to continue to bring down crime rates and increase police staffing, both areas where we are making progress.”

Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for Breed, said the mayor “remains focused on working with Chief Scott to continue to bring down crime rates and increase police staffing, both areas where we are making progress.”

San Francisco police chief won’t be lured away by top cop position in LA

Garrett Leahy

Han Li

A private security guard allegedly shot and killed a 24-year-old man at a Downtown San Francisco Walgreens on Thursday evening, police said.

A private security guard allegedly shot and killed a 24-year-old man at a Downtown San Francisco Walgreens on Thursday evening, police said.

Police confirmed security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, 33, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday.

Police confirmed security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, 33, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said in an exclusive interview with The Standard that the shooting followed an alleged shoplifting incident that took a deadly turn.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said in an exclusive interview with The Standard that the shooting followed an alleged shoplifting incident that took a deadly turn.

Scott said investigators arrested the security guard for murder because of the way he allegedly used his weapon.

Scott said investigators arrested the security guard for murder because of the way he allegedly used his weapon.

&#8220;You have to use force appropriately within the law,&#8221; Scott said.

"You have to use force appropriately within the law," Scott said.

&#8220;You have to use force appropriately within the law,&#8221; Scott said.

The victim was identified as Chynna Brown of San Francisco by the Chief Medical Examiner&#8217;s Office. Police said Brown was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.

The victim was identified as Chynna Brown of San Francisco by the Chief Medical Examiner's Office. Police said Brown was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.

The victim was identified as Chynna Brown of San Francisco by the Chief Medical Examiner&#8217;s Office. Police said Brown was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.

Deputy Public Defender Adam Lipson represented Brown, a transgender man, in 2019, he said. &#8220;He grew up in San Francisco, in Bayview. He was raised by his grandmother, who had recently died,&#8221; Lipson said.

Deputy Public Defender Adam Lipson represented Brown, a transgender man, in 2019, he said. "He grew up in San Francisco, in Bayview. He was raised by his grandmother, who had recently died," Lipson said.

Deputy Public Defender Adam Lipson represented Brown, a transgender man, in 2019, he said. &#8220;He grew up in San Francisco, in Bayview. He was raised by his grandmother, who had recently died,&#8221; Lipson said.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/beating-of-ex-fire-commissioner-defense-attorney-accuses-don-carmignani-of-bear-spray-attacks-on-homeless-people/">Video: Attorney Says ‘Shocking’ Footage Shows Don Carmignani Attacking Sleeping Homeless Man With Bear Spray Prior to His Own Beating</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/beating-of-ex-fire-commissioner-defense-attorney-accuses-don-carmignani-of-bear-spray-attacks-on-homeless-people/">Video: Attorney Says ‘Shocking’ Footage Shows Don Carmignani Attacking Sleeping Homeless Man With Bear Spray Prior to His Own Beating</a>

The Standard contacted Kingdom Group Protective Services Private Security, which was providing security services for the Walgreens at 825 Market St. on Friday morning. A representative for the firm said they could not speak about open investigations or personnel matters.

The Standard contacted Kingdom Group Protective Services Private Security, which was providing security services for the Walgreens at 825 Market St. on Friday morning. A representative for the firm said they could not speak about open investigations or personnel matters.

Anthony was charged with commercial burglary of a Pleasant Hill Target store in 2014 and petty theft, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney&#8217;s Office. Court records say those charges were dismissed in December 2018.

Anthony was charged with commercial burglary of a Pleasant Hill Target store in 2014 and petty theft, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office. Court records say those charges were dismissed in December 2018.

Anthony was charged with commercial burglary of a Pleasant Hill Target store in 2014 and petty theft, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney&#8217;s Office. Court records say those charges were dismissed in December 2018.

&#8220;We are thinking of the victim and their family during this difficult time,&#8221; a Walgreens spokesperson said. &#8220;The safety of our patients, customers and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our stores. We take this matter seriously and are cooperating with local authorities.&#8221;

"We are thinking of the victim and their family during this difficult time," a Walgreens spokesperson said. "The safety of our patients, customers and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our stores. We take this matter seriously and are cooperating with local authorities."

&#8220;We are thinking of the victim and their family during this difficult time,&#8221; a Walgreens spokesperson said. &#8220;The safety of our patients, customers and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our stores. We take this matter seriously and are cooperating with local authorities.&#8221;

The line at the 825 Market St. Walgreens store on Friday morning, April 28, 2023. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230428_101959-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154763"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People line up at the Walgreens store at 825 Market St. on Friday morning. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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