Michael Barba

Longtime San Francisco police Sgt. Davin Cole made a living helping people who struggle with drug addiction. Then he allegedly walked into a pharmacy, and handed over a note demanding prescription painkillers.

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Longtime San Francisco police Sgt. Davin Cole made a living helping people who struggle with drug addiction. Then he allegedly walked into a pharmacy, and handed over a note demanding prescription painkillers.

&#8220;I have a gun give me Norco do not push alarm!!&nbsp; Hurry!!&#8221; the note read. &#8220;Sorry!! Doctors f&#8217;d me up wait 15 min to call cops. We&#8217;ll be watch.”

"I have a gun give me Norco do not push alarm!!&nbsp; Hurry!!" the note read. "Sorry!! Doctors f'd me up wait 15 min to call cops. We'll be watch.”

&#8220;I have a gun give me Norco do not push alarm!!&nbsp; Hurry!!&#8221; the note read. &#8220;Sorry!! Doctors f&#8217;d me up wait 15 min to call cops. We&#8217;ll be watch.”

Cole, a 27-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department, was arrested by San Mateo police after leaving the Rite Aid drug store, prosecutors said. He has since pleaded not guilty to robbery and gun charges.

Cole, a 27-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department, was arrested by San Mateo police after leaving the Rite Aid drug store, prosecutors said. He has since pleaded not guilty to robbery and gun charges.

His arrest stunned other officers on the force, who described Cole as a straight shooter assigned to a homeless response team. It was the culmination of a lengthy struggle with substance abuse that he battled in secret for more than a decade after being bitten by a police dog and prescribed painkillers, according to his defense attorney.

His arrest stunned other officers on the force, who described Cole as a straight shooter assigned to a homeless response team. It was the culmination of a lengthy struggle with substance abuse that he battled in secret for more than a decade after being bitten by a police dog and prescribed painkillers, according to his defense attorney.

“There were no signs that he had demons,” said Tony Montoya, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, who has known Cole for three decades. “He did an excellent job hiding what he was trying to suppress.”

“There were no signs that he had demons,” said Tony Montoya, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, who has known Cole for three decades. “He did an excellent job hiding what he was trying to suppress.”

Cole is not the first officer to wind up behind bars while battling drug addiction. In 2018 and 2019, a then-suspended San Francisco police officer, Rain Daugherty, was accused of robbing two banks and stealing from his elderly neighbor. During sentencing in federal court, his supporters asked for leniency, saying that Daugherty had become “addicted to an evil poison.”

Cole is not the first officer to wind up behind bars while battling drug addiction. In 2018 and 2019, a then-suspended San Francisco police officer, Rain Daugherty, was accused of robbing two banks and stealing from his elderly neighbor. During sentencing in federal court, his supporters asked for leniency, saying that Daugherty had become “addicted to an evil poison.”

News of the latest arrest has raised questions about whether enough is being done to protect the public from officers who might be struggling with drug addiction.

News of the latest arrest has raised questions about whether enough is being done to protect the public from officers who might be struggling with drug addiction.

The SF Police Department is known for offering robust, confidential support services to officers. Yet some in the law enforcement community say the stigma attached to officers seeking help prevents many from coming forward. And the fact that the SFPD—unlike the SF Fire Department and police forces in other cities—does not conduct random drug testing means that addicted officers are unlikely to be found out.&nbsp;

The SF Police Department is known for offering robust, confidential support services to officers. Yet some in the law enforcement community say the stigma attached to officers seeking help prevents many from coming forward. And the fact that the SFPD—unlike the SF Fire Department and police forces in other cities—does not conduct random drug testing means that addicted officers are unlikely to be found out.&nbsp;

Substance abuse among police officers and other first responders, who inevitably face very stressful situations on the job, is an issue nationwide.

Substance abuse among police officers and other first responders, who inevitably face very stressful situations on the job, is an issue nationwide.

Yulanda Williams, president of Officers for Justice, an employee association that represents Black officers in San Francisco, said the department should consider implementing random drug testing—especially considering that substance abuse issues appear to be a “little bit more frequent” within the ranks.

Yulanda Williams, president of Officers for Justice, an employee association that represents Black officers in San Francisco, said the department should consider implementing random drug testing—especially considering that substance abuse issues appear to be a “little bit more frequent” within the ranks.

“Based on the powers that we have on the job and the fact that we are carrying equipment that could cause severe damage or loss of life, I think that we have to be held to a far higher standard,” Williams said.

“Based on the powers that we have on the job and the fact that we are carrying equipment that could cause severe damage or loss of life, I think that we have to be held to a far higher standard,” Williams said.

Montoya described the unrelated arrests of Cole and Daugherty as “isolated” incidents. He said the police union would not “outright oppose” random drug testing, but cautioned that the “devil is in the details.”

Montoya described the unrelated arrests of Cole and Daugherty as “isolated” incidents. He said the police union would not “outright oppose” random drug testing, but cautioned that the “devil is in the details.”

The SFPD did not respond to a request for comment. An attempt to reach Cole through his attorney was not successful.

The SFPD did not respond to a request for comment. An attempt to reach Cole through his attorney was not successful.

<h3 class="has-text-align-left wp-block-heading" id="h-downward-spiral">Downward Spiral</h3>

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<h3 class="has-text-align-left" id="h-downward-spiral">Downward Spiral</h3>

It all started for Cole back in 2010, when a police dog bit his leg during a training exercise, according to his defense attorney, Tony Brass. The injury was so severe that it required surgery and Cole left the hospital with a prescription for an opioid painkiller called Norco.

It all started for Cole back in 2010, when a police dog bit his leg during a training exercise, according to his defense attorney, Tony Brass. The injury was so severe that it required surgery and Cole left the hospital with a prescription for an opioid painkiller called Norco.

“It started him down the road,” Brass said. “He was on very, very high doses.”

“It started him down the road,” Brass said. “He was on very, very high doses.”

Cole was later promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Healthy Streets Operations Center, where Brass said he earned a reputation for having a “great deal of empathy and sympathy.” At the same time, Cole was taking more painkillers than prescribed for his years-old injury, according to his attorney.

Cole was later promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Healthy Streets Operations Center, where Brass said he earned a reputation for having a “great deal of empathy and sympathy.” At the same time, Cole was taking more painkillers than prescribed for his years-old injury, according to his attorney.

“Like all addicts, he was in the process of quitting for years,” Brass said. “But he did keep himself in a very high-functioning state.”

“Like all addicts, he was in the process of quitting for years,” Brass said. “But he did keep himself in a very high-functioning state.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cop-cropped.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-16802"/><figcaption>Sgt. Davin Cole | Photo courtesy SFPD</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cop-cropped.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-16802"/><figcaption>Sgt. Davin Cole | Photo courtesy SFPD</figcaption></figure>

Brass would not say how Cole fed his addiction, but said “no one officially discovered that he was using and he was addicted.”

Brass would not say how Cole fed his addiction, but said “no one officially discovered that he was using and he was addicted.”

That changed on the evening of Nov. 3, when Cole walked into a Rite Aid at 666 Concar Dr. wearing a hoodie over his head, sunglasses and a face mask, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. He allegedly handed an employee at the pharmacy the threat letter, and left the store with 11 bottles of Norco painkillers, which would have cost $919 if purchased directly from the pharmacy.

That changed on the evening of Nov. 3, when Cole walked into a Rite Aid at 666 Concar Dr. wearing a hoodie over his head, sunglasses and a face mask, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. He allegedly handed an employee at the pharmacy the threat letter, and left the store with 11 bottles of Norco painkillers, which would have cost $919 if purchased directly from the pharmacy.

Prosecutors say Cole initially ran when police tried to stop him. Eventually he stopped and was taken into custody after being threatened with a stun gun. While being detained, Cole allegedly began to scream in frustration.

Prosecutors say Cole initially ran when police tried to stop him. Eventually he stopped and was taken into custody after being threatened with a stun gun. While being detained, Cole allegedly began to scream in frustration.

“I&#8217;m an off-duty cop,” Cole yelled, according to Wagstaffe. “My life is fucked up.”

“I'm an off-duty cop,” Cole yelled, according to Wagstaffe. “My life is fucked up.”

“I&#8217;m an off-duty cop,” Cole yelled, according to Wagstaffe. “My life is fucked up.”

Wagstaffe said police found an unregistered revolver in his waistband.

Wagstaffe said police found an unregistered revolver in his waistband.

Drug Testing &amp; Stigma

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Drug Testing &amp; Stigma</h3>

<h3>Drug Testing &amp; Stigma</h3>

Currently, the San Francisco Police Department only drug tests officers in limited circumstances, such as when an officer is hired, promoted or involved in an on-duty collision resulting in death or serious injury. Officers can also be tested if a supervisor suspects they are on drugs or alcohol while on the job.

Currently, the San Francisco Police Department only drug tests officers in limited circumstances, such as when an officer is hired, promoted or involved in an on-duty collision resulting in death or serious injury. Officers can also be tested if a supervisor suspects they are on drugs or alcohol while on the job.

The department does not require drug testing after officers are involved in critical incidents like police shootings.

The department does not require drug testing after officers are involved in critical incidents like police shootings.

By comparison, other first responder agencies have much more aggressive drug-testing policies.&nbsp;

By comparison, other first responder agencies have much more aggressive drug-testing policies.&nbsp;

The San Jose Police Department, for example, may require drug testing for officers who injure or kill another person. While a spokesperson for the department said it does not do random drug testing, <a href="https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/32017/637460571111070000">its police union contract</a> allows for randomly testing officers on specific assignments, such as undercover narcotics operations.

The San Jose Police Department, for example, may require drug testing for officers who injure or kill another person. While a spokesperson for the department said it does not do random drug testing, <a href="https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/32017/637460571111070000">its police union contract</a> allows for randomly testing officers on specific assignments, such as undercover narcotics operations.

The Los Angeles Police Department has an extensive random drug testing program; all new hires are randomly tested up to six times during their probation period, while all tenured officers are randomly drug tested up to three times a year.

The Los Angeles Police Department has an extensive random drug testing program; all new hires are randomly tested up to six times during their probation period, while all tenured officers are randomly drug tested up to three times a year.

In San Francisco, firefighters are subjected to random drug testing. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department said three to five of its members are randomly tested for drugs and alcohol every weekday.

In San Francisco, firefighters are subjected to random drug testing. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department said three to five of its members are randomly tested for drugs and alcohol every weekday.

Not everyone agrees that random drug testing should be part of the solution to addiction among cops.&nbsp;

Not everyone agrees that random drug testing should be part of the solution to addiction among cops.&nbsp;

Dr. Ellen Kirschman, a police and public safety psychologist who has worked with the San Francisco Police Department and is based in Redwood City, said instituting random drug testing sounds like a “terrible idea.” In addition to taking issue with officers being tested without cause, Kirschman said random testing could further drive a wedge between police supervisors and the rank-and-file.

Dr. Ellen Kirschman, a police and public safety psychologist who has worked with the San Francisco Police Department and is based in Redwood City, said instituting random drug testing sounds like a “terrible idea.” In addition to taking issue with officers being tested without cause, Kirschman said random testing could further drive a wedge between police supervisors and the rank-and-file.

“You have enough trouble getting line officers and management to be on the same page about things,” Kirschman said. “This would only make it worse.”

“You have enough trouble getting line officers and management to be on the same page about things,” Kirschman said. “This would only make it worse.”

However, Kirschman said there could be a place for random testing as a rehabilitation tool for officers with a history of addiction.

However, Kirschman said there could be a place for random testing as a rehabilitation tool for officers with a history of addiction.

Both Kirschman and Joe Alioto Veronese, a former San Francisco police commissioner, fire commissioner and police officer, pointed to the stigma associated with first responders seeking help for addiction as a bigger problem that needs to be addressed.

Both Kirschman and Joe Alioto Veronese, a former San Francisco police commissioner, fire commissioner and police officer, pointed to the stigma associated with first responders seeking help for addiction as a bigger problem that needs to be addressed.

“The mentality is that we need to be the hero in the room and not ask for help,” said Alioto Veronese, who started the National First Responders Fund to connect first responders with services.

“The mentality is that we need to be the hero in the room and not ask for help,” said Alioto Veronese, who started the National First Responders Fund to connect first responders with services.

He was surprised to learn that the San Francisco Police Department does not require drug testing after a police shooting.

He was surprised to learn that the San Francisco Police Department does not require drug testing after a police shooting.

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New Policies</h3>

At present, the San Francisco Police Department has not updated its drug testing policy for nearly three decades, since 1994. Most of the drug testing requirements are instead enshrined in its police contract.

At present, the San Francisco Police Department has not updated its drug testing policy for nearly three decades, since 1994. Most of the drug testing requirements are instead enshrined in its police contract.

When asked for her position on random drug testing, Police Commission President Malia Cohen said that the SFPD’s drug testing policy is among dozens of old policies in the process of being revised.

When asked for her position on random drug testing, Police Commission President Malia Cohen said that the SFPD’s drug testing policy is among dozens of old policies in the process of being revised.

&#8220;We cannot enable a situation where our officers, who are in a position of public trust, do not get the help that they need to overcome difficulties in life, including substance abuse,&#8221; Cohen said.

"We cannot enable a situation where our officers, who are in a position of public trust, do not get the help that they need to overcome difficulties in life, including substance abuse," Cohen said.

&#8220;We cannot enable a situation where our officers, who are in a position of public trust, do not get the help that they need to overcome difficulties in life, including substance abuse,&#8221; Cohen said.

As for Cole, he was placed on unpaid leave after his arrest pending the outcome of an internal investigation. He is facing four counts of felony robbery, two felony gun charges and a misdemeanor resisting arrest charge, according to authorities. He posted $50,000 bail and has checked into a residential treatment program.

As for Cole, he was placed on unpaid leave after his arrest pending the outcome of an internal investigation. He is facing four counts of felony robbery, two felony gun charges and a misdemeanor resisting arrest charge, according to authorities. He posted $50,000 bail and has checked into a residential treatment program.

He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 7.

He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 7.

<a href="mailto:michael@sfstandard.com">michael@sfstandard.com</a>

<a href="mailto:michael@sfstandard.com">michael@sfstandard.com</a>

When cops are addicts: Pharmacy robbery sheds rare light on drug abuse among first responders

Annie Gaus

At a hearing about the San Francisco Police Department’s budget, Police Chief Bill Scott told members of the Board of Supervisors that the department is shrinking and requested funding for staff, technology and training.&nbsp;

At a hearing about the San Francisco Police Department’s budget, Police Chief Bill Scott told members of the Board of Supervisors that the department is shrinking and requested funding for staff, technology and training.&nbsp;

The police department expects to lose 111 officers between fiscal year 2021 and 2022, and another 80 in the year following, according to Scott. As part of Mayor London Breed’s budget proposal, SFPD is requesting a total budget of $661 million for next fiscal year—a decrease of about $6 million compared to this year’s—followed by a budget of $689 million the year following.&nbsp;

The police department expects to lose 111 officers between fiscal year 2021 and 2022, and another 80 in the year following, according to Scott. As part of Mayor London Breed’s budget proposal, SFPD is requesting a total budget of $661 million for next fiscal year—a decrease of about $6 million compared to this year’s—followed by a budget of $689 million the year following.&nbsp;

Scott said that the funding is necessary for the department to carry out what the public expects of it—including a federal reform initiative launched in 2016—and to make investments in officer recruitment, training, technology and civilian staff to improve efficiency and comply with public records requests.&nbsp;

Scott said that the funding is necessary for the department to carry out what the public expects of it—including a federal reform initiative launched in 2016—and to make investments in officer recruitment, training, technology and civilian staff to improve efficiency and comply with public records requests.&nbsp;

“Our asks center around how we can make things like [retail crime] better, and not have our city be the face of chaos,” said Scott at the hearing on Thursday. “And it really starts with staffing, and not only just staffing, but us doing the jobs the right way.”&nbsp;

“Our asks center around how we can make things like [retail crime] better, and not have our city be the face of chaos,” said Scott at the hearing on Thursday. “And it really starts with staffing, and not only just staffing, but us doing the jobs the right way.”&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Scott appeared on CNN to discuss organized retail crime following <a href="https://twitter.com/abc7newsbayarea/status/1404834911106830348">a viral video</a> showing a theft in a Walgreens.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Scott appeared on CNN to discuss organized retail crime following <a href="https://twitter.com/abc7newsbayarea/status/1404834911106830348">a viral video</a> showing a theft in a Walgreens.&nbsp;

According to Scott, about 500 of SFPD’s roughly 1,780 sworn officers are eligible for retirement. In addition, the department is short about 70 civilian employees, which he said are needed “just to get us in compliance with things like our transparency law that was mandated with the passage of [SB 1421]. We have public records requests that we can’t even get to.” Enacted in 2020, California’s <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB1421">SB 1421</a> expanded the range of police misconduct records that must be disclosed, and SFPD reported a backlog of more than 18,000 requests.&nbsp;

According to Scott, about 500 of SFPD’s roughly 1,780 sworn officers are eligible for retirement. In addition, the department is short about 70 civilian employees, which he said are needed “just to get us in compliance with things like our transparency law that was mandated with the passage of [SB 1421]. We have public records requests that we can’t even get to.” Enacted in 2020, California’s <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB1421">SB 1421</a> expanded the range of police misconduct records that must be disclosed, and SFPD reported a backlog of more than 18,000 requests.&nbsp;

“We wind up having to put officers in those seats responding to requests, and that’s not an efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” said Scott. SFPD’s budget requests include $18 million for technology in fiscal 2023, a figure that includes funding for a major overhaul of the department’s records management system.

“We wind up having to put officers in those seats responding to requests, and that’s not an efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” said Scott. SFPD’s budget requests include $18 million for technology in fiscal 2023, a figure that includes funding for a major overhaul of the department’s records management system.

“We don’t have anything to hide. We’re an open book, we want to get better, but we need your support to do that,” Scott said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We don’t have anything to hide. We’re an open book, we want to get better, but we need your support to do that,” Scott said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a review of SFPD in the wake of several high-profile police shootings, and issued 272 <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceDocuments/Transparency/DOJ_COPS%20CRI_SFPD%20OCT%202016%20Assessment.pdf">recommendations for reform</a>, which ranged from improving data collection on use-of-force incidents to de-escalation training. To date, the department has completed 253 of the 272 recommendations.

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a review of SFPD in the wake of several high-profile police shootings, and issued 272 <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceDocuments/Transparency/DOJ_COPS%20CRI_SFPD%20OCT%202016%20Assessment.pdf">recommendations for reform</a>, which ranged from improving data collection on use-of-force incidents to de-escalation training. To date, the department has completed 253 of the 272 recommendations.

The department says it is also undertaking internal reforms aimed at boosting diversity and inclusion in its ranks, and Scott pointed to increased diversity among its newer recruits. SFPD’s 2020 academy class was 22% Hispanic, 29% Asian, 15% Black and 9% Filipino, according to police data.&nbsp;

The department says it is also undertaking internal reforms aimed at boosting diversity and inclusion in its ranks, and Scott pointed to increased diversity among its newer recruits. SFPD’s 2020 academy class was 22% Hispanic, 29% Asian, 15% Black and 9% Filipino, according to police data.&nbsp;

As part of a local reform effort, announced by Breed in July 2020, the city is seeking to shift responsibilities for some street-level incidents, such as behavioral health crises, to other agencies. At Thursday’s hearing, Supervisor Dean Preston asked why the police budget wasn’t smaller given the introduction of alternative safety programs: “I hope we’ll take a bold approach with that,” he said.&nbsp;

As part of a local reform effort, announced by Breed in July 2020, the city is seeking to shift responsibilities for some street-level incidents, such as behavioral health crises, to other agencies. At Thursday’s hearing, Supervisor Dean Preston asked why the police budget wasn’t smaller given the introduction of alternative safety programs: “I hope we’ll take a bold approach with that,” he said.&nbsp;

Scott responded that he is in favor of “right-sizing” SFPD as alternative programs are rolled out, but that it is too early to know how exactly those alternatives correspond with police funding. Officer training and development, which takes officers out of the field, must also be accounted for, according to Scott.&nbsp;

Scott responded that he is in favor of “right-sizing” SFPD as alternative programs are rolled out, but that it is too early to know how exactly those alternatives correspond with police funding. Officer training and development, which takes officers out of the field, must also be accounted for, according to Scott.&nbsp;

Asked by Supervisor Gordon Mar how alternative programs will affect future staffing levels, Scott said that he “[wants] to see it work” and that the success of those would allow police to better address issues like retail theft and gun crimes.&nbsp;

Asked by Supervisor Gordon Mar how alternative programs will affect future staffing levels, Scott said that he “[wants] to see it work” and that the success of those would allow police to better address issues like retail theft and gun crimes.&nbsp;

“We have identified 23 different categories of calls that we believe can be reinvisioned, and we’re working with the Mayor’s Office on that,” Scott said. “Somebody has to accept that work, and whoever accepts that work has to have the capability to do it&#8230;I hope we have those conversations about who has the capacity and what it’s going to take.”&nbsp;

“We have identified 23 different categories of calls that we believe can be reinvisioned, and we’re working with the Mayor’s Office on that,” Scott said. “Somebody has to accept that work, and whoever accepts that work has to have the capability to do it...I hope we have those conversations about who has the capacity and what it’s going to take.”&nbsp;

“We have identified 23 different categories of calls that we believe can be reinvisioned, and we’re working with the Mayor’s Office on that,” Scott said. “Somebody has to accept that work, and whoever accepts that work has to have the capability to do it&#8230;I hope we have those conversations about who has the capacity and what it’s going to take.”&nbsp;

Pending budget approval, many of the alternative public safety programs will be <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">focused on downtown</a> and adjacent areas.&nbsp;

Pending budget approval, many of the alternative public safety programs will be <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">focused on downtown</a> and adjacent areas.&nbsp;

In the Tenderloin, Civic Center and Mid-Market neighborhoods, the city is expected to fund teams of unarmed “community ambassadors” provided by a nonprofit called Urban Alchemy to help respond to street-level complaints.

In the Tenderloin, Civic Center and Mid-Market neighborhoods, the city is expected to fund teams of unarmed “community ambassadors” provided by a nonprofit called Urban Alchemy to help respond to street-level complaints.

In the Union Square area, Breed is <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceCommission/PoliceCommission081920-SFPDCommunityAmbassadorProgramOverview.pdf">requesting funding</a> for another pool of ambassadors that are largely retired police officers. Those ambassadors are trained to act as a friendly presence, helping to steer people in need to services and cultivate a more welcoming environment.

In the Union Square area, Breed is <a href="https://sfgov.org/policecommission/sites/default/files/Documents/PoliceCommission/PoliceCommission081920-SFPDCommunityAmbassadorProgramOverview.pdf">requesting funding</a> for another pool of ambassadors that are largely retired police officers. Those ambassadors are trained to act as a friendly presence, helping to steer people in need to services and cultivate a more welcoming environment.

SFPD chief to supervisors: ‘We need your support’

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicked off the process of wrangling and finalizing the city’s budget with the first in a series of hearings that will determine where billions of dollars will go over the next two years.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicked off the process of wrangling and finalizing the city’s budget with the first in a series of hearings that will determine where billions of dollars will go over the next two years.&nbsp;

At a budget committee meeting on Wednesday, Supervisors Matt Haney, Hillary Ronen and Gordon Mar heard presentations from City Controller Ben Rosenfield and Ashley Groffenberger, budget director for Mayor London Breed, who gave a breakdown of the city’s revenue outlook and the allocations proposed in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

At a budget committee meeting on Wednesday, Supervisors Matt Haney, Hillary Ronen and Gordon Mar heard presentations from City Controller Ben Rosenfield and Ashley Groffenberger, budget director for Mayor London Breed, who gave a breakdown of the city’s revenue outlook and the allocations proposed in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

Breed’s budget proposal, which she <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">previewed last week</a>, sets aside $13.1 billion for the fiscal year ending in 2022 and $12.8 billion for the following year. San Francisco operates on a two-year budget cycle, and its fiscal years end in July.&nbsp;

Breed’s budget proposal, which she <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">previewed last week</a>, sets aside $13.1 billion for the fiscal year ending in 2022 and $12.8 billion for the following year. San Francisco operates on a two-year budget cycle, and its fiscal years end in July.&nbsp;

“We have the chance to make a fundamental change,” said Breed of her proposal, which has a particular focus on COVID-19 recovery and response, public safety and homelessness.&nbsp;

“We have the chance to make a fundamental change,” said Breed of her proposal, which has a particular focus on COVID-19 recovery and response, public safety and homelessness.&nbsp;

Among the notable line items are $1 billion to create new placements for homeless individuals and families, $300 million for behavioral health services and millions in funding for alternative public safety programs such as<a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-boost-police-safety-patrols-in-tenderloin-and-mid-market"> </a>street <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">ambassadors in the downtown area </a>and additional street crisis response teams. The budget also proposes a new Office of Justice Innovation that would be housed within the Mayor’s Office, various tax and fee waivers for businesses and low-income individuals, and other economic and workforce initiatives.

Among the notable line items are $1 billion to create new placements for homeless individuals and families, $300 million for behavioral health services and millions in funding for alternative public safety programs such as<a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-boost-police-safety-patrols-in-tenderloin-and-mid-market"> </a>street <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">ambassadors in the downtown area </a>and additional street crisis response teams. The budget also proposes a new Office of Justice Innovation that would be housed within the Mayor’s Office, various tax and fee waivers for businesses and low-income individuals, and other economic and workforce initiatives.

Supervisor Ronen, who represents District 9, raised concerns about “duplication” of services between some of the items in Breed’s budget and <a href="https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/">Mental Health SF</a>, an initiative passed in 2019 that seeks to create, among other things, a central coordinating center for mental health services in the city.&nbsp;

Supervisor Ronen, who represents District 9, raised concerns about “duplication” of services between some of the items in Breed’s budget and <a href="https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/">Mental Health SF</a>, an initiative passed in 2019 that seeks to create, among other things, a central coordinating center for mental health services in the city.&nbsp;

“I’m not exactly sure what the purpose is,” said Ronen, speaking of the proposed Office of Justice Innovation. “We’re creating all of these random street teams, and a whole new unit within the Mayor’s Office and I’m worried we’re falling back into old habits.”&nbsp;

“I’m not exactly sure what the purpose is,” said Ronen, speaking of the proposed Office of Justice Innovation. “We’re creating all of these random street teams, and a whole new unit within the Mayor’s Office and I’m worried we’re falling back into old habits.”&nbsp;

Supervisors also questioned the level of funding for law enforcement in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

Supervisors also questioned the level of funding for law enforcement in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

Breed’s proposal calls for stabilization of San Francisco’s police force, including two academy classes to replace the roughly 80 who retire or leave each year. Supervisor Mar asked how soon the new alternative safety programs, such as street response teams, would result in a reduced need for police officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Breed’s proposal calls for stabilization of San Francisco’s police force, including two academy classes to replace the roughly 80 who retire or leave each year. Supervisor Mar asked how soon the new alternative safety programs, such as street response teams, would result in a reduced need for police officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prior to Wednesday’s hearing, the Board of Supervisors published a list of 386 <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Public%20List%20of%20Budget%20Requests%20-%20Updated%206.9.21%20-%20Citywide%20Requests.pdf">budget requests</a> totaling $545 million in the upcoming year. Those requests run the gamut, ranging from $25 million to finance affordable housing projects to smaller line items, such as $25,000 to fund a native plant garden at McLaren Park.&nbsp;

Prior to Wednesday’s hearing, the Board of Supervisors published a list of 386 <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Public%20List%20of%20Budget%20Requests%20-%20Updated%206.9.21%20-%20Citywide%20Requests.pdf">budget requests</a> totaling $545 million in the upcoming year. Those requests run the gamut, ranging from $25 million to finance affordable housing projects to smaller line items, such as $25,000 to fund a native plant garden at McLaren Park.&nbsp;

Primarily due to federal funding—the city is set to receive about $625 million in COVID-19 recovery funds—San Francisco budget officials were able to balance the city’s budget over the next two years. But there’s still a great degree of uncertainty over what <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sf-s-budget-surplus-grows-but-big-risks-remain">the local revenue picture</a> will look like after that, and how quickly key sources of tax dollars will recover as federal funds dry up.

Primarily due to federal funding—the city is set to receive about $625 million in COVID-19 recovery funds—San Francisco budget officials were able to balance the city’s budget over the next two years. But there’s still a great degree of uncertainty over what <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sf-s-budget-surplus-grows-but-big-risks-remain">the local revenue picture</a> will look like after that, and how quickly key sources of tax dollars will recover as federal funds dry up.

“Business and hotel [taxes] have a long way to recover,” said Carol Lu, a revenue manager at the Controller’s Office, noting that hotel taxes may not recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2025 or 2026. The office is also expecting 25 percent of the city’s workforce to telecommute permanently, which may affect business taxes long-term.&nbsp;

“Business and hotel [taxes] have a long way to recover,” said Carol Lu, a revenue manager at the Controller’s Office, noting that hotel taxes may not recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2025 or 2026. The office is also expecting 25 percent of the city’s workforce to telecommute permanently, which may affect business taxes long-term.&nbsp;

Another risk is FEMA reimbursement for emergency expenses San Francisco incurred during the pandemic. The city is currently expecting reimbursement of $430 million for disaster costs, including a shelter-in-place program for unhoused individuals that will begin winding down this year.&nbsp;

Another risk is FEMA reimbursement for emergency expenses San Francisco incurred during the pandemic. The city is currently expecting reimbursement of $430 million for disaster costs, including a shelter-in-place program for unhoused individuals that will begin winding down this year.&nbsp;

However, the federal agency undergoes a lengthy process of evaluating, approving and auditing claims—and it’s not uncommon for FEMA to deny some of the reimbursement claims in the end, said City Controller Rosenfield. Either way, it may take years to get clarity on how much of that $430 million San Francisco will actually receive.&nbsp;

However, the federal agency undergoes a lengthy process of evaluating, approving and auditing claims—and it’s not uncommon for FEMA to deny some of the reimbursement claims in the end, said City Controller Rosenfield. Either way, it may take years to get clarity on how much of that $430 million San Francisco will actually receive.&nbsp;

“They have a huge amount of claims coming in from all over the country, and it’s going to take some time,” said Rosenfield. “For the Loma Prieta earthquake, it took almost a decade to clear all the [claims].”&nbsp;

“They have a huge amount of claims coming in from all over the country, and it’s going to take some time,” said Rosenfield. “For the Loma Prieta earthquake, it took almost a decade to clear all the [claims].”&nbsp;

Over the next three weeks, the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors will remediate the differing budget proposals, starting with a series of presentations from individual city departments next week.

Over the next three weeks, the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors will remediate the differing budget proposals, starting with a series of presentations from individual city departments next week.

Hearings and negotiations will culminate in a day of public comment on June 25, followed by final budget deliberations <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Budget_Hearing_Calendar.pdf">scheduled for</a> June 28. Mayor Breed will sign the budget by August 1.

Hearings and negotiations will culminate in a day of public comment on June 25, followed by final budget deliberations <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Budget_Hearing_Calendar.pdf">scheduled for</a> June 28. Mayor Breed will sign the budget by August 1.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicks off $13B budget negotiations

Nell Bernstein for MindSite News

This story was produced in partnership with <a href="https://mindsitenews.org/">MindSite News</a>, an independent, nonprofit journalism site focused on mental health.

This story was produced in partnership with <a href="https://mindsitenews.org/">MindSite News</a>, an independent, nonprofit journalism site focused on mental health.

On a cloudless San Francisco afternoon, I scrambled to keep up with Lucero Herrera as we climbed seven flights of stairs in a South of Market office building. Earlier that morning, Herrera explained, the elevator had lurched to a sudden halt, leaving her heart pounding. It stalled for only a few seconds, but it took Herrera – who spent much of her adolescence inside a locked cell – much longer to recover from the terror of being trapped.

On a cloudless San Francisco afternoon, I scrambled to keep up with Lucero Herrera as we climbed seven flights of stairs in a South of Market office building. Earlier that morning, Herrera explained, the elevator had lurched to a sudden halt, leaving her heart pounding. It stalled for only a few seconds, but it took Herrera – who spent much of her adolescence inside a locked cell – much longer to recover from the terror of being trapped.

This time, she said, she wasn’t taking any chances.

This time, she said, she wasn’t taking any chances.

Our destination was the main office of the Young Women’s Freedom Center, a statewide organization that has helped lead the decades-long movement to close California’s youth prisons and local juvenile halls while supporting thousands of young women in their journey to healing. We arrived at the light-filled office slightly winded, and Herrera, in bright green sneakers and a “Movement Warrior” hoodie, raised her arms toward the ceiling and took a deep breath before settling into a history of the Center’s work and her own transformation.

Our destination was the main office of the Young Women’s Freedom Center, a statewide organization that has helped lead the decades-long movement to close California’s youth prisons and local juvenile halls while supporting thousands of young women in their journey to healing. We arrived at the light-filled office slightly winded, and Herrera, in bright green sneakers and a “Movement Warrior” hoodie, raised her arms toward the ceiling and took a deep breath before settling into a history of the Center’s work and her own transformation.

Lucero Herrera, a staff organizer at the Young Women’s Freedom Center, sits at her desk on March 28, 2022. Above her desk, hangs photos of family and friends that have passed away. | Camille Cohen

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/YWFC-15-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44855" width="1667" height="2500"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lucero Herrera, a staff organizer at the Young Women’s Freedom Center, sits at her desk on March 28, 2022. Above her desk, hangs photos of family and friends that have passed away. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure></div>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/YWFC-15-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44855" width="-332" height="-496"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lucero Herrera, a staff organizer at the Young Women’s Freedom Center, sits at her desk on March 28, 2022. Above her desk, hangs photos of family and friends that have passed away. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

Like her colleagues, Herrera is thrilled that the campaign to shut down youth prisons is finally bearing fruit. Once a sprawling web of institutions that held more than 10,000 young people, the California Department of Juvenile Justice is now down to just a few hundred youth. Soon it will be obsolete.

Like her colleagues, Herrera is thrilled that the campaign to shut down youth prisons is finally bearing fruit. Once a sprawling web of institutions that held more than 10,000 young people, the California Department of Juvenile Justice is now down to just a few hundred youth. Soon it will be obsolete.

A California bill signed into law in 2020 requires the department to shut its doors entirely by 2023. In San Francisco – where the Young Women’s Freedom Center was founded nearly 30 years ago – the Board of Supervisors has also voted to shut down the euphemistically named Youth Guidance Center (YGC).

A California bill signed into law in 2020 requires the department to shut its doors entirely by 2023. In San Francisco – where the Young Women’s Freedom Center was founded nearly 30 years ago – the Board of Supervisors has also voted to shut down the euphemistically named Youth Guidance Center (YGC).

After helping write the legislation that will close YGC, the young women at the Center – many of whom were themselves incarcerated – are now coming forward to make sure their voices are included in the complex process of designing alternatives.

After helping write the legislation that will close YGC, the young women at the Center – many of whom were themselves incarcerated – are now coming forward to make sure their voices are included in the complex process of designing alternatives.

But as they work to change the system, this new generation of activists is also struggling to heal from their own traumas. In the process, they are pioneering an organizing model based on the premise that personal healing and political transformation go hand in hand.

But as they work to change the system, this new generation of activists is also struggling to heal from their own traumas. In the process, they are pioneering an organizing model based on the premise that personal healing and political transformation go hand in hand.

Herrera is emblematic of this sea change. With her wavy brown hair, youthful face and striking blue-green eyes, the 32-year-old mother of two could pass for one of the teenagers she works with. But as she spoke, her years of experience became clear.

Herrera is emblematic of this sea change. With her wavy brown hair, youthful face and striking blue-green eyes, the 32-year-old mother of two could pass for one of the teenagers she works with. But as she spoke, her years of experience became clear.

Born in El Salvador during that country’s civil war, Herrera emigrated at age 3 with her mother and older brother and settled in San Francisco’s Mission District in the 1990s.

Born in El Salvador during that country’s civil war, Herrera emigrated at age 3 with her mother and older brother and settled in San Francisco’s Mission District in the 1990s.

By the time she hit adolescence, the city had decided to raze the projects where she lived and her family was forced to relocate. When her older brother was arrested and deported to El Salvador in 2008, things began to unravel. Despite working multiple jobs, her mother could not support the family on her own.&nbsp;

By the time she hit adolescence, the city had decided to raze the projects where she lived and her family was forced to relocate. When her older brother was arrested and deported to El Salvador in 2008, things began to unravel. Despite working multiple jobs, her mother could not support the family on her own.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size" id="h-through-their-eyes">Through their eyes</h2>

“I didn’t have what I needed to survive,” Herrera wrote in Through Their Eyes, a Freedom Center publication based on interviews with young people. “In the process of acting out, I hurt myself and I hurt my community.”

“I didn’t have what I needed to survive,” Herrera wrote in Through Their Eyes, a Freedom Center publication based on interviews with young people. “In the process of acting out, I hurt myself and I hurt my community.”

At 14, Herrera was placed on a gang registry under civil injunctions that swept up entire neighborhoods during the 2000s. At 15, she landed in YGC, then so overcrowded that kids slept on the floor or on cots in the dining hall. Everyone she saw there was Black or brown. Inside, she wrote, “Most of us experienced abuse or neglect, from being overmedicated to being attacked by guards.”

At 14, Herrera was placed on a gang registry under civil injunctions that swept up entire neighborhoods during the 2000s. At 15, she landed in YGC, then so overcrowded that kids slept on the floor or on cots in the dining hall. Everyone she saw there was Black or brown. Inside, she wrote, “Most of us experienced abuse or neglect, from being overmedicated to being attacked by guards.”

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SFPD chief to supervisors: ‘We need your support’

San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicks off $13B budget negotiations

Revolution from the inside out: Young activists work to heal themselves and overhaul the justice system

A nomad’s dying wish: Living with cancer at a San Francisco homeless shelter

Search Results for: winds

When cops are addicts: Pharmacy robbery sheds rare light on drug abuse among first responders

SFPD chief to supervisors: ‘We need your support’

San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicks off $13B budget negotiations

Revolution from the inside out: Young activists work to heal themselves and overhaul the justice system

A nomad’s dying wish: Living with cancer at a San Francisco homeless shelter