Anna Tong

The Castro Upper Market Community Benefit District (CBD) board unanimously voted to turn down a $695,000 grant to <a href="https://castrocbd.org/castro-community-benefit-district-safety-camera-program/">install a network of private safety cameras</a> Monday evening, ending a <a href="https://hoodline.com/2020/10/castro-district-group-delays-vote-on-security-cameras-after-significant-community-pushback/">months-long community fight</a> over whether or not to become the sixth CBD in San Francisco to operate a camera network intended to improve neighborhood public safety. The decision came despite evidence of support for the program, including a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wtWM_M9ISCpf6drFfjkyI7d2CIT8kZVN/view?usp=sharing">community survey</a> that showed moderate support for cameras.

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The Castro Upper Market Community Benefit District (CBD) board unanimously voted to turn down a $695,000 grant to <a href="https://castrocbd.org/castro-community-benefit-district-safety-camera-program/">install a network of private safety cameras</a> Monday evening, ending a <a href="https://hoodline.com/2020/10/castro-district-group-delays-vote-on-security-cameras-after-significant-community-pushback/">months-long community fight</a> over whether or not to become the sixth CBD in San Francisco to operate a camera network intended to improve neighborhood public safety. The decision came despite evidence of support for the program, including a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wtWM_M9ISCpf6drFfjkyI7d2CIT8kZVN/view?usp=sharing">community survey</a> that showed moderate support for cameras.

The CBD’s initial camera program enthusiasm was no match for its opponents, who over the past few months mounted a <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/turning-the-castro-into-a-surveillance-state-will-not-keep-us-safe/">vocal opposition campaign</a>, citing concerns over privacy and surveillance and claims that the CBD’s survey seemed designed to skew results. Not a single camera program supporter spoke up at Monday’s meeting. Thus chastised, the CBD board, one by one, each voted ‘No.’

The CBD’s initial camera program enthusiasm was no match for its opponents, who over the past few months mounted a <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/turning-the-castro-into-a-surveillance-state-will-not-keep-us-safe/">vocal opposition campaign</a>, citing concerns over privacy and surveillance and claims that the CBD’s survey seemed designed to skew results. Not a single camera program supporter spoke up at Monday’s meeting. Thus chastised, the CBD board, one by one, each voted ‘No.’

“We are an unelected body that would be imposing a system on this neighborhood that I believe is really outside the scope of what the CBD ought to be doing, and there’s certainly a lot of opposition to it,” said board member Crispin Hollings, before he urged fellow board members to vote against accepting the grant.

“We are an unelected body that would be imposing a system on this neighborhood that I believe is really outside the scope of what the CBD ought to be doing, and there’s certainly a lot of opposition to it,” said board member Crispin Hollings, before he urged fellow board members to vote against accepting the grant.

Some San Francisco neighborhoods, including Fisherman’s Wharf and Japantown, have private networks of cameras in commercial corridors or residential neighborhoods. Placed on private property, they are intended to serve as an unbiased witness to crime and accidents, in addition to deterring crimes from happening in the first place.&nbsp;

Some San Francisco neighborhoods, including Fisherman’s Wharf and Japantown, have private networks of cameras in commercial corridors or residential neighborhoods. Placed on private property, they are intended to serve as an unbiased witness to crime and accidents, in addition to deterring crimes from happening in the first place.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210505-DSC_3748-2500x1921.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4444"/><figcaption>The Castro Upper Market Community Benefit District voted against installing security cameras in the Castro district as part of a hotly-debated crime-fighting proposal. | Photo by Sophie Bearman</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210505-DSC_3748-2500x1921.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4444"/><figcaption>The Castro Upper Market Community Benefit District voted against installing security cameras in the Castro district as part of a hotly-debated crime-fighting proposal. | Photo by Sophie Bearman</figcaption></figure>

The cameras are controlled by community non-profits: either <a href="https://oewd.org/community-benefit-districts">CBDs</a>, non-profits in commercial corridors that get their funding from special neighborhood taxes, or SF SAFE, a nonprofit that supports neighborhood watch groups and other public safety initiatives.

The cameras are controlled by community non-profits: either <a href="https://oewd.org/community-benefit-districts">CBDs</a>, non-profits in commercial corridors that get their funding from special neighborhood taxes, or SF SAFE, a nonprofit that supports neighborhood watch groups and other public safety initiatives.

Those in favor of the private cameras say that having footage in an accessible place and governed by a set of agreed-upon policies is an improvement on private citizens haphazardly posting Ring videos to Nextdoor, while ensuring that the neighborhood—not the City—controls the footage.

Those in favor of the private cameras say that having footage in an accessible place and governed by a set of agreed-upon policies is an improvement on private citizens haphazardly posting Ring videos to Nextdoor, while ensuring that the neighborhood—not the City—controls the footage.

Chris Larsen, the tech mogul who has been <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/10/business/camera-surveillance-san-francisco.html">providing funding to jumpstart these programs</a>, says he makes grants available to those who request them, but it’s ultimately up to local entities to decide whether or not to adopt a program. He funds a variety of public safety initiatives: in addition to the camera funding, Larsen has also provided $100,000 towards <a href="https://hoodline.com/2021/02/castro-cbd-launches-new-public-safety-ambassador-program/">a new Public Safety Ambassador program in the Castro</a>.&nbsp;

Chris Larsen, the tech mogul who has been <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/10/business/camera-surveillance-san-francisco.html">providing funding to jumpstart these programs</a>, says he makes grants available to those who request them, but it’s ultimately up to local entities to decide whether or not to adopt a program. He funds a variety of public safety initiatives: in addition to the camera funding, Larsen has also provided $100,000 towards <a href="https://hoodline.com/2021/02/castro-cbd-launches-new-public-safety-ambassador-program/">a new Public Safety Ambassador program in the Castro</a>.&nbsp;

&#8220;I&#8217;m from San Francisco, and I believe in this city&#8230;We work closely with people in the community who know how to best support residents and businesses in each neighborhood. Any project, including the funding of cameras, is driven and maintained by the community,” Larsen wrote in an email to Here/Say Media.

"I'm from San Francisco, and I believe in this city...We work closely with people in the community who know how to best support residents and businesses in each neighborhood. Any project, including the funding of cameras, is driven and maintained by the community,” Larsen wrote in an email to Here/Say Media.

&#8220;I&#8217;m from San Francisco, and I believe in this city&#8230;We work closely with people in the community who know how to best support residents and businesses in each neighborhood. Any project, including the funding of cameras, is driven and maintained by the community,” Larsen wrote in an email to Here/Say Media.

The Castro’s stance towards the camera program contrasts with other CBDs who have welcomed the grants. But the other CBDs that have implemented the cameras are mostly tourist neighborhoods: <a href="https://www.fishermanswharf.org/about-us/">Fisherman’s Wharf</a>, <a href="https://www.jtowncbd.org/japantown-safecity-camera-program">Japantown</a>, <a href="https://www.midmarketcbd.org/security-camera-network/">Mid-Market</a>, <a href="https://tlcbd.org/cameras">Tenderloin</a> and <a href="https://www.visitunionsquaresf.com/about-bid/services/security-camera-project">Union Square</a>. The Castro is a tourist destination but also a tight-knit community whose <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Remembering_A_Police_Riot:_The_Castro_Sweep_of_October_6,_1989">history with police violence</a> has led to deep-rooted community concern around law enforcement and surveillance.

The Castro’s stance towards the camera program contrasts with other CBDs who have welcomed the grants. But the other CBDs that have implemented the cameras are mostly tourist neighborhoods: <a href="https://www.fishermanswharf.org/about-us/">Fisherman’s Wharf</a>, <a href="https://www.jtowncbd.org/japantown-safecity-camera-program">Japantown</a>, <a href="https://www.midmarketcbd.org/security-camera-network/">Mid-Market</a>, <a href="https://tlcbd.org/cameras">Tenderloin</a> and <a href="https://www.visitunionsquaresf.com/about-bid/services/security-camera-project">Union Square</a>. The Castro is a tourist destination but also a tight-knit community whose <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Remembering_A_Police_Riot:_The_Castro_Sweep_of_October_6,_1989">history with police violence</a> has led to deep-rooted community concern around law enforcement and surveillance.

Those misgivings overrode the results of a <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/usz4ggsn83zdg1g/AAA7IfT_57aOHzB3O4s7CMlea?dl=0&amp;preview=Castro+CBD+Camera+Survey+Prezo+1_2.pdf">community survey</a> of 774 residents, which found more support than opposition for the program: 62 percent of respondents said they would or might support a well-managed camera network. In addition, the survey found that cameras were more supported by respondents who both lived and worked in the Castro area, or by respondents who had personally been the victim of a crime.

Those misgivings overrode the results of a <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/usz4ggsn83zdg1g/AAA7IfT_57aOHzB3O4s7CMlea?dl=0&amp;preview=Castro+CBD+Camera+Survey+Prezo+1_2.pdf">community survey</a> of 774 residents, which found more support than opposition for the program: 62 percent of respondents said they would or might support a well-managed camera network. In addition, the survey found that cameras were more supported by respondents who both lived and worked in the Castro area, or by respondents who had personally been the victim of a crime.

New bars have been banned from the San Francisco neighborhood since 1987 unless they are replacing a previous drinking establishment. Supervisors could decide to change those zoning laws on Tuesday.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-529540728-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4437"/><figcaption>The Castro Upper Market Community Benefit District&#8217;s unanimous vote on Monday wrapped a months-long process over whether cameras should be installed throughout the district. | Photo by Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-529540728-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4437"/><figcaption>The Castro Upper Market Community Benefit District's unanimous vote on Monday wrapped a months-long process over whether cameras should be installed throughout the district. | Photo by Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-529540728-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4437"/><figcaption>The Castro Upper Market Community Benefit District&#8217;s unanimous vote on Monday wrapped a months-long process over whether cameras should be installed throughout the district. | Photo by Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

The camera program’s opponents argued that survey questions such as “My opinion about the proposal to install safety cameras with a well-managed camera program with no direct access to the police or the public is&#8230;” were biased and priming.

The camera program’s opponents argued that survey questions such as “My opinion about the proposal to install safety cameras with a well-managed camera program with no direct access to the police or the public is...” were biased and priming.

The camera program’s opponents argued that survey questions such as “My opinion about the proposal to install safety cameras with a well-managed camera program with no direct access to the police or the public is&#8230;” were biased and priming.

They also argued that public cameras would not help with public safety, but instead increase police surveillance of underprivileged groups, pointing to a <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11841385/sf-police-used-camera-network-to-illegally-spy-on-protestors-new-lawsuit-alleges">lawsuit</a> alleging the SF Police Department improperly accessed cameras during last year’s Black Lives Matters protests.

They also argued that public cameras would not help with public safety, but instead increase police surveillance of underprivileged groups, pointing to a <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11841385/sf-police-used-camera-network-to-illegally-spy-on-protestors-new-lawsuit-alleges">lawsuit</a> alleging the SF Police Department improperly accessed cameras during last year’s Black Lives Matters protests.

“We were raising these concerns on day one&#8230;about the abuse of this technology to survey immigrants, peaceful protestors [and be] exploited and hacked to observe children in schools,” Lee Hepner, a legislative aide to Aaron Peskin, said at the meeting, referring to the fact that many community groups in the Castro felt the CBD had not taken their early concerns seriously.

“We were raising these concerns on day one...about the abuse of this technology to survey immigrants, peaceful protestors [and be] exploited and hacked to observe children in schools,” Lee Hepner, a legislative aide to Aaron Peskin, said at the meeting, referring to the fact that many community groups in the Castro felt the CBD had not taken their early concerns seriously.

“We were raising these concerns on day one&#8230;about the abuse of this technology to survey immigrants, peaceful protestors [and be] exploited and hacked to observe children in schools,” Lee Hepner, a legislative aide to Aaron Peskin, said at the meeting, referring to the fact that many community groups in the Castro felt the CBD had not taken their early concerns seriously.

Existing San Francisco data shows that public cameras can help deter certain crimes. Since 2005, there have been <a href="https://sfdem.org/community-safety-camera-locations">71 city-owned “Community Safety Cameras”</a> in San Francisco. In 2008, the City commissioned a <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2183381">184 page report</a> on whether the cameras were effective in deterring crime. The report found that the cameras had no impact on violent crimes such as assault, but did have a significant deterrent effect on property crimes, reducing property crimes by 24 percent within 100 feet of the cameras.

Existing San Francisco data shows that public cameras can help deter certain crimes. Since 2005, there have been <a href="https://sfdem.org/community-safety-camera-locations">71 city-owned “Community Safety Cameras”</a> in San Francisco. In 2008, the City commissioned a <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2183381">184 page report</a> on whether the cameras were effective in deterring crime. The report found that the cameras had no impact on violent crimes such as assault, but did have a significant deterrent effect on property crimes, reducing property crimes by 24 percent within 100 feet of the cameras.

One unlikely ally of the camera program is San Francisco’s district attorney’s office, led by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/chesa-boudin-explainer-district-attorney-san-francisco/">Chesa Boudin</a>, who campaigned for the position and won on a progressive, anti-incarceration platform. Chris Larsen recently <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/chesa-boudin-recall-supporters-are-fighting-will-it-hurt-their-movement/">donated $100,000</a> to the campaign opposing the recall of Boudin.&nbsp;

One unlikely ally of the camera program is San Francisco’s district attorney’s office, led by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/chesa-boudin-explainer-district-attorney-san-francisco/">Chesa Boudin</a>, who campaigned for the position and won on a progressive, anti-incarceration platform. Chris Larsen recently <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/chesa-boudin-recall-supporters-are-fighting-will-it-hurt-their-movement/">donated $100,000</a> to the campaign opposing the recall of Boudin.&nbsp;

“Some of my best cases are where I have people staring into the Nest cameras,” Assistant District Attorney Eric Quandt said at a <a href="https://hayesvalleysf.org/events/hayes-valley-public-safety-meeting/">Hayes Valley public safety meeting earlier this year</a>. He also noted that the burglars committing property crimes are professionals that are part of organized crime rings in the East Bay.&nbsp;

“Some of my best cases are where I have people staring into the Nest cameras,” Assistant District Attorney Eric Quandt said at a <a href="https://hayesvalleysf.org/events/hayes-valley-public-safety-meeting/">Hayes Valley public safety meeting earlier this year</a>. He also noted that the burglars committing property crimes are professionals that are part of organized crime rings in the East Bay.&nbsp;

Working with the police department, Japantown’s CBD implemented 119 cameras in burglary hotspots between 2018 and 2020, according to Grace Horikiri, the CBD’s executive director.

Working with the police department, Japantown’s CBD implemented 119 cameras in burglary hotspots between 2018 and 2020, according to Grace Horikiri, the CBD’s executive director.

“All in all it’s been a big benefit to our community, even though in the beginning I heard comments like ‘Oh, you’re going to have big brother watching,’” Horikiri said. “On Geary Boulevard between Laguna and Webster there used to be a lot of car break-ins, and I noticed that they lessened ever since the cameras have gone up.”&nbsp;

“All in all it’s been a big benefit to our community, even though in the beginning I heard comments like ‘Oh, you’re going to have big brother watching,’” Horikiri said. “On Geary Boulevard between Laguna and Webster there used to be a lot of car break-ins, and I noticed that they lessened ever since the cameras have gone up.”&nbsp;

Horikiri said that the CBD only reviews camera footage when a request comes in. She added that the footage has been used for a variety of purposes, from catching people who had been tagging Japantown with anti-Asian graffiti to providing car accident footage to insurance companies to providing footage to police of a store being broken into. In addition to catching criminals, camera footage has also been used to <a href="https://abc7news.com/innocent-people-san-francisco-public-defenders-office-sfpd-police/1067137/">exonerate wrongfully accused suspects</a>.

Horikiri said that the CBD only reviews camera footage when a request comes in. She added that the footage has been used for a variety of purposes, from catching people who had been tagging Japantown with anti-Asian graffiti to providing car accident footage to insurance companies to providing footage to police of a store being broken into. In addition to catching criminals, camera footage has also been used to <a href="https://abc7news.com/innocent-people-san-francisco-public-defenders-office-sfpd-police/1067137/">exonerate wrongfully accused suspects</a>.

Monday’s Castro meeting ended on a forward-looking note, with camera program opponents saying they were committed to exploring other alternatives for improving public safety.&nbsp;

Monday’s Castro meeting ended on a forward-looking note, with camera program opponents saying they were committed to exploring other alternatives for improving public safety.&nbsp;

“The CBD can rebuild some trust and bridge with the community organizations who have been very concerned with this up until this point….We would like to continue collaborating on community-based alternatives that keep our neighborhood safe,” Hepner said at the meeting, after the board voted ‘No.’

“The CBD can rebuild some trust and bridge with the community organizations who have been very concerned with this up until this point….We would like to continue collaborating on community-based alternatives that keep our neighborhood safe,” Hepner said at the meeting, after the board voted ‘No.’

After monthslong debate, Castro District rejects public safety cameras

Annie Gaus

One of two campaigns to recall San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin hits a key deadline this week, marking a turning point in how the efforts to bounce San Francisco’s controversial lead prosecutor may shake out.&nbsp;

One of two campaigns to recall San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin hits a key deadline this week, marking a turning point in how the efforts to bounce San Francisco’s controversial lead prosecutor may shake out.&nbsp;

The first campaign, called Committee Supporting The Recall Of District Attorney Chesa Boudin and launched by former Republican mayoral candidate Richie Greenberg, wrapped up its signature-gathering effort this week and has until Aug. 11 to deliver those signatures to the Department of Elections.&nbsp;

The first campaign, called Committee Supporting The Recall Of District Attorney Chesa Boudin and launched by former Republican mayoral candidate Richie Greenberg, wrapped up its signature-gathering effort this week and has until Aug. 11 to deliver those signatures to the Department of Elections.&nbsp;

The campaign is cautiously optimistic about meeting the signature threshold, said Greenberg. The recall campaigns must reach a threshold of 51,325 valid signatures ⁠—equivalent to 10% of registered voters in San Francisco⁠—in order to qualify for a special election, and signatures are reviewed by San Francisco’s Department of Elections for validity.

The campaign is cautiously optimistic about meeting the signature threshold, said Greenberg. The recall campaigns must reach a threshold of 51,325 valid signatures ⁠—equivalent to 10% of registered voters in San Francisco⁠—in order to qualify for a special election, and signatures are reviewed by San Francisco’s Department of Elections for validity.

“We are confident yet cautious because the amount of pushback [and] disinformation is brutal,” Greenberg said in an email.&nbsp;

“We are confident yet cautious because the amount of pushback [and] disinformation is brutal,” Greenberg said in an email.&nbsp;

Should Greenberg’s effort qualify, the second recall campaign⁠—called San Franciscans for Public Safety Supporting the Recall of Chesa Boudin⁠—would be canceled, and a special election to recall Boudin could be scheduled for as soon as November 2021. It’s not clear if it will ultimately meet the signature threshold, however: ​​Greenberg cited a high number of apparently fake signatures, which will be tossed out if found to be invalid.&nbsp;

Should Greenberg’s effort qualify, the second recall campaign⁠—called San Franciscans for Public Safety Supporting the Recall of Chesa Boudin⁠—would be canceled, and a special election to recall Boudin could be scheduled for as soon as November 2021. It’s not clear if it will ultimately meet the signature threshold, however: ​​Greenberg cited a high number of apparently fake signatures, which will be tossed out if found to be invalid.&nbsp;

The second campaign, launched by former San Francisco Democratic Party chair Mary Jung, has outraised the first campaign by a wide margin.&nbsp;

The second campaign, launched by former San Francisco Democratic Party chair Mary Jung, has outraised the first campaign by a wide margin.&nbsp;

As of Aug. 5, the most recent financial reporting date for political campaigns, San Franciscans for Public Safety had raised more than $708,000. Its largest single donor is a political action committee (PAC) called Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, which counts financiers Jason Moment, William Duhamel and Holden Spaht among its major contributors and has given $450,000 to the recall campaign, according to filings. Large individual, direct donors to the campaign include Garry Tan, co-founder of Initialized Capital, who contributed $50,000.

As of Aug. 5, the most recent financial reporting date for political campaigns, San Franciscans for Public Safety had raised more than $708,000. Its largest single donor is a political action committee (PAC) called Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, which counts financiers Jason Moment, William Duhamel and Holden Spaht among its major contributors and has given $450,000 to the recall campaign, according to filings. Large individual, direct donors to the campaign include Garry Tan, co-founder of Initialized Capital, who contributed $50,000.

“They&#8217;ve raised a bunch of money, and I think they have enough time and enough funding to qualify for the ballot,” said political consultant Jim Ross. “Signature gathering is basically a combination of time and money&#8230;there’s enough people in San Francisco who would sign that [recall petition].”

“They've raised a bunch of money, and I think they have enough time and enough funding to qualify for the ballot,” said political consultant Jim Ross. “Signature gathering is basically a combination of time and money...there’s enough people in San Francisco who would sign that [recall petition].”

“They&#8217;ve raised a bunch of money, and I think they have enough time and enough funding to qualify for the ballot,” said political consultant Jim Ross. “Signature gathering is basically a combination of time and money&#8230;there’s enough people in San Francisco who would sign that [recall petition].”

Underpinning both recall efforts is a sense among many San Franciscans that the city has become less safe.&nbsp;

Underpinning both recall efforts is a sense among many San Franciscans that the city has become less safe.&nbsp;

Citywide polling data suggest that concerns about crime are widespread and growing: A May 2021 poll by EMC Research found that crime was the top concern for 27% of San Franciscans surveyed. That was the second most-common response, trailing only homelessness at 30%. Since the onset of the pandemic, crime issues have surged past cost of living, transportation and housing as one of the top three concerns cited by residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Citywide polling data suggest that concerns about crime are widespread and growing: A May 2021 poll by EMC Research found that crime was the top concern for 27% of San Franciscans surveyed. That was the second most-common response, trailing only homelessness at 30%. Since the onset of the pandemic, crime issues have surged past cost of living, transportation and housing as one of the top three concerns cited by residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Police data suggest that the pandemic turned crime trends in San Francisco upside down. Auto burglaries⁠—which comprise the single largest category of crime reports⁠ in a typical year—shrunk dramatically as tourists avoided the city last year. Homicides and shootings <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/mid-year-san-francisco-crime-statistics-show-gun-violence-auto-break-ins-down/">ticked up</a>, and burglaries targeting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/interactive-map-san-franciscos-uneven-burglary-spikes-by-neighborhood/">both homes and businesses</a> surged. Larceny reports fell as businesses shuttered en masse, yet high-profile instances of aggressive or repeated shoplifting at certain businesses <a href="https://sfstandard.com/repeat-shoplifters-are-driving-s-f-retail-crime-according-to-police/">drew scrutiny</a> and raised concerns about a lack of deterrence for repeat offenders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police data suggest that the pandemic turned crime trends in San Francisco upside down. Auto burglaries⁠—which comprise the single largest category of crime reports⁠ in a typical year—shrunk dramatically as tourists avoided the city last year. Homicides and shootings <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/mid-year-san-francisco-crime-statistics-show-gun-violence-auto-break-ins-down/">ticked up</a>, and burglaries targeting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/interactive-map-san-franciscos-uneven-burglary-spikes-by-neighborhood/">both homes and businesses</a> surged. Larceny reports fell as businesses shuttered en masse, yet high-profile instances of aggressive or repeated shoplifting at certain businesses <a href="https://sfstandard.com/repeat-shoplifters-are-driving-s-f-retail-crime-according-to-police/">drew scrutiny</a> and raised concerns about a lack of deterrence for repeat offenders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tan, a longtime Democrat who said he hadn’t participated heavily in local issues prior to the DA recall, told Here/Say he was spurred to support the recall effort by the high-profile attacks of Asian-American seniors in San Francisco.

Tan, a longtime Democrat who said he hadn’t participated heavily in local issues prior to the DA recall, told Here/Say he was spurred to support the recall effort by the high-profile attacks of Asian-American seniors in San Francisco.

“It hit my radar just because we increasingly saw, basically, people who look like my grandmother being stabbed and robbed in the streets,” Tan said. “There are candidates out there who will be able to find that line between getting the reform that we need⁠—and helping the people in society that need help⁠—while also keeping the city safe.”&nbsp;

“It hit my radar just because we increasingly saw, basically, people who look like my grandmother being stabbed and robbed in the streets,” Tan said. “There are candidates out there who will be able to find that line between getting the reform that we need⁠—and helping the people in society that need help⁠—while also keeping the city safe.”&nbsp;

On the side against the recall, two committees supporting Boudin have collectively raised just shy of $500,000.

On the side against the recall, two committees supporting Boudin have collectively raised just shy of $500,000.

One committee, called Friends of Chesa Boudin Against the Recall, raised $277,000 as of Aug. 5. Its largest single donor is Chris Larsen, a tech entrepreneur who has also bankrolled a network of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/after-months-long-debate-castro-district-rejects-public-safety-cameras/">private security cameras</a> in San Francisco.&nbsp;

One committee, called Friends of Chesa Boudin Against the Recall, raised $277,000 as of Aug. 5. Its largest single donor is Chris Larsen, a tech entrepreneur who has also bankrolled a network of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/after-months-long-debate-castro-district-rejects-public-safety-cameras/">private security cameras</a> in San Francisco.&nbsp;

The second committee, San Franciscans Against the Recall of Chesa Boudin, is sponsored by the Real Justice PAC, which has given $100,000 of that committee’s $214,500 total haul.&nbsp;

The second committee, San Franciscans Against the Recall of Chesa Boudin, is sponsored by the Real Justice PAC, which has given $100,000 of that committee’s $214,500 total haul.&nbsp;

Incorporated in San Francisco, Real Justice PAC received $750,000 in donations from Open Philanthropy, a fund created by Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz and his wife Cari Tuna. Tuna also separately contributed $50,000, among other contributors.&nbsp;

Incorporated in San Francisco, Real Justice PAC received $750,000 in donations from Open Philanthropy, a fund created by Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz and his wife Cari Tuna. Tuna also separately contributed $50,000, among other contributors.&nbsp;

Real Justice PAC, which was co-founded by the controversial activist Shaun King, has given funds to support Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, among others. Patty Quillin, the wife of Netflix founder Reed Hastings, is a contributor to Real Justice PAC and Smart Justice California Action Fund, which each donated to the anti-recall efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Real Justice PAC, which was co-founded by the controversial activist Shaun King, has given funds to support Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, among others. Patty Quillin, the wife of Netflix founder Reed Hastings, is a contributor to Real Justice PAC and Smart Justice California Action Fund, which each donated to the anti-recall efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Friends of Chesa Boudin Against the Recall committee describes the recall campaigns as a costly and distracting initiative “fueled by fear-mongering” and points to Boudin’s elimination of cash bail, efforts to prosecute police officers and other initiatives as examples of his success in office. Supporting organizations listed on its website include Our Revolution, a political action group spun out of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns, the climate activist group Sunrise Bay Area and the American Federation of Teachers Local 2121, among others.&nbsp;

The Friends of Chesa Boudin Against the Recall committee describes the recall campaigns as a costly and distracting initiative “fueled by fear-mongering” and points to Boudin’s elimination of cash bail, efforts to prosecute police officers and other initiatives as examples of his success in office. Supporting organizations listed on its website include Our Revolution, a political action group spun out of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns, the climate activist group Sunrise Bay Area and the American Federation of Teachers Local 2121, among others.&nbsp;

The second, Democratic-led recall campaign has until Oct. 25 to deliver 51,532 valid signatures, and expects to exceed the signature threshold: The campaign said on Aug. 11 that it had collected more than 50,000 signatures. It is aiming for at least 70,000 signatures to account for any invalid petitions.&nbsp;

The second, Democratic-led recall campaign has until Oct. 25 to deliver 51,532 valid signatures, and expects to exceed the signature threshold: The campaign said on Aug. 11 that it had collected more than 50,000 signatures. It is aiming for at least 70,000 signatures to account for any invalid petitions.&nbsp;

Should its signature-gathering effort succeed, the recall campaign will thrust both the pro- and anti-recall coalitions on a fast track to a special election in the coming months.&nbsp;

Should its signature-gathering effort succeed, the recall campaign will thrust both the pro- and anti-recall coalitions on a fast track to a special election in the coming months.&nbsp;

The Democratic recall campaign expects an election to occur either in February or June 2022, according to Andrea Shorter, the campaign spokesperson. Unlike the recall effort targeting California Governor Gavin Newsom, a recall election of Boudin would not come with a concurrent election of alternative candidates; instead, Mayor London Breed would appoint a replacement according to the city’s charter.

The Democratic recall campaign expects an election to occur either in February or June 2022, according to Andrea Shorter, the campaign spokesperson. Unlike the recall effort targeting California Governor Gavin Newsom, a recall election of Boudin would not come with a concurrent election of alternative candidates; instead, Mayor London Breed would appoint a replacement according to the city’s charter.

Recall elections in San Francisco are rare, and include a failed recall attempt of Dianne Feinstein, then-Mayor of San Francisco, in 1983.&nbsp;

Recall elections in San Francisco are rare, and include a failed recall attempt of Dianne Feinstein, then-Mayor of San Francisco, in 1983.&nbsp;

This year, in addition to the recall petitions targeting Boudin, three members of the San Francisco Board of Education are facing a recall campaign spurred largely by outrage over the slow pace of public school reopenings. Voters across California will also decide whether to recall Newsom in a special election scheduled for Sept. 14.&nbsp;

This year, in addition to the recall petitions targeting Boudin, three members of the San Francisco Board of Education are facing a recall campaign spurred largely by outrage over the slow pace of public school reopenings. Voters across California will also decide whether to recall Newsom in a special election scheduled for Sept. 14.&nbsp;

Chesa Boudin recall campaigns sprint to signature-gathering deadlines

Will California's AI safety legislation help or hurt San Francisco?

A California artificial intelligence safety bill vilified by much of the tech industry is now on Governor Newsom's desk pending signature. Our business editor Kevin Truong and tech reporter Priya Anand sit down with the bill's author, State Senator Scott Wiener, to ask: Will this bill protect the future of the industry with industry-first regulation or could it kill what many see as San Francisco's next boom industry?

Will California’s AI safety legislation help or hurt San Francisco?

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Mayoral Debate Watch Party

Test 09/04

A composite image featuring homelessness reporter David Sjostedt alongside a view of San Francisco City Hall and a person sitting on the sidewalk in front of a graffiti-covered wall

San Francisco's Homeless Crackdown: What's the Plan?

San Francisco began aggressively clearing homeless encampments throughout the city earlier this month. The action follows a recent Supreme Court ruling, which granted California new powers to remove people and property from streets. The Standard’s homelessness reporter David Sjostedt will discuss the city’s approach and take your questions at this live Q&A.

San Francisco’s Homeless Crackdown: What’s the Plan?

On Tuesday, Aug. 6th at 12pm, The Standard's Business team will chat about how the city is recovering from the real estate crash and what's on the other side of the industry's grand reset. Joining the discussion on Zoom—and taking your questions—will be business editor Kevin Truong, reporter Kevin V. Nguyen, and The Standard's CEO, Griffin Gaffney.

Beyond the Crash: Where San Francisco’s Real Estate Market Goes From Here

Live Q&A with Willie Brown

Vice President Kamala Harris and Mayor Willie Brown

Willie Brown on What's Next for Democrats

On Thursday morning we'll be sitting down with influential Democratic Party leader and former Mayor Willie Brown to chat about what a Kamala Harris presidency might look like and what will happen leading up to the Democratic National Convention. Have questions of your own for Mayor Brown? Join The Standard's politics editor, Annie Gaus, and Carla Marinucci, formerly of Politico and The San Francisco Chronicle, for this live Q&A on Zoom.

Willie Brown on What’s Next for Democrats

Join The Standard to watch the mayoral debate live

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Policing in SF: Where do we go after the March 5 election?

What, if anything, will change in wake of the election? Will we see further attempts to take such measures directly to voters? This panel will be moderated by San Francisco Standard reporter Josh Koehn.

Policing in San Francisco: Where do we go after the March 5 election?

A conversation featuring District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey and the San Francisco Standard's Editor-in-Chief Julie Makinen and Senior Reporter Michael Barba

Can More Cops Keep SF Safe?

Would more police officers help San Francisco solve its problems? If so, how should the city pay for them? What should they focus on, if hired? Join District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey and the San Francisco Standard's Editor-in-Chief Julie Makinen and Senior Reporter Michael Barba for a lively conversation about this hotly debated topic.

APEC puts a global spotlight on San Francisco

A live event featuring The Standard reporters Han Li, Josh Koehn, and Jonah Owen Lamb and editor-in-chief Julie Makinen

Is the City Ready?

In mid-November, San Francisco will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, bringing together President Joe Biden with the leaders of up to 20 other global economies. What are the potential economic upsides? How will local residents be affected, and how can they get involved? And how much is this all going to cost? Join The Standard for a lively discussion and Q&A.

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After monthslong debate, Castro District rejects public safety cameras

Chesa Boudin recall campaigns sprint to signature-gathering deadlines