Sophie Bearman

Lani Chan

On September 9, 2020, San Francisco woke up to a blood-orange sky as a result of a <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2020-10-04/record-breaking-california-wildfires-surpass-4-million-acres" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record-setting wildfire season</a> in the western United States. An unprecedented <a href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4.2 million acres burned</a> across California in 2020, almost double the acreage scorched in the 2019 season.&nbsp;

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On September 9, 2020, San Francisco woke up to a blood-orange sky as a result of a <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2020-10-04/record-breaking-california-wildfires-surpass-4-million-acres" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record-setting wildfire season</a> in the western United States. An unprecedented <a href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4.2 million acres burned</a> across California in 2020, almost double the acreage scorched in the 2019 season.&nbsp;

San Francisco was spared structural damages. But air pollution from fires meant that the city’s air quality quickly became <a href="https://abc7news.com/bay-area-air-quality-monday-california-worst-in-the-world-when-will-improve-oregon/6422415/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">among the worst in the world</a>, kindling a record number of <a href="https://www.sparetheair.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spare the Air</a> alerts in a single year. Residents were <a href="https://www.sfdph.org/dph/files/ig/FAQ-Wildfire-Smoke.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advised</a> to remain indoors with windows closed and air purifiers running.&nbsp;

San Francisco was spared structural damages. But air pollution from fires meant that the city’s air quality quickly became <a href="https://abc7news.com/bay-area-air-quality-monday-california-worst-in-the-world-when-will-improve-oregon/6422415/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">among the worst in the world</a>, kindling a record number of <a href="https://www.sparetheair.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spare the Air</a> alerts in a single year. Residents were <a href="https://www.sfdph.org/dph/files/ig/FAQ-Wildfire-Smoke.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advised</a> to remain indoors with windows closed and air purifiers running.&nbsp;

Wildfire risk is <a href="https://www.vox.com/22527757/wildfires-heat-wave-drought-california-arizona-utah-colorado-climate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expected to be severe</a> again this season due to an unusually dry winter.

Wildfire risk is <a href="https://www.vox.com/22527757/wildfires-heat-wave-drought-california-arizona-utah-colorado-climate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expected to be severe</a> again this season due to an unusually dry winter.

For some San Francisco residents, wildfire smoke creates disproportionate challenges due to pre-existing conditions such as asthma or other barriers like poverty or lack of housing.

For some San Francisco residents, wildfire smoke creates disproportionate challenges due to pre-existing conditions such as asthma or other barriers like poverty or lack of housing.

Bayview resident Tiffany Williams, a volunteer with environmental justice group Greenaction, believes the city could be doing more to protect its most vulnerable populations from air pollution caused by fires. Williams says she doesn’t have an air purifier, though she is hoping a friend will loan her one soon.

Bayview resident Tiffany Williams, a volunteer with environmental justice group Greenaction, believes the city could be doing more to protect its most vulnerable populations from air pollution caused by fires. Williams says she doesn’t have an air purifier, though she is hoping a friend will loan her one soon.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7445"/><figcaption>Bayview resident and Greenaction volunteer Tiffany Williams. | Photo by Lani Chan</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7445"/><figcaption>Bayview resident and Greenaction volunteer Tiffany Williams. | Photo by Lani Chan</figcaption></figure>

In the meantime, “it’s just like—we just live. There’s nothing we can do. If you can afford one, it’d be great to go and get one. But it’s not a necessity that everyone has that they can afford in the household,” she said.&nbsp;

In the meantime, “it’s just like—we just live. There’s nothing we can do. If you can afford one, it’d be great to go and get one. But it’s not a necessity that everyone has that they can afford in the household,” she said.&nbsp;

“Maybe there should be something to help the people that can’t afford it,” Williams added.

“Maybe there should be something to help the people that can’t afford it,” Williams added.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dangers-of-wildfire-smoke">The dangers of wildfire smoke</h2>

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<h2 id="h-the-dangers-of-wildfire-smoke">The dangers of wildfire smoke</h2>

Though the effects of wildfire smoke are still being studied, a growing body of research suggests that smoke from blazes <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/wildfire-smoke-blowing-across-country-more-toxic-than-we-thought" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sickens and can even kill</a>.

Though the effects of wildfire smoke are still being studied, a growing body of research suggests that smoke from blazes <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/wildfire-smoke-blowing-across-country-more-toxic-than-we-thought" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sickens and can even kill</a>.

Exposure to smoke is associated with health issues including <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/21/wildfire-smoke-air-hazardous-toxic-metals-study-california" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead poisoning</a>, severe asthma flare-ups and increased <a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-fires-environment-and-nature-coronavirus-pandemic-891670696ad87c9854ddb2c19861818a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerability to COVID-19</a>, as well as long-term effects such as heart disease and cancer.

Exposure to smoke is associated with health issues including <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/21/wildfire-smoke-air-hazardous-toxic-metals-study-california" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead poisoning</a>, severe asthma flare-ups and increased <a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-fires-environment-and-nature-coronavirus-pandemic-891670696ad87c9854ddb2c19861818a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerability to COVID-19</a>, as well as long-term effects such as heart disease and cancer.

The component of wildfire smoke that experts worry most about is <a href="https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microscopic particulate matter</a> known as PM2.5. These tiny particles can lodge deep in the lungs or pass into the bloodstream, causing toxic effects and inflammation leading to worsening disease symptoms.&nbsp;

The component of wildfire smoke that experts worry most about is <a href="https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microscopic particulate matter</a> known as PM2.5. These tiny particles can lodge deep in the lungs or pass into the bloodstream, causing toxic effects and inflammation leading to worsening disease symptoms.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7370"/><figcaption>A view of downtown San Francisco from Bayview-Hunters Point. | Photo by Lani Chan</figcaption></figure>

Elderly people, children, individuals with pre-existing conditions, pregnant women and the homeless are all particularly vulnerable to harm from poor air quality, according to Dr. Naveena Bobba, San Francisco’s deputy director of health.

Elderly people, children, individuals with pre-existing conditions, pregnant women and the homeless are all particularly vulnerable to harm from poor air quality, according to Dr. Naveena Bobba, San Francisco’s deputy director of health.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-deal-with-smoky-air">How to deal with smoky air</h2>

<h2 id="h-how-to-deal-with-smoky-air">How to deal with smoky air</h2>

Health experts advise staying indoors with windows and doors closed if the <a href="https://www.airnow.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Air Quality Index</a> is greater than 150 for the general public or 100 for sensitive groups, and running air purifiers.

Health experts advise staying indoors with windows and doors closed if the <a href="https://www.airnow.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Air Quality Index</a> is greater than 150 for the general public or 100 for sensitive groups, and running air purifiers.

Bobba also emphasized preparedness.

“We know a wildfire event is generally more than one day. So making sure people are prepared—that they have food and water at home. All those kinds of planning efforts will make a difference,” she said.

“We know a wildfire event is generally more than one day. So making sure people are prepared—that they have food and water at home. All those kinds of planning efforts will make a difference,” she said.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7421"/><figcaption>Smoke from nearby wildfires can blow into San Francisco, carried by the Diablo winds. | Photo by Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

In 2018, following the deadly Camp Fire, San Francisco’s Air Quality Index was over 150 for 12 consecutive days, peaking at 228.

In 2018, following the deadly Camp Fire, San Francisco’s Air Quality Index was over 150 for 12 consecutive days, peaking at 228.

At a <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/psn072221_agenda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Board of Supervisors hearing</a> on July 22, a handful of city agencies including the Department of Public Health, Department of Emergency Management and Department of Homelessness detailed their plans for the 2021 wildfire season.

At a <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/psn072221_agenda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Board of Supervisors hearing</a> on July 22, a handful of city agencies including the Department of Public Health, Department of Emergency Management and Department of Homelessness detailed their plans for the 2021 wildfire season.

Their efforts include a mixture of emergency communication methods, city-operated weather relief centers and partnerships with community-based organizations.

Their efforts include a mixture of emergency communication methods, city-operated weather relief centers and partnerships with community-based organizations.

On bad air quality days, San Francisco also makes N95 masks available for its vulnerable unsheltered homeless population, as well as for others “that potentially don’t have access to them,” according to Dr. Bobba. In 2020, more than 700 masks were distributed for this purpose.

On bad air quality days, San Francisco also makes N95 masks available for its vulnerable unsheltered homeless population, as well as for others “that potentially don’t have access to them,” according to Dr. Bobba. In 2020, more than 700 masks were distributed for this purpose.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7382"/><figcaption>The Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood is highly exposed to heat and air pollution, according to a 2014 San Francisco report. | Photo by Lani Chan</figcaption></figure>

But broadly speaking, the onus is on individuals to follow health recommendations to the best of their abilities.

But broadly speaking, the onus is on individuals to follow health recommendations to the best of their abilities.

“The more that we can do as a society to stem the tide of climate change—that will make a difference in the long term. In the shorter term, it is really preparing people for these episodes so that they can stay home during them,” said Bobba.

“The more that we can do as a society to stem the tide of climate change—that will make a difference in the long term. In the shorter term, it is really preparing people for these episodes so that they can stay home during them,” said Bobba.

Disproportionate impact on at-risk communities

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disproportionate-impact-on-at-risk-communities">Disproportionate impact on at-risk communities</h2>

<h2 id="h-disproportionate-impact-on-at-risk-communities">Disproportionate impact on at-risk communities</h2>

Some San Franciscans feel the city should do more to protect&nbsp;at-risk residents from wildfires.

Some San Franciscans feel the city should do more to protect&nbsp;at-risk residents from wildfires.

“At this point—fires—we have to expect them almost every year,” said Dalila Adofo, an organizer with Greenaction. “There should be no reason why there’s no preparation, especially for people who do not have access to expensive things that can help.”

“At this point—fires—we have to expect them almost every year,” said Dalila Adofo, an organizer with Greenaction. “There should be no reason why there’s no preparation, especially for people who do not have access to expensive things that can help.”

Smoke from blazes is especially threatening for San Francisco’s Black residents, who suffer from higher-than-average rates of respiratory diseases. According to a <a href="https://sfgov.org/sfc/sites/default/files/Asthma/2016%20CHNA%20Asthma%20%281%29.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by the San Francisco Health Improvement Partnership, asthma hospitalization rates are almost nine times higher among the city’s Black residents than white residents.

Smoke from blazes is especially threatening for San Francisco’s Black residents, who suffer from higher-than-average rates of respiratory diseases. According to a <a href="https://sfgov.org/sfc/sites/default/files/Asthma/2016%20CHNA%20Asthma%20%281%29.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by the San Francisco Health Improvement Partnership, asthma hospitalization rates are almost nine times higher among the city’s Black residents than white residents.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7400"/><figcaption>An aerial shot of San Francisco on Sept. 9, 2020. | Photo by Jarami Bond</figcaption></figure>

Bayview-Hunters Point is also highly exposed to air pollution, according to a <a href="https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/Files/Planning%20and%20Research/CARE%20Program/Documents/CARE_Retrospective_April2014.ashx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2014 report</a> from the Planning Department, Department of Public Health and Bay Area Air Quality Management District. SOMA, Central Market/Tenderloin and the Financial District are similarly highly exposed.

Bayview-Hunters Point is also highly exposed to air pollution, according to a <a href="https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/Files/Planning%20and%20Research/CARE%20Program/Documents/CARE_Retrospective_April2014.ashx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2014 report</a> from the Planning Department, Department of Public Health and Bay Area Air Quality Management District. SOMA, Central Market/Tenderloin and the Financial District are similarly highly exposed.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unequal-access-to-air-purifiers">Unequal access to air purifiers</h2>

<h2 id="h-unequal-access-to-air-purifiers">Unequal access to air purifiers</h2>

In particular, Adofo wonders why the city isn’t offering at-need residents loans or vouchers for portable air purifiers, especially since those residents may not want to leave their homes and pets to travel to relief sites.

In particular, Adofo wonders why the city isn’t offering at-need residents loans or vouchers for portable air purifiers, especially since those residents may not want to leave their homes and pets to travel to relief sites.

In 2020, Ashland, Oregon used grant money to <a href="https://www.kdrv.com/content/news/City-of-Ashland-to-buy-air-purifiers-for-smoke-vulnerable-residents-569646891.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">purchase air purifiers</a> for “smoke-vulnerable” residents. Since 2017, the Missoula, Montana-based nonprofit Climate Smart has also <a href="https://khn.org/news/when-wildfire-smoke-pollutes-indoor-air-who-pays-for-air-filters-to-guard-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distributed air purifiers</a> to residents who can’t easily afford one.

In 2020, Ashland, Oregon used grant money to <a href="https://www.kdrv.com/content/news/City-of-Ashland-to-buy-air-purifiers-for-smoke-vulnerable-residents-569646891.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">purchase air purifiers</a> for “smoke-vulnerable” residents. Since 2017, the Missoula, Montana-based nonprofit Climate Smart has also <a href="https://khn.org/news/when-wildfire-smoke-pollutes-indoor-air-who-pays-for-air-filters-to-guard-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distributed air purifiers</a> to residents who can’t easily afford one.

Francis Zamora, chief of staff at the Department of Emergency Management, told Here/Say that the city needs more solutions for portable air filters.

Francis Zamora, chief of staff at the Department of Emergency Management, told Here/Say that the city needs more solutions for portable air filters.

“What we’ve learned is that when governments set up weather relief centers, by and large people don’t go,” Zamora said. “Why would you leave your own shelter and go to a community center? So we’ve seen very low usage.”

“What we’ve learned is that when governments set up weather relief centers, by and large people don’t go,” Zamora said. “Why would you leave your own shelter and go to a community center? So we’ve seen very low usage.”

The city is looking at ways to make these sites more attractive to residents, including solutions like providing transportation to and from the sites or identifying certain sites that allow pets or more personal belongings, citing successes in Portland and Seattle where similar solutions were implemented.

The city is looking at ways to make these sites more attractive to residents, including solutions like providing transportation to and from the sites or identifying certain sites that allow pets or more personal belongings, citing successes in Portland and Seattle where similar solutions were implemented.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7433"/><figcaption>During poor air quality days, the city opens respite sites at the Southeast Community Facility and Bayview YMCA, among other locations. | Photo by Lani Chan</figcaption></figure>

Meanwhile, Williams says air purifiers—which can run in the hundreds of dollars—are unaffordable for most of the Bayview-Hunters Point community where she lives.

Meanwhile, Williams says air purifiers—which can run in the hundreds of dollars—are unaffordable for most of the Bayview-Hunters Point community where she lives.

“It’s not something that we go and get. We go to Costco and get groceries. We go get the milk, we go get the cereal, whatever it is. We don’t just go in there and buy an air purifier,” she said.

“It’s not something that we go and get. We go to Costco and get groceries. We go get the milk, we go get the cereal, whatever it is. We don’t just go in there and buy an air purifier,” she said.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-covid-19">Lessons from COVID-19</h2>

<h2 id="h-lessons-from-covid-19">Lessons from COVID-19</h2>

The impact of wildfire smoke, like the impact of COVID, is disparate. Some of the communities most impacted by COVID-19 are likely to be vulnerable to wildfire smoke as well, said District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney, who called the wildfire hearing.

The impact of wildfire smoke, like the impact of COVID, is disparate. Some of the communities most impacted by COVID-19 are likely to be vulnerable to wildfire smoke as well, said District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney, who called the wildfire hearing.

“We need to leverage the lessons learned from our COVID-19 response to build into our wildfire preparation plans and ensure that there is a long-term plan for how we are taking care of the most vulnerable,” Haney said.

“We need to leverage the lessons learned from our COVID-19 response to build into our wildfire preparation plans and ensure that there is a long-term plan for how we are taking care of the most vulnerable,” Haney said.

Bobba said that the relationships and infrastructure built during last year’s emergency COVID-19 response will come in handy in the city’s response to wildfire smoke.&nbsp;

Bobba said that the relationships and infrastructure built during last year’s emergency COVID-19 response will come in handy in the city’s response to wildfire smoke.&nbsp;

“A lot of our learnings from the COVID pandemic will definitely inform our fire quality, climate change and heat responses as well,” said Bobba. “All of the relationships that we’ve developed through COVID with our community-based partners will really help strengthen their responses.”

“A lot of our learnings from the COVID pandemic will definitely inform our fire quality, climate change and heat responses as well,” said Bobba. “All of the relationships that we’ve developed through COVID with our community-based partners will really help strengthen their responses.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps">Next steps</h2>

In the meantime, however, some residents are taking matters into their own hands: As part of an initiative called the <a href="https://greenaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/AB-617-Air-Monitoring-Factsheet-Final.pdf">Bayview Hunters Point Community Air Monitoring Project</a>, Adofo and Williams are working to install ten air monitors throughout Bayview-Hunters Point to measure levels of particulate matter.

In the meantime, however, some residents are taking matters into their own hands: As part of an initiative called the <a href="https://greenaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/AB-617-Air-Monitoring-Factsheet-Final.pdf">Bayview Hunters Point Community Air Monitoring Project</a>, Adofo and Williams are working to install ten air monitors throughout Bayview-Hunters Point to measure levels of particulate matter.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/11.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7391"/><figcaption>Dalila Adofo and Tiffany Williams install an air monitor in Bayview-Hunters Point. | Photo by Lani Chan</figcaption></figure>

In addition to monitoring air quality, the project will issue alerts to residents and educate the community on how to file pollution complaints. They hope the data from the project will influence future policymaking.&nbsp;

In addition to monitoring air quality, the project will issue alerts to residents and educate the community on how to file pollution complaints. They hope the data from the project will influence future policymaking.&nbsp;

“People can go and actually look at the statistics,” said Williams. “It’s hard and concrete. And sometimes that’s what you need to solidify it. I think the website and the air monitors really will help.”

“People can go and actually look at the statistics,” said Williams. “It’s hard and concrete. And sometimes that’s what you need to solidify it. I think the website and the air monitors really will help.”

“The goal is for nobody to have to be resilient,” added Adofo. “Hopefully we can get to a place where people just are happy and are thriving and don’t have to survive or overcome. Hopefully, this data will just make our argument that much stronger.”

“The goal is for nobody to have to be resilient,” added Adofo. “Hopefully we can get to a place where people just are happy and are thriving and don’t have to survive or overcome. Hopefully, this data will just make our argument that much stronger.”

Video by <a href="http://www.lanijessicachan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lani Chan</a>.

Video by <a href="http://www.lanijessicachan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lani Chan</a>.

As fire season looms, some SF residents call for more assistance

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.

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 height="1693" width="2500" 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>

<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 height="1668" width="2500" 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

This article has been updated to include further comment from the <a href="http://sfpublicdefender.org/">San Francisco Public Defender&#8217;s Office</a>.

This article has been updated to include further comment from the <a href="http://sfpublicdefender.org/">San Francisco Public Defender's Office</a>.

This article has been updated to include further comment from the <a href="http://sfpublicdefender.org/">San Francisco Public Defender&#8217;s Office</a>.

It had been more than a year since Jack Liao had seen his grandfather in person, but it wasn&#8217;t a happy reunion. They were in a San Francisco courtroom on April 14 seeking justice for a <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-asian-attack-sf-stop-hate-aapi/10449226/">violent attack</a> on Jack&#8217;s 84-year-old grandfather, which happened in February 2020.

It had been more than a year since Jack Liao had seen his grandfather in person, but it wasn't a happy reunion. They were in a San Francisco courtroom on April 14 seeking justice for a <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-asian-attack-sf-stop-hate-aapi/10449226/">violent attack</a> on Jack's 84-year-old grandfather, which happened in February 2020.

It had been more than a year since Jack Liao had seen his grandfather in person, but it wasn&#8217;t a happy reunion. They were in a San Francisco courtroom on April 14 seeking justice for a <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-asian-attack-sf-stop-hate-aapi/10449226/">violent attack</a> on Jack&#8217;s 84-year-old grandfather, which happened in February 2020.

Rong Xin Liao was one of the first victims of what&#8217;s become a disturbing <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/02/12/966940217/anger-and-fear-as-asian-american-seniors-targeted-in-bay-area-attacks">trend of brutal attacks</a> on elderly Asian Americans since the start of the pandemic. Surveillance video <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-asian-attack-sf-stop-hate-aapi/10449226/">shows a man jump-kicking Rong Xin Liao</a> in the face with such force that he flies out of his walker and hits the sidewalk pavement.

Rong Xin Liao was one of the first victims of what's become a disturbing <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/02/12/966940217/anger-and-fear-as-asian-american-seniors-targeted-in-bay-area-attacks">trend of brutal attacks</a> on elderly Asian Americans since the start of the pandemic. Surveillance video <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-asian-attack-sf-stop-hate-aapi/10449226/">shows a man jump-kicking Rong Xin Liao</a> in the face with such force that he flies out of his walker and hits the sidewalk pavement.

Rong Xin Liao was one of the first victims of what&#8217;s become a disturbing <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/02/12/966940217/anger-and-fear-as-asian-american-seniors-targeted-in-bay-area-attacks">trend of brutal attacks</a> on elderly Asian Americans since the start of the pandemic. Surveillance video <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-asian-attack-sf-stop-hate-aapi/10449226/">shows a man jump-kicking Rong Xin Liao</a> in the face with such force that he flies out of his walker and hits the sidewalk pavement.

The elderly Liao speaks little English and was relying on his 26-year-old grandson and other family members to translate the court proceedings last week. But after some confusion, they realized the accused attacker, 24-year-old Eric Ramos-Hernandez, wasn’t going to be on trial. He wasn’t getting sentenced. In fact, he wasn’t even there.&nbsp;

The elderly Liao speaks little English and was relying on his 26-year-old grandson and other family members to translate the court proceedings last week. But after some confusion, they realized the accused attacker, 24-year-old Eric Ramos-Hernandez, wasn’t going to be on trial. He wasn’t getting sentenced. In fact, he wasn’t even there.&nbsp;

After spending seven months in jail, Ramos-Hernandez had been “diverted” last year, meaning instead of being prosecuted for a crime, he returned home and is getting mental health treatment. If completed satisfactorily, all charges will be dropped. The Liao family had actually attended a mental health diversion check-in.

After spending seven months in jail, Ramos-Hernandez had been “diverted” last year, meaning instead of being prosecuted for a crime, he returned home and is getting mental health treatment. If completed satisfactorily, all charges will be dropped. The Liao family had actually attended a mental health diversion check-in.

Shocked, Jack Liao exited the courtroom in a daze and rejoined a rally happening outside for his grandfather. “I started asking everybody I could what was going on because I had no idea,” Jack Liao said in an interview with Here/Say Media.

Shocked, Jack Liao exited the courtroom in a daze and rejoined a rally happening outside for his grandfather. “I started asking everybody I could what was going on because I had no idea,” Jack Liao said in an interview with Here/Say Media.

The Liao family is now speaking out, saying that the San Francisco District Attorney’s office kept them in the dark about what was happening and used Rong Xin Liao’s age and lack of English language skills to misrepresent his wishes in order to make the case for Ramos-Hernandez to not be prosecuted. Their allegations would constitute a violation of <a href="https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/victim-services/marsys-law/">Marsy’s Law,</a> a state law that grants certain rights to victims and their families, legal experts say.&nbsp;

The Liao family is now speaking out, saying that the San Francisco District Attorney’s office kept them in the dark about what was happening and used Rong Xin Liao’s age and lack of English language skills to misrepresent his wishes in order to make the case for Ramos-Hernandez to not be prosecuted. Their allegations would constitute a violation of <a href="https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/victim-services/marsys-law/">Marsy’s Law,</a> a state law that grants certain rights to victims and their families, legal experts say.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screen-Shot-2021-04-20-at-7.52.07-AM.png" alt="Stills from a street surveillance camera show a suspect kicking a man out of a walker seat." class="wp-image-3029"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Three frames from video surveillance footage show Rong Xin Liao being kicked out of his seater walker in San Francisco&#8217;s Tenderloin neighborhood in Feb. 2020.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screen-Shot-2021-04-20-at-7.52.07-AM.png" alt="Stills from a street surveillance camera show a suspect kicking a man out of a walker seat." class="wp-image-3029"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Three frames from video surveillance footage show Rong Xin Liao being kicked out of his seater walker in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood in Feb. 2020.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screen-Shot-2021-04-20-at-7.52.07-AM.png" alt="Stills from a street surveillance camera show a suspect kicking a man out of a walker seat." class="wp-image-3029"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Three frames from video surveillance footage show Rong Xin Liao being kicked out of his seater walker in San Francisco&#8217;s Tenderloin neighborhood in Feb. 2020.</figcaption></figure>

The Liaos have also found themselves in the crosshairs of two competing social movements. On the one hand, Asian-Americans are demanding justice to ensure their voices are heard in the criminal justice system as attacks against them rise, with one group finding a <a href="https://www.csusb.edu/sites/default/files/FACT%20SHEET-%20Anti-Asian%20Hate%202020%203.2.21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">149% surge in Asian-American hate crimes in 2020</a> and another documenting <a href="https://edubirdie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Stop-AAPI-Hate-Report-National.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3,795 hate incidents during the pandemic</a>. On the other hand is San Francisco District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/chesa-boudin-explainer-district-attorney-san-francisco/">Chesa Boudin</a>’s platform of <a href="https://www.sfdistrictattorney.org/policy/restorative-justice/">restorative justice</a>, aimed at keeping people out of jail and focusing on <a href="https://www.edutopia.org/article/what-heck-restorative-justice-heather-wolpert-gawron">the rehabilitation of offenders</a> through reconciliation with victims and the community at large.

The Liaos have also found themselves in the crosshairs of two competing social movements. On the one hand, Asian-Americans are demanding justice to ensure their voices are heard in the criminal justice system as attacks against them rise, with one group finding a <a href="https://www.csusb.edu/sites/default/files/FACT%20SHEET-%20Anti-Asian%20Hate%202020%203.2.21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">149% surge in Asian-American hate crimes in 2020</a> and another documenting <a href="https://edubirdie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Stop-AAPI-Hate-Report-National.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3,795 hate incidents during the pandemic</a>. On the other hand is San Francisco District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/chesa-boudin-explainer-district-attorney-san-francisco/">Chesa Boudin</a>’s platform of <a href="https://www.sfdistrictattorney.org/policy/restorative-justice/">restorative justice</a>, aimed at keeping people out of jail and focusing on <a href="https://www.edutopia.org/article/what-heck-restorative-justice-heather-wolpert-gawron">the rehabilitation of offenders</a> through reconciliation with victims and the community at large.

The Liaos say they want Ramos-Hernandez prosecuted because he is dangerous. Jack Liao says after the incident, his grandfather underwent surgery to relieve brain swelling and sustained a broken collarbone, a skull fracture and likely brain damage. In addition, his grandfather, who loves roaming about the city, going on trips with friends and playing Bingo, is now scared to leave his senior home.

The Liaos say they want Ramos-Hernandez prosecuted because he is dangerous. Jack Liao says after the incident, his grandfather underwent surgery to relieve brain swelling and sustained a broken collarbone, a skull fracture and likely brain damage. In addition, his grandfather, who loves roaming about the city, going on trips with friends and playing Bingo, is now scared to leave his senior home.

“We just want my grandpa to feel safe; we want everybody to feel safe,” Jack Liao said. “I’m 26 years old, and even I don’t feel safe. My firm stance is that this was a violent hate crime, especially because of the rise in stigma against Asian Americans. It disgusts me that our DA and justice system is failing us and refusing to take this as seriously as a hate crime, and I find that even more ridiculous because a lot of Asian hate cases are blowing up around the country.”

“We just want my grandpa to feel safe; we want everybody to feel safe,” Jack Liao said. “I’m 26 years old, and even I don’t feel safe. My firm stance is that this was a violent hate crime, especially because of the rise in stigma against Asian Americans. It disgusts me that our DA and justice system is failing us and refusing to take this as seriously as a hate crime, and I find that even more ridiculous because a lot of Asian hate cases are blowing up around the country.”

According to Jack Liao, the DA’s office told the family his grandfather did not want to press charges. The family says Rong Xin Liao would have never said that.

According to Jack Liao, the DA’s office told the family his grandfather did not want to press charges. The family says Rong Xin Liao would have never said that.

“When I talked&nbsp; to my grandfather two days ago he said he definitely wanted the attacker to be punished,” Jack Liao said, also pointing to <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-asian-attack-sf-stop-hate-aapi/10449226/">an interview his grandfather did with ABC,</a> where the grandfather says, “I want a very strict punishment&#8230;but I don&#8217;t want him to be executed.&#8221;

“When I talked&nbsp; to my grandfather two days ago he said he definitely wanted the attacker to be punished,” Jack Liao said, also pointing to <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-asian-attack-sf-stop-hate-aapi/10449226/">an interview his grandfather did with ABC,</a> where the grandfather says, “I want a very strict punishment...but I don't want him to be executed."

“When I talked&nbsp; to my grandfather two days ago he said he definitely wanted the attacker to be punished,” Jack Liao said, also pointing to <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-asian-attack-sf-stop-hate-aapi/10449226/">an interview his grandfather did with ABC,</a> where the grandfather says, “I want a very strict punishment&#8230;but I don&#8217;t want him to be executed.&#8221;

Jack Liao says he and his father were only contacted twice by the DA’s office in 2020, right after the attack happened, and were put under the impression that the trial would be postponed until 2021. Jack Liao said he did not hear from the DA’s office again until the family’s trip to the courtroom on April 14, 2021. Unbeknownst to them, the DA’s office had been in touch with his grandfather multiple times throughout 2020 and the case proceeded, including moving Ramos-Hernandez out of the normal court process and into the mental health program in fall 2020.&nbsp;

Jack Liao says he and his father were only contacted twice by the DA’s office in 2020, right after the attack happened, and were put under the impression that the trial would be postponed until 2021. Jack Liao said he did not hear from the DA’s office again until the family’s trip to the courtroom on April 14, 2021. Unbeknownst to them, the DA’s office had been in touch with his grandfather multiple times throughout 2020 and the case proceeded, including moving Ramos-Hernandez out of the normal court process and into the mental health program in fall 2020.&nbsp;

“They expected a senior citizen who was traumatized and confused and doesn’t understand English, to understand legal jargon,” Jack Liao said. “When old people don’t understand, they just smile and nod.”

“They expected a senior citizen who was traumatized and confused and doesn’t understand English, to understand legal jargon,” Jack Liao said. “When old people don’t understand, they just smile and nod.”

In an emailed statement to Here/Say Media, the DA’s office said they are working to follow up with the Liao family to ensure that their views are heard, and that the DA’s office needs more Chinese translation resources.

In an emailed statement to Here/Say Media, the DA’s office said they are working to follow up with the Liao family to ensure that their views are heard, and that the DA’s office needs more Chinese translation resources.

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With eviction clock ticking, state and local rent relief may fall short of need

Here’s how San Francisco’s cultural districts work