Christina Campodonico

Jonathan Weber

There is plenty of evidence that many San Francisco residents believe the city has grown less safe in recent years, and especially during the pandemic.

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There is plenty of evidence that many San Francisco residents believe the city has grown less safe in recent years, and especially during the pandemic.

Eight out of ten San Franciscans <a href="https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/8-out-of-10-san-franciscans-say-crime-has-gotten-worse-poll/">believe crime has worsened in recent years</a>, according to one poll released by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce this summer. Viral videos of shoplifters and other crime stories have spread fast on social media, feeding perceptions of a city out of control. Recently, one Marina neighborhood went so far as <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/10/19/san-francisco-marina-district-crime-private-security-auto-burglaries/">to hire private security</a> to patrol its streets.&nbsp;

Eight out of ten San Franciscans <a href="https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/8-out-of-10-san-franciscans-say-crime-has-gotten-worse-poll/">believe crime has worsened in recent years</a>, according to one poll released by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce this summer. Viral videos of shoplifters and other crime stories have spread fast on social media, feeding perceptions of a city out of control. Recently, one Marina neighborhood went so far as <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/10/19/san-francisco-marina-district-crime-private-security-auto-burglaries/">to hire private security</a> to patrol its streets.&nbsp;

District Attorney Chesa Boudin is now facing a likely recall election, at least in part because of growing worries about crime.

District Attorney Chesa Boudin is now facing a likely recall election, at least in part because of growing worries about crime.

Boudin and other public officials, including Mayor London Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott,  have all acknowledged that many residents feel less safe.

Boudin and other public officials, including Mayor London Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott, have all acknowledged that many residents feel less safe.

But they <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/S-F-mayor-police-chief-rebut-growing-narrative-16309612.php">have pushed back</a> on the idea that the city is experiencing an unprecedented crime wave. City data shows reported crime <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/I-refuse-to-be-distracted-S-F-District-16303036.php">was down about 20% during 2020</a>, though this year&#8217;s numbers show a mixed picture. In San Francisco, as in much of the country, overall crime rates remain well below their 1990s levels.

But they <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/S-F-mayor-police-chief-rebut-growing-narrative-16309612.php">have pushed back</a> on the idea that the city is experiencing an unprecedented crime wave. City data shows reported crime <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/I-refuse-to-be-distracted-S-F-District-16303036.php">was down about 20% during 2020</a>, though this year's numbers show a mixed picture. In San Francisco, as in much of the country, overall crime rates remain well below their 1990s levels.

But they <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/S-F-mayor-police-chief-rebut-growing-narrative-16309612.php">have pushed back</a> on the idea that the city is experiencing an unprecedented crime wave. City data shows reported crime <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/I-refuse-to-be-distracted-S-F-District-16303036.php">was down about 20% during 2020</a>, though this year&#8217;s numbers show a mixed picture. In San Francisco, as in much of the country, overall crime rates remain well below their 1990s levels.

We asked Maxim Massenkoff, an economist at the Naval Postgraduate School, to look at the data for clues to the contradiction. His findings suggest at least part of the answer to the crime paradox: because so many fewer people were out and about during the pandemic, the chances of being a victim of a crime increased even as the overall crime rate decreased.&nbsp;

We asked Maxim Massenkoff, an economist at the Naval Postgraduate School, to look at the data for clues to the contradiction. His findings suggest at least part of the answer to the crime paradox: because so many fewer people were out and about during the pandemic, the chances of being a victim of a crime increased even as the overall crime rate decreased.&nbsp;

Massenkoff used anonymized GPS cell phone data <a href="https://www.safegraph.com/product-info/neighborhood-patterns">from Safegraph</a> to measure foot traffic in each of San Francisco’s roughly 600 <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/random-samplings/2011/07/what-are-census-blocks.html">census blocks</a>. The data showed that the number of violent crimes rose from 0.9 per 10,000 people to 1.2 per 10,000 people—a jump of 34%. On Muni, where the number of boardings and the number of crime incidents are both reported, violent crimes per rider nearly tripled.

Massenkoff used anonymized GPS cell phone data <a href="https://www.safegraph.com/product-info/neighborhood-patterns">from Safegraph</a> to measure foot traffic in each of San Francisco’s roughly 600 <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/random-samplings/2011/07/what-are-census-blocks.html">census blocks</a>. The data showed that the number of violent crimes rose from 0.9 per 10,000 people to 1.2 per 10,000 people—a jump of 34%. On Muni, where the number of boardings and the number of crime incidents are both reported, violent crimes per rider nearly tripled.

And when it comes to car crime, parking meter data makes it possible to see that on fully metered streets, the chances of having your car stolen rose 26% in 2020 and 52% so far in 2021 from 2019 levels.

And when it comes to car crime, parking meter data makes it possible to see that on fully metered streets, the chances of having your car stolen rose 26% in 2020 and 52% so far in 2021 from 2019 levels.

Read Massenkoff’s column <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspective-why-your-chances-of-being-a-crime-victim-in-s-f-may-be-up-even-when-crime-is-down/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.

Read Massenkoff’s column <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspective-why-your-chances-of-being-a-crime-victim-in-s-f-may-be-up-even-when-crime-is-down/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.

Mikaela Rabinowitz, director of data, research and analytics at the District Attorney’s office, said the research was flawed. In particular, she objected to the use of relative rate increases instead of absolute numerical increases. &#8220;For example, in looking at crime on Muni, the report notes that violent crime increased from .9 incidents per 10,000 people to 1.2 incidents per 10,000 people; but instead of accurately describing that as an absolute rate increase of .3, the report describes the rate at which the rate increased, which was 30%,” she said in a statement to Here/Say.

Mikaela Rabinowitz, director of data, research and analytics at the District Attorney’s office, said the research was flawed. In particular, she objected to the use of relative rate increases instead of absolute numerical increases. "For example, in looking at crime on Muni, the report notes that violent crime increased from .9 incidents per 10,000 people to 1.2 incidents per 10,000 people; but instead of accurately describing that as an absolute rate increase of .3, the report describes the rate at which the rate increased, which was 30%,” she said in a statement to Here/Say.

Mikaela Rabinowitz, director of data, research and analytics at the District Attorney’s office, said the research was flawed. In particular, she objected to the use of relative rate increases instead of absolute numerical increases. &#8220;For example, in looking at crime on Muni, the report notes that violent crime increased from .9 incidents per 10,000 people to 1.2 incidents per 10,000 people; but instead of accurately describing that as an absolute rate increase of .3, the report describes the rate at which the rate increased, which was 30%,” she said in a statement to Here/Say.

She also objected to what she said were inaccurate assumptions and small sample sizes, noting that the discussion of car crime was based on &#8220;a sample of 1% of motor vehicle thefts across 10% of city streets, a statistically invalid sample from which to infer citywide trends.&#8221;

She also objected to what she said were inaccurate assumptions and small sample sizes, noting that the discussion of car crime was based on "a sample of 1% of motor vehicle thefts across 10% of city streets, a statistically invalid sample from which to infer citywide trends."

She also objected to what she said were inaccurate assumptions and small sample sizes, noting that the discussion of car crime was based on &#8220;a sample of 1% of motor vehicle thefts across 10% of city streets, a statistically invalid sample from which to infer citywide trends.&#8221;

SFPD Chief Bill Scott acknowledges that the police department has a duty to address the public’s fears of crime, “regardless of what the statistics say.”

SFPD Chief Bill Scott acknowledges that the police department has a duty to address the public’s fears of crime, “regardless of what the statistics say.”

“The fear of crime is a real thing that we have to deal with,” he told us during <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-police-chief-scott-national-night-out-safety-community/">a ridealong interview on National Night Out</a>. “I don&#8217;t care how those statistics slice up because if people fear that crime is happening, it&#8217;s a real problem.”

“The fear of crime is a real thing that we have to deal with,” he told us during <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-police-chief-scott-national-night-out-safety-community/">a ridealong interview on National Night Out</a>. “I don't care how those statistics slice up because if people fear that crime is happening, it's a real problem.”

“The fear of crime is a real thing that we have to deal with,” he told us during <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-police-chief-scott-national-night-out-safety-community/">a ridealong interview on National Night Out</a>. “I don&#8217;t care how those statistics slice up because if people fear that crime is happening, it&#8217;s a real problem.”

Scott believes that viral videos are a major contributor to the perception that San Francisco is dangerous, but he also notes that the underreporting of crimes could account for crime statistics not matching up with citizens’ lived reality.&nbsp;

Scott believes that viral videos are a major contributor to the perception that San Francisco is dangerous, but he also notes that the underreporting of crimes could account for crime statistics not matching up with citizens’ lived reality.&nbsp;

See our interview with Chief Scott below.

See our interview with Chief Scott below.

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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/LuSYabZYu2A
</div><figcaption>Video by Jesse Rogala</figcaption></figure>

Academic experts point to some other factors that could contribute to fear of crime. Deserted streets and empty trains and buses can make crime more noticeable, for one. “Now we&#8217;ve got two people on the street. One of them is stealing handbags. It becomes very obvious,” says sociologist Sarah Lageson, an associate professor at Rutgers University Newark School of Criminal Justice who studies law, privacy, technology and surveillance.

Academic experts point to some other factors that could contribute to fear of crime. Deserted streets and empty trains and buses can make crime more noticeable, for one. “Now we've got two people on the street. One of them is stealing handbags. It becomes very obvious,” says sociologist Sarah Lageson, an associate professor at Rutgers University Newark School of Criminal Justice who studies law, privacy, technology and surveillance.

Academic experts point to some other factors that could contribute to fear of crime. Deserted streets and empty trains and buses can make crime more noticeable, for one. “Now we&#8217;ve got two people on the street. One of them is stealing handbags. It becomes very obvious,” says sociologist Sarah Lageson, an associate professor at Rutgers University Newark School of Criminal Justice who studies law, privacy, technology and surveillance.

Social media apps including Nextdoor and Citizen amplify skewed perceptions of crime with constant notifications about incidents, as do viral videos of shoplifting and other crimes, Lageson and others say. The generalized anxiety created by the pandemic is also a factor.

Social media apps including Nextdoor and Citizen amplify skewed perceptions of crime with constant notifications about incidents, as do viral videos of shoplifting and other crimes, Lageson and others say. The generalized anxiety created by the pandemic is also a factor.

There are plenty of questions about the city’s underlying data too. Supervisor Catherine Stefani, a former prosecutor, believes that the way that crime data is analyzed by city departments and communicated to the public needs to change. For instance, she believes a per capita crime rate based on the number of people in the city (rather than the resident population) would more accurately capture the city’s crime rate by accounting for the decline in tourists and commuters during the pandemic.&nbsp;

There are plenty of questions about the city’s underlying data too. Supervisor Catherine Stefani, a former prosecutor, believes that the way that crime data is analyzed by city departments and communicated to the public needs to change. For instance, she believes a per capita crime rate based on the number of people in the city (rather than the resident population) would more accurately capture the city’s crime rate by accounting for the decline in tourists and commuters during the pandemic.&nbsp;

She also observes that “a lot of what people perceive as crime isn&#8217;t captured in the crime rate.” Drug overdoses, for example, aren’t included in the aggregate crime rate, yet those deaths are likely linked to the criminal activity of drug dealers and illicit drug sales. Additionally, crimes like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-response-to-anti-asian-violence/">the spate of violent attacks against elderly Asian Americans</a> that horrified San Franciscans and caught national attention earlier this year, might be lumped in with assaults rather than documented as hate crimes.&nbsp;

She also observes that “a lot of what people perceive as crime isn't captured in the crime rate.” Drug overdoses, for example, aren’t included in the aggregate crime rate, yet those deaths are likely linked to the criminal activity of drug dealers and illicit drug sales. Additionally, crimes like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-response-to-anti-asian-violence/">the spate of violent attacks against elderly Asian Americans</a> that horrified San Franciscans and caught national attention earlier this year, might be lumped in with assaults rather than documented as hate crimes.&nbsp;

She also observes that “a lot of what people perceive as crime isn&#8217;t captured in the crime rate.” Drug overdoses, for example, aren’t included in the aggregate crime rate, yet those deaths are likely linked to the criminal activity of drug dealers and illicit drug sales. Additionally, crimes like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-response-to-anti-asian-violence/">the spate of violent attacks against elderly Asian Americans</a> that horrified San Franciscans and caught national attention earlier this year, might be lumped in with assaults rather than documented as hate crimes.&nbsp;

In addition to more nuanced data crunching, Stefani believes that city leaders shouldn’t be afraid to have real talk with citizens about crime. “When you tell people in San Francisco, ‘crime is down,’ you completely insult what they&#8217;re experiencing,” she says. “There is a lot more we should be doing.”&nbsp;

In addition to more nuanced data crunching, Stefani believes that city leaders shouldn’t be afraid to have real talk with citizens about crime. “When you tell people in San Francisco, ‘crime is down,’ you completely insult what they're experiencing,” she says. “There is a lot more we should be doing.”&nbsp;

In addition to more nuanced data crunching, Stefani believes that city leaders shouldn’t be afraid to have real talk with citizens about crime. “When you tell people in San Francisco, ‘crime is down,’ you completely insult what they&#8217;re experiencing,” she says. “There is a lot more we should be doing.”&nbsp;

Data offer clues on San Francisco’s crime paradox: Police chief and academics have some ideas too

As of last week, three efforts to reform or recall the San Francisco Board of Education have launched.&nbsp;

As of last week, three efforts to reform or recall the San Francisco Board of Education have launched.&nbsp;

One is an offshoot of the advocacy group <a href="https://familiesforsanfrancisco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Families for San Francisco</a>, whose <a href="https://bettersfpublicschools.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Campaign for Better San Francisco Public Schools</a> <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/group-forms-to-explore-school-board-recall-effort/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is exploring</a> running challengers against incumbents or initiating amendments to the city’s charter that could change how school board members get their seats. Families for San Francisco has criticized the Board of Education’s policies by publishing reports <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/San-Francisco-at-its-worst-Report-by-15848397.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blasting</a> the school board’s school renaming process and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-lowell-high-school-culture-problems-sfusd-admission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digging into demographic data</a> on San Francisco Unified School District’s (SFUSD) high schools.

One is an offshoot of the advocacy group <a href="https://familiesforsanfrancisco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Families for San Francisco</a>, whose <a href="https://bettersfpublicschools.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Campaign for Better San Francisco Public Schools</a> <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/group-forms-to-explore-school-board-recall-effort/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is exploring</a> running challengers against incumbents or initiating amendments to the city’s charter that could change how school board members get their seats. Families for San Francisco has criticized the Board of Education’s policies by publishing reports <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/San-Francisco-at-its-worst-Report-by-15848397.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blasting</a> the school board’s school renaming process and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-lowell-high-school-culture-problems-sfusd-admission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digging into demographic data</a> on San Francisco Unified School District’s (SFUSD) high schools.

Another committee has mysterious <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/parents-launch-recall-effort-against-school-board-members/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ties</a> to a San Francisco Republican party member and assembly delegate, according to the San Francisco Examiner.&nbsp;

Another committee has mysterious <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/parents-launch-recall-effort-against-school-board-members/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ties</a> to a San Francisco Republican party member and assembly delegate, according to the San Francisco Examiner.&nbsp;

The third effort is the grassroots brainchild of two tech industry single parents with five school-age children between them. That duo is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pushing to recall</a> School Board President Gabriela López, Vice President Alison Collins and Commissioner Faauuga Moliga and would need approximately 70,000 signatures per school board member to move the effort forward.&nbsp;

The third effort is the grassroots brainchild of two tech industry single parents with five school-age children between them. That duo is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pushing to recall</a> School Board President Gabriela López, Vice President Alison Collins and Commissioner Faauuga Moliga and would need approximately 70,000 signatures per school board member to move the effort forward.&nbsp;

The local movement to either recall school board members or initiate Board of Education reform comes amid <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11857557/parents-unite-from-all-over-california-to-press-for-schools-reopening-unions-are-pushing-back" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a rising statewide effort</a> to reopen schools for in-person instruction, spearheaded by groups such as <a href="https://www.openschoolsca.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Schools California</a>. But the rise of so many homegrown education reform groups in San Francisco has roots in the school board’s bold policies, which have faced vehement backlash and high profile attention over the past two years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The local movement to either recall school board members or initiate Board of Education reform comes amid <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11857557/parents-unite-from-all-over-california-to-press-for-schools-reopening-unions-are-pushing-back" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a rising statewide effort</a> to reopen schools for in-person instruction, spearheaded by groups such as <a href="https://www.openschoolsca.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Schools California</a>. But the rise of so many homegrown education reform groups in San Francisco has roots in the school board’s bold policies, which have faced vehement backlash and high profile attention over the past two years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A Summer Saga Over Art&nbsp;&nbsp;

A Summer Saga Over Art&nbsp;&nbsp;

The tinder for this conflagration can be traced back to summer 2019 when the school board <a href="https://www.kqed.org/arts/13860237/this-is-reparations-s-f-school-board-votes-to-paint-over-controversial-high-school-mural" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voted unanimously</a> to paint over a historic WPA-era school mural of George Washington that also depicts scenes of slavery and a slain Native American. First Nation and Black students reported feeling pained by the mural’s presence in their school, and removing it was the school board’s effort to mitigate that and right historical wrongs. But after an international outcry by mural preservationists, anti-censorship activists and <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/danny-glover-life-washington-mural-removal-sfusd-14302359.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">even actor Danny Glover</a>, the board <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-school-board-reverses-course-14302519.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reversed its decision</a> in a 4-3 vote, deciding to cover the controversial mural but not destroy it.

The tinder for this conflagration can be traced back to summer 2019 when the school board <a href="https://www.kqed.org/arts/13860237/this-is-reparations-s-f-school-board-votes-to-paint-over-controversial-high-school-mural" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voted unanimously</a> to paint over a historic WPA-era school mural of George Washington that also depicts scenes of slavery and a slain Native American. First Nation and Black students reported feeling pained by the mural’s presence in their school, and removing it was the school board’s effort to mitigate that and right historical wrongs. But after an international outcry by mural preservationists, anti-censorship activists and <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/danny-glover-life-washington-mural-removal-sfusd-14302359.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">even actor Danny Glover</a>, the board <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-school-board-reverses-course-14302519.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reversed its decision</a> in a 4-3 vote, deciding to cover the controversial mural but not destroy it.

New Year, New School Names

New Year, New School Names

Fast forward to January 2021, and the school board came under fire again for its <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Washington-and-Lincoln-are-out-S-F-school-board-15900963.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decision to rename</a>—without broad community input or the help of historians—44 SFUSD schools with namesakes tied to white supremacy, genocide and slavery, including those named after presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Supporters see the change as part of important anti-racist work and correcting past historical wrongs. Critics see the focus on renaming schools as distracting the school board from working on a reopening plan.&nbsp;

Fast forward to January 2021, and the school board came under fire again for its <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Washington-and-Lincoln-are-out-S-F-school-board-15900963.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decision to rename</a>—without broad community input or the help of historians—44 SFUSD schools with namesakes tied to white supremacy, genocide and slavery, including those named after presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Supporters see the change as part of important anti-racist work and correcting past historical wrongs. Critics see the focus on renaming schools as distracting the school board from working on a reopening plan.&nbsp;

“Why are you guys trying to rename schools when we have children who are failing or who are not adjusting correctly to the pandemic?” SFUSD parent Erika Foots told Here/Say in November ahead of the final decision. “Why aren’t we talking about those things?”

“Why are you guys trying to rename schools when we have children who are failing or who are not adjusting correctly to the pandemic?” SFUSD parent Erika Foots told Here/Say in November ahead of the final decision. “Why aren’t we talking about those things?”

Shake-Ups to Lowell High School&nbsp;

Shake-Ups to Lowell High School&nbsp;

On the heels of its decision to rename schools, the school board dipped into hot water once again with a <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/school-board-aims-to-take-on-lowells-culture-of-racism-end-selective-admissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proposal to eliminate merit-based admissions</a> at San Francisco’s elite public high school, Lowell. The proposal came in the wake of <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/01/21/lowell-high-rocked-by-yet-another-wildly-racist-incident-this-time-in-an-online-class/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a racist online incident involving the school</a> and in response to a lack of Black and Latino representation within the student body.

On the heels of its decision to rename schools, the school board dipped into hot water once again with a <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/school-board-aims-to-take-on-lowells-culture-of-racism-end-selective-admissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proposal to eliminate merit-based admissions</a> at San Francisco’s elite public high school, Lowell. The proposal came in the wake of <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/01/21/lowell-high-rocked-by-yet-another-wildly-racist-incident-this-time-in-an-online-class/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a racist online incident involving the school</a> and in response to a lack of Black and Latino representation within the student body.

Proponents argued that the policy change would not only increase diversity at the school, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Debate-about-elitism-at-S-F-s-Lowell-High-15917176.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opening the well-resourced campus</a> to more students across SFUSD, but also end <a href="https://twitter.com/stbearman/status/1356649178026233857?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an unfair and inherently racist</a> merit-based admissions system. Those opposed to the change said that merit-based admissions support academic achievement and shouldn’t be <a href="https://twitter.com/stbearman/status/1356649179938885634?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">demonized</a>.&nbsp;

Proponents argued that the policy change would not only increase diversity at the school, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Debate-about-elitism-at-S-F-s-Lowell-High-15917176.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opening the well-resourced campus</a> to more students across SFUSD, but also end <a href="https://twitter.com/stbearman/status/1356649178026233857?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an unfair and inherently racist</a> merit-based admissions system. Those opposed to the change said that merit-based admissions support academic achievement and shouldn’t be <a href="https://twitter.com/stbearman/status/1356649179938885634?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">demonized</a>.&nbsp;

Finally on February 9, the school board voted 5-2 to <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/school-board-votes-5-2-to-end-selective-admissions-policy-at-lowell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">officially end selective admissions</a> at Lowell.&nbsp;

Finally on February 9, the school board voted 5-2 to <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/school-board-votes-5-2-to-end-selective-admissions-policy-at-lowell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">officially end selective admissions</a> at Lowell.&nbsp;

Tensions Reach A Boiling Point&nbsp;

Tensions Reach A Boiling Point&nbsp;

The public’s mounting frustration with the school board has come to a head with the continued and heated debate over how and when SFUSD’s campuses should reopen, a topic that the school board has either pushed down to the bottom of the agenda or left unaddressed at public meetings over the last few months. At the Feb. 9 board meeting, reopening wasn’t discussed <a href="https://youtu.be/YlQTum5V4EA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">until 7 hours into the meeting</a>, after 10 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The public’s mounting frustration with the school board has come to a head with the continued and heated debate over how and when SFUSD’s campuses should reopen, a topic that the school board has either pushed down to the bottom of the agenda or left unaddressed at public meetings over the last few months. At the Feb. 9 board meeting, reopening wasn’t discussed <a href="https://youtu.be/YlQTum5V4EA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">until 7 hours into the meeting</a>, after 10 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I think it’s an absolute slap in the face to all the families and students of this district that you don’t even have reopening on the agenda. We’re ten months into this pandemic, and your current ‘plan’ is to reassess your plan?” said one frustrated parent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fE1gDmwLng&amp;feature=youtu.be&amp;ab_channel=SFUnified" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">during the public comment period</a> of a Jan. 12 Board of Education meeting.

“I think it’s an absolute slap in the face to all the families and students of this district that you don’t even have reopening on the agenda. We’re ten months into this pandemic, and your current ‘plan’ is to reassess your plan?” said one frustrated parent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fE1gDmwLng&amp;feature=youtu.be&amp;ab_channel=SFUnified" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">during the public comment period</a> of a Jan. 12 Board of Education meeting.

On Feb. 3, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2021/02/03/herrera-sues-school-board-and-district-to-implement-real-reopening-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dropped a lawsuit</a> on the school board and district, alleging they violated state law by failing to craft a sufficient plan for returning students to classrooms. Herrera <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2021/02/09/herrera-expands-lawsuit-adds-constitutional-violations-against-sf-school-district/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expanded the lawsuit</a> on Feb. 9 to include allegations that the Board of Education and district had violated the state Constitution and equal protection laws by not providing in-person instruction.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Feb. 3, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2021/02/03/herrera-sues-school-board-and-district-to-implement-real-reopening-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dropped a lawsuit</a> on the school board and district, alleging they violated state law by failing to craft a sufficient plan for returning students to classrooms. Herrera <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2021/02/09/herrera-expands-lawsuit-adds-constitutional-violations-against-sf-school-district/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expanded the lawsuit</a> on Feb. 9 to include allegations that the Board of Education and district had violated the state Constitution and equal protection laws by not providing in-person instruction.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The School Board Pivots

Caving to political pressure, board president López announced in a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/S-F-school-board-president-Renamings-are-on-15967923.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco Chronicle op-ed</a> in late February that the school board will put renaming schools on hold and prioritize school reopening. She also announced that this is the last time she’ll comment on school renaming publicly until campuses are opened.&nbsp;

Caving to political pressure, board president López announced in a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/S-F-school-board-president-Renamings-are-on-15967923.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco Chronicle op-ed</a> in late February that the school board will put renaming schools on hold and prioritize school reopening. She also announced that this is the last time she’ll comment on school renaming publicly until campuses are opened.&nbsp;

Sluggish Bargaining Adds To Frustration

Sluggish Bargaining Adds To Frustration

Meanwhile, SFUSD and labor unions representing educators and school workers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-reopening-plan-unions-stalled-vaccine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have struggled</a> over the course of the pandemic to come to agreement on working conditions for a return to school—although <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/S-F-school-board-approves-plan-with-labor-unions-15973439.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">some progress</a> has been made in recent weeks. SFUSD union educators agreed to return to the classroom with vaccinations once San Francisco hit the red tier or without once the city reaches the orange tier.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, SFUSD and labor unions representing educators and school workers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-reopening-plan-unions-stalled-vaccine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have struggled</a> over the course of the pandemic to come to agreement on working conditions for a return to school—although <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/S-F-school-board-approves-plan-with-labor-unions-15973439.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">some progress</a> has been made in recent weeks. SFUSD union educators agreed to return to the classroom with vaccinations once San Francisco hit the red tier or without once the city reaches the orange tier.&nbsp;

Determined Parents Rise Up

Determined Parents Rise Up

Public pressure on the school board and district to reopen schools continues to mount with parent groups such as Decreasing the Distance organizing <a href="https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/ab37429a-4460-44b8-82a2-bb2fc29325b5/downloads/DtD_MarchEvents_Flyer_Eng_v7.pdf?ver=1614655686139" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">socially distanced outdoor “Zoom Ins</a>,” where families can bring their remote learning to San Francisco’s parks. The group is also organizing rallies and advocating for a return to classrooms five days a week for pre-K through 12 in the fall.

Public pressure on the school board and district to reopen schools continues to mount with parent groups such as Decreasing the Distance organizing <a href="https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/ab37429a-4460-44b8-82a2-bb2fc29325b5/downloads/DtD_MarchEvents_Flyer_Eng_v7.pdf?ver=1614655686139" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">socially distanced outdoor “Zoom Ins</a>,” where families can bring their remote learning to San Francisco’s parks. The group is also organizing rallies and advocating for a return to classrooms five days a week for pre-K through 12 in the fall.

Meanwhile, Autumn Looijen and Siva Raj, the two single parents behind <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/parents-launch-recall-effort-against-school-board-members/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the most serious school board recall effort</a>, say they plan to continue pursuing the recall even if schools reopen.

Meanwhile, Autumn Looijen and Siva Raj, the two single parents behind <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/parents-launch-recall-effort-against-school-board-members/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the most serious school board recall effort</a>, say they plan to continue pursuing the recall even if schools reopen.

“We’ve launched the recall process and we intend to see this through,” Raj told Here/Say. “Whether they are recalled or not is really up to the people of San Francisco.”

“We’ve launched the recall process and we intend to see this through,” Raj told Here/Say. “Whether they are recalled or not is really up to the people of San Francisco.”

District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston has said the recall effort itself could get in the way of the very thing many SFUSD parents are pining for—reopened campuses. “Is the goal of the school board recall campaign to ensure that school board members have no time to focus on school reopening?” <a href="https://twitter.com/DeanPreston/status/1365919994597363719?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he tweeted</a>.

District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston has said the recall effort itself could get in the way of the very thing many SFUSD parents are pining for—reopened campuses. “Is the goal of the school board recall campaign to ensure that school board members have no time to focus on school reopening?” <a href="https://twitter.com/DeanPreston/status/1365919994597363719?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he tweeted</a>.

SFUSD spokesperson Gentle Blythe did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the recall effort.

SFUSD spokesperson Gentle Blythe did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the recall effort.

It remains to be seen what will happen first: school reopening or radical change to the school board. Both challenges promise not to go away anytime soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It remains to be seen what will happen first: school reopening or radical change to the school board. Both challenges promise not to go away anytime soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here/Say Media&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/author/sophie-bearman/">Sophie Bearman</a> contributed reporting to this story.&nbsp;

Sophie Bearman

Here/Say Media's <a href="https://sfstandard.com/author/sophie-bearman/">Sophie Bearman</a> contributed reporting to this story.&nbsp;

Here/Say Media&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/author/sophie-bearman/">Sophie Bearman</a> contributed reporting to this story.&nbsp;

How we got here: Why some San Franciscans are trying to remove the school board

Annie Gaus

With movie productions stirring back to life, San Francisco wants a piece of the action.&nbsp;

With movie productions stirring back to life, San Francisco wants a piece of the action.&nbsp;

A handful of movies and television shows are set to film in the city over the next few months, and the San Francisco Film Commission is hoping to lure more productions with a combination of incentives and, potentially, a dedicated space for film crews to construct large sets.&nbsp;

A handful of movies and television shows are set to film in the city over the next few months, and the San Francisco Film Commission is hoping to lure more productions with a combination of incentives and, potentially, a dedicated space for film crews to construct large sets.&nbsp;

Over the past month, there were 33 shoots and a total of 51 shoot days spanning documentaries and television, according to Susannah Robbins, executive director of the San Francisco Film Commission. The city generated $14,700 in permit fees and saw an uptick both in shoots and revenue compared to last month. 

Over the past month, there were 33 shoots and a total of 51 shoot days spanning documentaries and television, according to Susannah Robbins, executive director of the San Francisco Film Commission. The city generated $14,700 in permit fees and saw an uptick both in shoots and revenue compared to last month.

“We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Robbins at a meeting on Monday. “We’re still down a little bit in shoots and shoot days [compared to 2019], but we were up 28% in permit fees&#8230;we’re gaining momentum.”&nbsp;

“We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Robbins at a meeting on Monday. “We’re still down a little bit in shoots and shoot days [compared to 2019], but we were up 28% in permit fees...we’re gaining momentum.”&nbsp;

“We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Robbins at a meeting on Monday. “We’re still down a little bit in shoots and shoot days [compared to 2019], but we were up 28% in permit fees&#8230;we’re gaining momentum.”&nbsp;

San Francisco <a href="https://filmsf.org/fees">charges fees per day</a>, and those fees can vary depending on the type of shoot: Low-budget productions pay $50 per day in fees, while larger-budget productions will pay $300 a day to film in the city. But the Film Commission, and some local officials, see a much greater economic opportunity as the city recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

San Francisco <a href="https://filmsf.org/fees">charges fees per day</a>, and those fees can vary depending on the type of shoot: Low-budget productions pay $50 per day in fees, while larger-budget productions will pay $300 a day to film in the city. But the Film Commission, and some local officials, see a much greater economic opportunity as the city recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

“It not only provides local jobs and local spending, but it reaches people worldwide and&#8230;can be a great way to inject money into the local economy and boost tourism again,” Robbins added.

“It not only provides local jobs and local spending, but it reaches people worldwide and...can be a great way to inject money into the local economy and boost tourism again,” Robbins added.

“It not only provides local jobs and local spending, but it reaches people worldwide and&#8230;can be a great way to inject money into the local economy and boost tourism again,” Robbins added.

<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1132024916-1-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" data-id="5563" data-full-url="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1132024916-1-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://sfstandard.com/?attachment_id=5563" class="wp-image-5563"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1178602187-1-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" data-id="5571" data-full-url="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1178602187-1-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://sfstandard.com/?attachment_id=5571" class="wp-image-5571"/></figure></li></ul><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption">Joseph Gordon-Levitt is slated to play hard-charging former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick in the Showtime series “Super Pumped,” expected to film in SF this December. | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1132024916-1-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" data-id="5563" data-full-url="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1132024916-1-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://sfstandard.com/?attachment_id=5563" class="wp-image-5563"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1178602187-1-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" data-id="5571" data-full-url="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1178602187-1-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://sfstandard.com/?attachment_id=5571" class="wp-image-5571"/></figure></li></ul><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption">Joseph Gordon-Levitt is slated to play hard-charging former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick in the Showtime series “Super Pumped,” expected to film in SF this December. | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

core/column

<div class="wp-block-column" style="flex-basis:100%"><figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1132024916-1-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" data-id="5563" data-full-url="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1132024916-1-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://sfstandard.com/?attachment_id=5563" class="wp-image-5563"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1178602187-1-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" data-id="5571" data-full-url="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1178602187-1-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://sfstandard.com/?attachment_id=5571" class="wp-image-5571"/></figure></li></ul><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption">Joseph Gordon-Levitt is slated to play hard-charging former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick in the Showtime series “Super Pumped,” expected to film in SF this December. | Getty Images</figcaption></figure></div>

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<div class="wp-block-columns"><div class="wp-block-column" style="flex-basis:100%"><figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1132024916-1-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" data-id="5563" data-full-url="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1132024916-1-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://sfstandard.com/?attachment_id=5563" class="wp-image-5563"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1178602187-1-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" data-id="5571" data-full-url="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1178602187-1-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://sfstandard.com/?attachment_id=5571" class="wp-image-5571"/></figure></li></ul><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption">Joseph Gordon-Levitt is slated to play hard-charging former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick in the Showtime series “Super Pumped,” expected to film in SF this December. | Getty Images</figcaption></figure></div></div>

Hollywood productions largely ground to a halt during the pandemic, with countless shoots delayed throughout 2020 and into this year. San Francisco was no exception: The city paused filming permits entirely through June 2020 and collected just $1900 in permit fees during that month across nine shoots.&nbsp;

Hollywood productions largely ground to a halt during the pandemic, with countless shoots delayed throughout 2020 and into this year. San Francisco was no exception: The city paused filming permits entirely through June 2020 and collected just $1900 in permit fees during that month across nine shoots.&nbsp;

Big productions slated to shoot in San Francisco this year include “Super Pumped,” a Showtime series based on the early years of Uber, which was founded and has its headquarters in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Big productions slated to shoot in San Francisco this year include “Super Pumped,” a Showtime series based on the early years of Uber, which was founded and has its headquarters in San Francisco.&nbsp;

That series stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Travis Kalanick, the hard-charging Uber founder who was ousted as CEO by the company’s board in 2017. Parts of “Super Pumped” will film in the city in December.&nbsp;

That series stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Travis Kalanick, the hard-charging Uber founder who was ousted as CEO by the company’s board in 2017. Parts of “Super Pumped” will film in the city in December.&nbsp;

Other productions in the works include the Marvel film “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” which <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/sf-culture/article/Disney-tried-to-be-secretive-about-filming-an-16271509.php">filmed two days</a> at a North Beach police station last week. The crew is expected to return for additional shoots in January 2022. “Josephine,” a feature film by screenwriter Beth de Araújo, is also expected to film in San Francisco in January.

Other productions in the works include the Marvel film “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” which <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/sf-culture/article/Disney-tried-to-be-secretive-about-filming-an-16271509.php">filmed two days</a> at a North Beach police station last week. The crew is expected to return for additional shoots in January 2022. “Josephine,” a feature film by screenwriter Beth de Araújo, is also expected to film in San Francisco in January.

ROME, ITALY - JULY 19:  Actor Paul Rudd attends 'Ant-Man And The Wasp' photocall at The Russie Hotel on July 19, 2018 in Rome, Italy.  (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1001714678-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5529"/><figcaption>Paul Rudd stars in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” which filmed in North Beach earlier this June. | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1001714678-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5529"/><figcaption>Paul Rudd stars in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” which filmed in North Beach earlier this June. | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

“Goodbye Mr. Chips,” an opera composed by Gordon Getty, is expected to stage at Hangar 3 on Treasure Island—a 79,000 square foot facility revitalized as <a href="https://sftreasureisland.org/article/film-production-returns-treasure-island-hangar-3">a production space</a> in 2019—and will film entirely in San Francisco.

“Goodbye Mr. Chips,” an opera composed by Gordon Getty, is expected to stage at Hangar 3 on Treasure Island—a 79,000 square foot facility revitalized as <a href="https://sftreasureisland.org/article/film-production-returns-treasure-island-hangar-3">a production space</a> in 2019—and will film entirely in San Francisco.

Treasure Island, Yerba Buena Island, top, and the western span of the Bay Bridge are seen from this drone view in San Francisco on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1318353272-2500x1665.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5536"/><figcaption>An opera called “Goodbye Mr. Chips” is looking to film at a 79,000 square foot facility on Treasure Island. | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

That makes it eligible for a rebate program called <a href="https://filmsf.org/scene-san-francisco-rebate-program">Scene in San Francisco</a>, which refunds payroll taxes and fees of up to $600,000 for movies, television shows and pilots filmed in San Francisco. The majority of a production must take place in San Francisco in order to qualify.

That makes it eligible for a rebate program called <a href="https://filmsf.org/scene-san-francisco-rebate-program">Scene in San Francisco</a>, which refunds payroll taxes and fees of up to $600,000 for movies, television shows and pilots filmed in San Francisco. The majority of a production must take place in San Francisco in order to qualify.

According to Robbins, in order to attract more big-budget productions that might otherwise be filmed largely in Vancouver or Los Angeles, San Francisco should build a new “stage space”—a very large, spacious studio facility designed to accommodate film sets. The Film Commission plans to coordinate with Supervisor Ahsha Safai, San Francisco Director of Real Estate Andrico Penick and Kate Sofis, head of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, to identify potential sites and avenues for film development.&nbsp;

According to Robbins, in order to attract more big-budget productions that might otherwise be filmed largely in Vancouver or Los Angeles, San Francisco should build a new “stage space”—a very large, spacious studio facility designed to accommodate film sets. The Film Commission plans to coordinate with Supervisor Ahsha Safai, San Francisco Director of Real Estate Andrico Penick and Kate Sofis, head of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, to identify potential sites and avenues for film development.&nbsp;

To better support underrepresented artists in the entertainment industry, the commission is also weighing a few initiatives to boost diversity.&nbsp;

To better support underrepresented artists in the entertainment industry, the commission is also weighing a few initiatives to boost diversity.&nbsp;

Those ideas include potential partnerships with grant-making organizations, such as the San Francisco Arts Commission, to help kickstart projects and facilitate film festivals that highlight diverse communities. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development also plans to participate. 

Those ideas include potential partnerships with grant-making organizations, such as the San Francisco Arts Commission, to help kickstart projects and facilitate film festivals that highlight diverse communities. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development also plans to participate.

San Francisco eyes more movie, television productions to boost local recovery

It’s been a rollercoaster few months for academically competitive <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/school/lowell-high-school">Lowell High School</a>. In January, it became <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/27/us/san-francisco-schools-lincoln-feinstein.html">one of 44 schools</a> slated for renaming by the San Francisco Unified School District (<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/">SFUSD</a>). That same month, racist and anti-Semitic messages posted on a virtual bulletin board <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/students-denounce-rampant-unchecked-racism-at-lowell-after-slurs-flood-anti-racism-lesson/">rocked the school’s campus</a>. This week, its merit-based admissions process could <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/S-F-school-board-leans-toward-permanently-15919996.php">be permanently replaced</a> by a lottery system.

It’s been a rollercoaster few months for academically competitive <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/school/lowell-high-school">Lowell High School</a>. In January, it became <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/27/us/san-francisco-schools-lincoln-feinstein.html">one of 44 schools</a> slated for renaming by the San Francisco Unified School District (<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/">SFUSD</a>). That same month, racist and anti-Semitic messages posted on a virtual bulletin board <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/students-denounce-rampant-unchecked-racism-at-lowell-after-slurs-flood-anti-racism-lesson/">rocked the school’s campus</a>. This week, its merit-based admissions process could <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/S-F-school-board-leans-toward-permanently-15919996.php">be permanently replaced</a> by a lottery system.

Now, a <a href="https://familiesforsanfrancisco.com/gallery/SFUSD%20High%20School%20Culture-Climate%20Survey%20Data%20Analysis.pdf">new analysis</a> from advocacy group <a href="https://familiesforsanfrancisco.com/">Families for San Francisco</a> raises questions about whether the change to Lowell’s admissions criteria is being pushed through too quickly without careful analysis of already-existing data.

Now, a <a href="https://familiesforsanfrancisco.com/gallery/SFUSD%20High%20School%20Culture-Climate%20Survey%20Data%20Analysis.pdf">new analysis</a> from advocacy group <a href="https://familiesforsanfrancisco.com/">Families for San Francisco</a> raises questions about whether the change to Lowell’s admissions criteria is being pushed through too quickly without careful analysis of already-existing data.

The <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Debate-about-elitism-at-S-F-s-Lowell-High-15917176.php">divisive admissions proposal</a> heads to the school board today for a vote.

The <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Debate-about-elitism-at-S-F-s-Lowell-High-15917176.php">divisive admissions proposal</a> heads to the school board today for a vote.

The school board submitted the fast-tracked <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/BXSNFF5F9E6B/$file/Collins%20Lowell%202_Feb%202021.pdf">resolution</a> in response to what they identify as ongoing and pervasive issues of racism and equity at Lowell. The resolution states that “Black, Latinx, and Samoan Pacific Islander students in SFUSD often express concern they do not feel physically, emotionally or culturally safe and valued at Lowell.” It also says Lowell’s merit-based admissions process has created a school that does “not reflect the diversity of SFUSD students.”&nbsp;

The school board submitted the fast-tracked <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/BXSNFF5F9E6B/$file/Collins%20Lowell%202_Feb%202021.pdf">resolution</a> in response to what they identify as ongoing and pervasive issues of racism and equity at Lowell. The resolution states that “Black, Latinx, and Samoan Pacific Islander students in SFUSD often express concern they do not feel physically, emotionally or culturally safe and valued at Lowell.” It also says Lowell’s merit-based admissions process has created a school that does “not reflect the diversity of SFUSD students.”&nbsp;

Less than two percent of Lowell’s students are Black, and less than 12 percent are Hispanic or Latino. Overall, Black students comprise almost eight percent of SFUSD’s student population, and Latino/Hispanic students comprise 32 percent. Samoan Pacific Islander students are also underrepresented at Lowell, while white and Asian students are overrepresented.

Less than two percent of Lowell’s students are Black, and less than 12 percent are Hispanic or Latino. Overall, Black students comprise almost eight percent of SFUSD’s student population, and Latino/Hispanic students comprise 32 percent. Samoan Pacific Islander students are also underrepresented at Lowell, while white and Asian students are overrepresented.

Families for San Francisco’s preliminary analysis, which uses data from SFUSD’s annual <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/school-data-reports">Culture/Climate survey</a> and the <a href="https://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/dqcensus/EnrEthLevels.aspx?cds=38684780119958&amp;agglevel=School&amp;year=2019-20">California Department of Education</a>, shows a bird’s eye view of culture and demographic issues across SFUSD’s high schools.

Families for San Francisco’s preliminary analysis, which uses data from SFUSD’s annual <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/school-data-reports">Culture/Climate survey</a> and the <a href="https://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/dqcensus/EnrEthLevels.aspx?cds=38684780119958&amp;agglevel=School&amp;year=2019-20">California Department of Education</a>, shows a bird’s eye view of culture and demographic issues across SFUSD’s high schools.

The SFUSD Culture/Climate survey tracks how San Francisco’s students of various demographics perceive the schools that they attend. As part of the survey, SFUSD students mark whether they feel favorably or unfavorably towards 1) a “Climate of Support for Academic Learning,” 2) “Knowledge and Fairness of Discipline, Rules and Norms,” 3) a sense of “Safety” and 4) a “Sense of Belonging (School Connectedness)” at their school.

The SFUSD Culture/Climate survey tracks how San Francisco’s students of various demographics perceive the schools that they attend. As part of the survey, SFUSD students mark whether they feel favorably or unfavorably towards 1) a “Climate of Support for Academic Learning,” 2) “Knowledge and Fairness of Discipline, Rules and Norms,” 3) a sense of “Safety” and 4) a “Sense of Belonging (School Connectedness)” at their school.

From the Families for San Francisco analysis—which the group emphasizes is meant to elicit a discussion rather than provide any definitive answers—it appears that Black students report Culture/Climate scores that are lower than the average at the majority of high schools and across all four categories. The report tallies responses from SFUSD’s 2018-2019 school year survey and only looks at high schools.

From the Families for San Francisco analysis—which the group emphasizes is meant to elicit a discussion rather than provide any definitive answers—it appears that Black students report Culture/Climate scores that are lower than the average at the majority of high schools and across all four categories. The report tallies responses from SFUSD’s 2018-2019 school year survey and only looks at high schools.

“This kind of analysis,” said the report’s author Patrick Wolff, a Lowell parent and co-founder of Families for San Francisco, “does seem to help inform what the issues at Lowell are and how to contextualize them throughout the rest of SFUSD.” The group emphasized in an email that its analysis is “only one small piece of a complicated mosaic. …There are many complicated issues involved and many perspectives to consider.”&nbsp;

“This kind of analysis,” said the report’s author Patrick Wolff, a Lowell parent and co-founder of Families for San Francisco, “does seem to help inform what the issues at Lowell are and how to contextualize them throughout the rest of SFUSD.” The group emphasized in an email that its analysis is “only one small piece of a complicated mosaic. …There are many complicated issues involved and many perspectives to consider.”&nbsp;

In the analysis’ evaluation of student responses to the “Safety” category, there is no high school in the SFUSD system at which the score for Black students is significantly above the reported average. At Lowell, Black students report “the lowest sense of safety among demographic subgroups… with scores slightly below the SFUSD HS average,” reads the analysis. (Recently, the Lowell Black Student Union released a list of <a href="https://lowell-blackstudentunion.medium.com/lowell-bsu-2020-2021-demands-339494e24641">23 demands</a>, including the removal of Lowell principal Dacotah Swett at the end of the 2020–2021 school year for “failure to ensure a safe learning environment for Lowell students.”) Meanwhile, Asian and Latino students’ sense of safety is above average at Lowell but below average at schools like Marshall, O’Connell and Wallenberg, according to the analysis. Aside from two outliers, Downtown and Independence, no SFUSD high school meets the average for “Safety” for all demographics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the analysis’ evaluation of student responses to the “Safety” category, there is no high school in the SFUSD system at which the score for Black students is significantly above the reported average. At Lowell, Black students report “the lowest sense of safety among demographic subgroups… with scores slightly below the SFUSD HS average,” reads the analysis. (Recently, the Lowell Black Student Union released a list of <a href="https://lowell-blackstudentunion.medium.com/lowell-bsu-2020-2021-demands-339494e24641">23 demands</a>, including the removal of Lowell principal Dacotah Swett at the end of the 2020–2021 school year for “failure to ensure a safe learning environment for Lowell students.”) Meanwhile, Asian and Latino students’ sense of safety is above average at Lowell but below average at schools like Marshall, O’Connell and Wallenberg, according to the analysis. Aside from two outliers, Downtown and Independence, no SFUSD high school meets the average for “Safety” for all demographics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Black students report a significantly lower score for “Sense of Belonging” at Lowell than most other high schools; only O’Connell and Galileo score lower. Six of SFUSD’s high schools rank below average for “Sense of Belonging” for both Asian and Latino students. In the survey, “Sense of Belonging” is described as “a positive sense of being accepted, valued, and included, by others (teachers and peers) in all school settings.”

Black students report a significantly lower score for “Sense of Belonging” at Lowell than most other high schools; only O’Connell and Galileo score lower. Six of SFUSD’s high schools rank below average for “Sense of Belonging” for both Asian and Latino students. In the survey, “Sense of Belonging” is described as “a positive sense of being accepted, valued, and included, by others (teachers and peers) in all school settings.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-08-at-8.09.36-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1821"/><figcaption>In SFUSD’s 2018-2019 survey, Black students reported a significantly lower “Sense of Belonging” than students in other demographics. | Families for San Francisco</figcaption></figure>

The Families for San Francisco report also analyzes the demographic breakdown of SFUSD’s high schools. Its analysis suggests that most of them have significant overrepresentation and underrepresentation by demographic category. Lowell falls in the middle of overall demographic imbalance.

The Families for San Francisco report also analyzes the demographic breakdown of SFUSD’s high schools. Its analysis suggests that most of them have significant overrepresentation and underrepresentation by demographic category. Lowell falls in the middle of overall demographic imbalance.

“Most of the schools are not representative. It was very eye-opening to me just to see graphically just how concentrated different racial demographic groups are at different schools,” said Wolff.

“Most of the schools are not representative. It was very eye-opening to me just to see graphically just how concentrated different racial demographic groups are at different schools,” said Wolff.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-08-at-8.10.44-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1824"/><figcaption>Families for San Francisco’s demographic analysis shows significant overrepresentation and underrepresentation across SFUSD’s high schools. | Families for San Francisco</figcaption></figure>

Families for San Francisco opposes fast-tracking a change in Lowell&#8217;s admissions criteria, instead hoping the SFUSD will conduct research similar to—but even more comprehensive than—its preliminary analysis.

Families for San Francisco opposes fast-tracking a change in Lowell's admissions criteria, instead hoping the SFUSD will conduct research similar to—but even more comprehensive than—its preliminary analysis.

Families for San Francisco opposes fast-tracking a change in Lowell&#8217;s admissions criteria, instead hoping the SFUSD will conduct research similar to—but even more comprehensive than—its preliminary analysis.

“We think it&#8217;s a very legitimate question whether the merit-based admissions criteria at Lowell best serves the school district,” said Wolff. “But it&#8217;s hard to understand how this could be a decision that&#8217;s been well-informed given how quickly the process is for proposing and implementing it,” he said.

“We think it's a very legitimate question whether the merit-based admissions criteria at Lowell best serves the school district,” said Wolff. “But it's hard to understand how this could be a decision that's been well-informed given how quickly the process is for proposing and implementing it,” he said.

“We think it&#8217;s a very legitimate question whether the merit-based admissions criteria at Lowell best serves the school district,” said Wolff. “But it&#8217;s hard to understand how this could be a decision that&#8217;s been well-informed given how quickly the process is for proposing and implementing it,” he said.

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