Annie Gaus

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

core/paragraph

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

core/image

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

core/html

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chesa Boudin recall campaigns sprint to signature-gathering deadlines

With funding for homelessness poised to grow, San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) is still laboring to get money out the door and has not established a system for tracking how effectively funds are spent.&nbsp;

With funding for homelessness poised to grow, San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) is still laboring to get money out the door and has not established a system for tracking how effectively funds are spent.&nbsp;

Top brass at HSH, which administers most of its services through outside service providers, said at a hearing on Thursday that while the department has made strides in hiring since an audit last year, a large chunk of budgeted funds goes unspent. 

Top brass at HSH, which administers most of its services through outside service providers, said at a hearing on Thursday that while the department has made strides in hiring since an audit last year, a large chunk of budgeted funds goes unspent.

“Underspending has been a challenge since the creation of the department,” said HSH Director Shireen McSpadden, who assumed the post just weeks ago. 

“Underspending has been a challenge since the creation of the department,” said HSH Director Shireen McSpadden, who assumed the post just weeks ago.

In August 2020, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9537386&amp;GUID=EBDD466E-BFCC-4B7B-A961-DCB8B73101E6">an audit </a>by the Budget &amp; Legislative Analyst found that about 17 percent of the department’s budget for contracts went unspent each year between 2016 and 2019. That amounted to tens of millions in unused funds, which have simply carried over into future years.

In August 2020, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9537386&amp;GUID=EBDD466E-BFCC-4B7B-A961-DCB8B73101E6">an audit </a>by the Budget &amp; Legislative Analyst found that about 17 percent of the department’s budget for contracts went unspent each year between 2016 and 2019. That amounted to tens of millions in unused funds, which have simply carried over into future years.

The department’s budget has grown significantly since it was first created in 2016. In its first year of operation, its budget was $116 million. During COVID, it swelled to more than $850 million owing to an infusion of federal and state COVID funds. The department’s budget amounts to more than a billion dollars over the next <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HSH-FY21-23-Budget-Briefing-Deck_FINAL.pdf">two fiscal years</a>, with $671 million budgeted next year and $596 million the following year.&nbsp;

The department’s budget has grown significantly since it was first created in 2016. In its first year of operation, its budget was $116 million. During COVID, it swelled to more than $850 million owing to an infusion of federal and state COVID funds. The department’s budget amounts to more than a billion dollars over the next <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HSH-FY21-23-Budget-Briefing-Deck_FINAL.pdf">two fiscal years</a>, with $671 million budgeted next year and $596 million the following year.&nbsp;

Last year’s audit revealed chronic understaffing, with 26 percent of budgeted positions sitting vacant. It also found that HSH had no internal policy for evaluating service providers who receive funds, noting “widespread inconsistencies” in program monitoring. The department could only produce monitoring reports for nine of 20 contracts that the budget analysts requested. 

Last year’s audit revealed chronic understaffing, with 26 percent of budgeted positions sitting vacant. It also found that HSH had no internal policy for evaluating service providers who receive funds, noting “widespread inconsistencies” in program monitoring. The department could only produce monitoring reports for nine of 20 contracts that the budget analysts requested.

Over the next two years, HSH’s budget includes about $465 million in contracts with community-based organizations. According to a city database, HSH’s largest awards in fiscal 2020 went to Tenderloin Housing Clinic, Episcopal Community Services, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Tides Center, a self-described nonprofit accelerator.&nbsp;

Over the next two years, HSH’s budget includes about $465 million in contracts with community-based organizations. According to a city database, HSH’s largest awards in fiscal 2020 went to Tenderloin Housing Clinic, Episcopal Community Services, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Tides Center, a self-described nonprofit accelerator.&nbsp;

An update presented on Thursday showed that the department has made strides in filling vacant positions, with vacancies falling to 9 percent as of June 30. But unspent funds remain stubbornly high, with about $28 million going unspent in fiscal 2021, or about 14 percent of HSH’s contract budget. San Francisco’s fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30.   

An update presented on Thursday showed that the department has made strides in filling vacant positions, with vacancies falling to 9 percent as of June 30. But unspent funds remain stubbornly high, with about $28 million going unspent in fiscal 2021, or about 14 percent of HSH’s contract budget. San Francisco’s fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30.

“We certainly want the underspending to be at a minimum&#8230;in my experience there’s always a little bit of underspending as you’re standing up new programs,” said McSpadden, who previously led San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services.&nbsp;

“We certainly want the underspending to be at a minimum...in my experience there’s always a little bit of underspending as you’re standing up new programs,” said McSpadden, who previously led San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services.&nbsp;

“We certainly want the underspending to be at a minimum&#8230;in my experience there’s always a little bit of underspending as you’re standing up new programs,” said McSpadden, who previously led San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s homeless population has grown in recent years, with biennial point-in-time counts showing an increase of 17 percent to 8,035 <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019HIRDReport_SanFrancisco_FinalDraft-1.pdf">between 2017 and 2019</a>. The city canceled its 2021 point-in-time count due to COVID, but state data suggest a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/more-than-10-000-people-sought-homeless-services-in-sf-last-year-a-40-jump-over-2019">continued surge</a> in homelessness last year.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s homeless population has grown in recent years, with biennial point-in-time counts showing an increase of 17 percent to 8,035 <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019HIRDReport_SanFrancisco_FinalDraft-1.pdf">between 2017 and 2019</a>. The city canceled its 2021 point-in-time count due to COVID, but state data suggest a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/more-than-10-000-people-sought-homeless-services-in-sf-last-year-a-40-jump-over-2019">continued surge</a> in homelessness last year.&nbsp;

Federal, state and local resources are pouring into initiatives to address the growing crisis.&nbsp;

Federal, state and local resources are pouring into initiatives to address the growing crisis.&nbsp;

Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/06/california-newsom-budget-deal/">agreed on a $12 billion spending plan</a> on homelessness and affordable housing, $1 billion of which will be allocated to cities and counties over the next two years. In addition to federal COVID funds, which have been directed to the city’s shelter-in-place hotel program and other emergency uses, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will grant more than <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-receive-18-7m-in-federal-funds-to-combat-homelessness">$18 million in direct aid to San Francisco</a> for rent vouchers and other homelessness prevention efforts.

Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/06/california-newsom-budget-deal/">agreed on a $12 billion spending plan</a> on homelessness and affordable housing, $1 billion of which will be allocated to cities and counties over the next two years. In addition to federal COVID funds, which have been directed to the city’s shelter-in-place hotel program and other emergency uses, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will grant more than <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-receive-18-7m-in-federal-funds-to-combat-homelessness">$18 million in direct aid to San Francisco</a> for rent vouchers and other homelessness prevention efforts.

Locally, $234 million in funds from <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Proposition_C,_Gross_Receipts_Tax_for_Homelessness_Services_(November_2018)">Proposition C</a>, a tax passed in 2018 that was<a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11837613/proposition-c-court-win-delivers-nearly-500-million-for-san-franciscos-homeless-but-how-will-it-be-spent"> tied up in litigation</a> until last year, will be carried forward into next year’s budget. HSH has not yet presented a spending plan for those funds, which have been held in reserve throughout the litigation process, but plans to do so in collaboration with the Our City Our Home committee, which advises on spending of Prop C funds.

Locally, $234 million in funds from <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Proposition_C,_Gross_Receipts_Tax_for_Homelessness_Services_(November_2018)">Proposition C</a>, a tax passed in 2018 that was<a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11837613/proposition-c-court-win-delivers-nearly-500-million-for-san-franciscos-homeless-but-how-will-it-be-spent"> tied up in litigation</a> until last year, will be carried forward into next year’s budget. HSH has not yet presented a spending plan for those funds, which have been held in reserve throughout the litigation process, but plans to do so in collaboration with the Our City Our Home committee, which advises on spending of Prop C funds.

Alongside an expected rise in homelessness spending, some state officials have pushed for greater accountability in how funds are spent.&nbsp;

Alongside an expected rise in homelessness spending, some state officials have pushed for greater accountability in how funds are spent.&nbsp;

A state audit published in February 2021 <a href="http://auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2020-112.pdf">lambasted </a>California’s &#8220;disjointed&#8221; response to homelessness. The state currently has no centralized system for tracking and evaluating service providers, and some Continuums of Care—regional planning entities that coordinate homelessness services—do not employ best practices in evaluating services, according to the audit.&nbsp;

A state audit published in February 2021 <a href="http://auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2020-112.pdf">lambasted </a>California’s "disjointed" response to homelessness. The state currently has no centralized system for tracking and evaluating service providers, and some Continuums of Care—regional planning entities that coordinate homelessness services—do not employ best practices in evaluating services, according to the audit.&nbsp;

A state audit published in February 2021 <a href="http://auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2020-112.pdf">lambasted </a>California’s &#8220;disjointed&#8221; response to homelessness. The state currently has no centralized system for tracking and evaluating service providers, and some Continuums of Care—regional planning entities that coordinate homelessness services—do not employ best practices in evaluating services, according to the audit.&nbsp;

A state bill, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB816">AB-816</a>, seeks to require a statewide analysis of homelessness spending and sets forth a goal of reducing homelessness by 90 percent by 2028. Among other changes, the bill would establish a Homelessness Inspector General and mandate specific goals for local governments in reducing homelessness.

A state bill, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB816">AB-816</a>, seeks to require a statewide analysis of homelessness spending and sets forth a goal of reducing homelessness by 90 percent by 2028. Among other changes, the bill would establish a Homelessness Inspector General and mandate specific goals for local governments in reducing homelessness.

As part of Mayor London Breed’s broader homelessness plan, HSH aims to add up to 4,000 new housing placements, amp up anti-eviction programs, support two new safe parking sites and cap rents at supportive housing sites at 30 percent of a renter’s income. Some of the specific line items in HSH’s budget drew scrutiny, such as a $15 million program to maintain about 270 <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/supervisor-s-proposal-to-mandate-housing-expand-safe-sleeping-sites-met-with-skepticism">sanctioned tents</a>.&nbsp;

As part of Mayor London Breed’s broader homelessness plan, HSH aims to add up to 4,000 new housing placements, amp up anti-eviction programs, support two new safe parking sites and cap rents at supportive housing sites at 30 percent of a renter’s income. Some of the specific line items in HSH’s budget drew scrutiny, such as a $15 million program to maintain about 270 <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/supervisor-s-proposal-to-mandate-housing-expand-safe-sleeping-sites-met-with-skepticism">sanctioned tents</a>.&nbsp;

“I think what I hear over and over again from my constituents about homelessness in San Francisco is: How is it that we spend so many hundreds of millions, billions of dollars, on homelessness and our street conditions&#8230;are so bad?” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman at Thursday’s hearing.&nbsp;

“I think what I hear over and over again from my constituents about homelessness in San Francisco is: How is it that we spend so many hundreds of millions, billions of dollars, on homelessness and our street conditions...are so bad?” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman at Thursday’s hearing.&nbsp;

“I think what I hear over and over again from my constituents about homelessness in San Francisco is: How is it that we spend so many hundreds of millions, billions of dollars, on homelessness and our street conditions&#8230;are so bad?” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman at Thursday’s hearing.&nbsp;

The department has made “significant strides” in program monitoring since last year’s audit, according to McSpadden, and is beginning to draft standardized performance metrics for service providers. That will be completed in 2024, she said.

The department has made “significant strides” in program monitoring since last year’s audit, according to McSpadden, and is beginning to draft standardized performance metrics for service providers. That will be completed in 2024, she said.

Flush with funding, homelessness department shows persistent underspending

With public schools slated to reopen on Aug. 16, families will soon return to a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/five-full-days-masking-indoors-and-no-vaccine-requirement-for-teachers-what-school-will-look-like-this-fall/">semblance of normalcy</a>—albeit with masking mandates and scheduling changes.&nbsp;

With public schools slated to reopen on Aug. 16, families will soon return to a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/five-full-days-masking-indoors-and-no-vaccine-requirement-for-teachers-what-school-will-look-like-this-fall/">semblance of normalcy</a>—albeit with masking mandates and scheduling changes.&nbsp;

But helping those families recover from a very difficult year—particularly those children who struggled with stress, isolation and learning loss during the pandemic—calls for a dedicated effort and long-range planning.&nbsp;

But helping those families recover from a very difficult year—particularly those children who struggled with stress, isolation and learning loss during the pandemic—calls for a dedicated effort and long-range planning.&nbsp;

“The pandemic was an equal opportunity virus, so it impacted all of us,” said Maria Su, executive director of San Francisco’s Department of Children, Youth &amp; Their Families (DCYF). “Clearly some families were impacted more than others. A lot of what we learned from this was that, of course, families that were the most marginalized in terms of access to city services and financial resources were the ones that were impacted the most.”

“The pandemic was an equal opportunity virus, so it impacted all of us,” said Maria Su, executive director of San Francisco’s Department of Children, Youth &amp; Their Families (DCYF). “Clearly some families were impacted more than others. A lot of what we learned from this was that, of course, families that were the most marginalized in terms of access to city services and financial resources were the ones that were impacted the most.”

In July 2021, Mayor London Breed tapped DCYF to craft a multi-year plan to help those families recover from the pandemic. The department hopes to move quickly, spending the next two months speaking to families and other stakeholders, and presenting a written report by January 2022.&nbsp;

In July 2021, Mayor London Breed tapped DCYF to craft a multi-year plan to help those families recover from the pandemic. The department hopes to move quickly, spending the next two months speaking to families and other stakeholders, and presenting a written report by January 2022.&nbsp;

“The mayor asked the department to help her and the city understand the impact that [COVID] had on our children and families across all sectors in the city—not just in our lives, but the impact on housing, workforce [and] transportation access,” Su said.&nbsp;

“The mayor asked the department to help her and the city understand the impact that [COVID] had on our children and families across all sectors in the city—not just in our lives, but the impact on housing, workforce [and] transportation access,” Su said.&nbsp;

DCYF was selected, in part, because of the central role it played in spinning up community learning hubs—impromptu, in-person learning centers—for disadvantaged kids during the pandemic. In collaboration with other city departments and local nonprofits, DCYF established 86 sites between Sept. 2020 and June 2021 that accommodated more than 2,500 children, including hundreds living in public housing, single-room occupancies, foster care or who were homeless.&nbsp;

DCYF was selected, in part, because of the central role it played in spinning up community learning hubs—impromptu, in-person learning centers—for disadvantaged kids during the pandemic. In collaboration with other city departments and local nonprofits, DCYF established 86 sites between Sept. 2020 and June 2021 that accommodated more than 2,500 children, including hundreds living in public housing, single-room occupancies, foster care or who were homeless.&nbsp;

Alana Lee (left), 6 years old, shows legos made in the learning hub  inside the Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Ctr. on Thursday, July 23, 2020, in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo By Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GettyImages-1321790165-2500x1690.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8201"/><figcaption>Alana Lee (left), 6 years old, shows legos made in the learning hub inside the Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Ctr. on Thursday, July 23, 2020, in San Francisco | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Now, its task is to review the impact of COVID-19 on a broader set of families and children, and to act as the “backbone” of a plan to remediate learning loss, advance mental health and reorient government services around the needs of struggling families in the city.&nbsp;

Now, its task is to review the impact of COVID-19 on a broader set of families and children, and to act as the “backbone” of a plan to remediate learning loss, advance mental health and reorient government services around the needs of struggling families in the city.&nbsp;

“We&#8217;re working really closely with our school district partners to try to figure out: How do we build on the system that we have now to ensure that there is wraparound support for children?” Su added.&nbsp;

“We're working really closely with our school district partners to try to figure out: How do we build on the system that we have now to ensure that there is wraparound support for children?” Su added.&nbsp;

“We&#8217;re working really closely with our school district partners to try to figure out: How do we build on the system that we have now to ensure that there is wraparound support for children?” Su added.&nbsp;

At a meeting on Monday, Su and other members of the Children, Youth, and Their Families Oversight and Advisory Committee, which oversees DCYF’s policies and planning, pointed to a breadth of challenges facing children: Mental and emotional health struggles, learning deficiencies and technological and logistical hurdles in and around the home.&nbsp;

At a meeting on Monday, Su and other members of the Children, Youth, and Their Families Oversight and Advisory Committee, which oversees DCYF’s policies and planning, pointed to a breadth of challenges facing children: Mental and emotional health struggles, learning deficiencies and technological and logistical hurdles in and around the home.&nbsp;

San Francisco Unified School District is also facing a substantial drop in enrollment, with about <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfusd-enrollment-drops-exacerbating-budget-woes/">1,700 children leaving the district</a> between fall 2020 and fall 2021. The district hopes to retain more students and to increase enrollment in the years ahead, and may face a drop in state funding if it is unsuccessful in doing so.&nbsp;

San Francisco Unified School District is also facing a substantial drop in enrollment, with about <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfusd-enrollment-drops-exacerbating-budget-woes/">1,700 children leaving the district</a> between fall 2020 and fall 2021. The district hopes to retain more students and to increase enrollment in the years ahead, and may face a drop in state funding if it is unsuccessful in doing so.&nbsp;

Student engagement plummeted as remote learning dragged on: Data collected by the school district showed <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sfusd-data-show-widening-learning-gaps-during-covid-19">widening learning gaps</a> in reading and math last year. Disparities in both attendance and academic performance worsened along socioeconomic and racial lines, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/english-language-learners-falling-behind-san-francisco/">disadvantaged students falling further behind</a> in school. Public health experts linked remote learning with depression, anxiety and other<a href="https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2020/10/online-learning-mental-health"> mental health issues</a> in children and teenagers.&nbsp;

Student engagement plummeted as remote learning dragged on: Data collected by the school district showed <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sfusd-data-show-widening-learning-gaps-during-covid-19">widening learning gaps</a> in reading and math last year. Disparities in both attendance and academic performance worsened along socioeconomic and racial lines, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/english-language-learners-falling-behind-san-francisco/">disadvantaged students falling further behind</a> in school. Public health experts linked remote learning with depression, anxiety and other<a href="https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2020/10/online-learning-mental-health"> mental health issues</a> in children and teenagers.&nbsp;

&#8220;I really want to go back to school,&#8221; said Jason Kim, a sixth grader who began middle school remotely in the midst of the pandemic, in April. &#8220;I&#8217;m really excited to go back to school and actually go back to the classroom and make friends.&#8221;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I really want to go back to school," said Jason Kim, a sixth grader who began middle school remotely in the midst of the pandemic, in April. "I'm really excited to go back to school and actually go back to the classroom and make friends."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&#8220;I really want to go back to school,&#8221; said Jason Kim, a sixth grader who began middle school remotely in the midst of the pandemic, in April. &#8220;I&#8217;m really excited to go back to school and actually go back to the classroom and make friends.&#8221;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a recent case study on the <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c01d13ab98a788a7a0cfd93/t/60de56fd05cfd9018d7ecfb2/1625184004191/CHIcasestudy_70121_FINAL.pdf">community hubs</a>, independent researchers wrote that with multiple city departments aligned around a singular goal of helping vulnerable students, participants from the Recreation &amp; Park Department, the San Francisco Public Libraries and various community organizations were able to mobilize sites that provided a safe, healthy place for children to learn and socialize in the absence of classroom learning.&nbsp;

In a recent case study on the <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c01d13ab98a788a7a0cfd93/t/60de56fd05cfd9018d7ecfb2/1625184004191/CHIcasestudy_70121_FINAL.pdf">community hubs</a>, independent researchers wrote that with multiple city departments aligned around a singular goal of helping vulnerable students, participants from the Recreation &amp; Park Department, the San Francisco Public Libraries and various community organizations were able to mobilize sites that provided a safe, healthy place for children to learn and socialize in the absence of classroom learning.&nbsp;

“When you move with a singular mission and a focus population in mind you can get a lot of amazing work done,” Su said. “We had swim teachers running learning hubs; we had maintenance people becoming delivery people, and we had all different types of people who volunteered.”

“When you move with a singular mission and a focus population in mind you can get a lot of amazing work done,” Su said. “We had swim teachers running learning hubs; we had maintenance people becoming delivery people, and we had all different types of people who volunteered.”

The report also identified obstacles in getting the hubs up and running, which included “political tensions” and pushback by supporters of United Educators of San Francisco, the union representing public school teachers, who objected to people outside their union providing in-person services to children. Those tensions even resulted in disagreement over what to call the hubs, with some union leaders and Board of Education commissioners objecting to the word “learning” being included.&nbsp;

The report also identified obstacles in getting the hubs up and running, which included “political tensions” and pushback by supporters of United Educators of San Francisco, the union representing public school teachers, who objected to people outside their union providing in-person services to children. Those tensions even resulted in disagreement over what to call the hubs, with some union leaders and Board of Education commissioners objecting to the word “learning” being included.&nbsp;

A similar dynamic played out in efforts last year to plan for reopening schools. In June of last year, Board of Education commissioners <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1374893836065890312">rejected a plan</a> to hire a consultant to plan for a potential fall 2020 reopening of in-person instruction. Emails obtained by Here/Say Media showed commissioner Alison Collins decrying the plan to hire an outside consultant as “disaster capitalism” in a June 2020 email exchange. No one was ever hired, and schools remained fully closed until April 2021, when SFUSD launched a limited, phased reopening of in-person instruction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A similar dynamic played out in efforts last year to plan for reopening schools. In June of last year, Board of Education commissioners <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1374893836065890312">rejected a plan</a> to hire a consultant to plan for a potential fall 2020 reopening of in-person instruction. Emails obtained by Here/Say Media showed commissioner Alison Collins decrying the plan to hire an outside consultant as “disaster capitalism” in a June 2020 email exchange. No one was ever hired, and schools remained fully closed until April 2021, when SFUSD launched a limited, phased reopening of in-person instruction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Su, San Francisco’s robust nonprofit sector was a major advantage in scaling the hubs quickly and efficiently.&nbsp;

According to Su, San Francisco’s robust nonprofit sector was a major advantage in scaling the hubs quickly and efficiently.&nbsp;

“Without the nonprofit agencies, we honestly would not be able to do this,” she said. “If you look at other cities that do not have as robust of a nonprofit [sector] as San Francisco, they struggled significantly to run something similar. Because we had access to hundreds of people, we were able to ask them to step up and step in.”

“Without the nonprofit agencies, we honestly would not be able to do this,” she said. “If you look at other cities that do not have as robust of a nonprofit [sector] as San Francisco, they struggled significantly to run something similar. Because we had access to hundreds of people, we were able to ask them to step up and step in.”

DCYF and SFUSD recently secured a donation to build a mental wellness program specifically for middle schoolers, which will complement an existing, similar program for high school students. Other initiatives that may arise from the recovery plan include specialized transportation options to and from school, more summer school options and enhanced after-school programs.&nbsp;

DCYF and SFUSD recently secured a donation to build a mental wellness program specifically for middle schoolers, which will complement an existing, similar program for high school students. Other initiatives that may arise from the recovery plan include specialized transportation options to and from school, more summer school options and enhanced after-school programs.&nbsp;

“What we’ve realized is that the after-school community is experiencing this huge staffing shortage,” Su added. “It’s not unique to the after-school community, but when you layer on top of that part-time work, and lower wage work, it gets even harder.”

“What we’ve realized is that the after-school community is experiencing this huge staffing shortage,” Su added. “It’s not unique to the after-school community, but when you layer on top of that part-time work, and lower wage work, it gets even harder.”

“Part-time pay might be good for some people, but we definitely need more full-time programing, and full-time opportunities. You need better wages and better benefits for people,” Su added. 

“Part-time pay might be good for some people, but we definitely need more full-time programing, and full-time opportunities. You need better wages and better benefits for people,” Su added.

Su said that part of DCYF’s role, in addition to surveying families identifying areas of need and writing a plan, will be to tap available funding streams to spin up the programs: the federal government, the state, the city, or even local philanthropists. If successful, the recovery plan could serve as a model for improving other public services citywide.

Su said that part of DCYF’s role, in addition to surveying families identifying areas of need and writing a plan, will be to tap available funding streams to spin up the programs: the federal government, the state, the city, or even local philanthropists. If successful, the recovery plan could serve as a model for improving other public services citywide.

“I believe when you make systems work for children and families, you improve systems for the entire city,” Su said.&nbsp;

“I believe when you make systems work for children and families, you improve systems for the entire city,” Su said.&nbsp;

San Francisco looks ahead to helping children, families recover from pandemic upheaval

Sophie Bearman

In a unanimous vote, the San Francisco school board has pledged to provide full-time in-person learning for all students next school year if public health guidelines allow.&nbsp;

In a unanimous vote, the San Francisco school board has pledged to provide full-time in-person learning for all students next school year if public health guidelines allow.&nbsp;

This news comes as a major relief for families who have been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-reopening-plan-unions-stalled-vaccine/">asking for months</a> about the district’s reopening plans for the 2021-22 school year.&nbsp;

This news comes as a major relief for families who have been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-reopening-plan-unions-stalled-vaccine/">asking for months</a> about the district’s reopening plans for the 2021-22 school year.&nbsp;

“We’re thankful to Commissioner Jenny Lam and grateful for the unanimous vote,” said Meredith Dodson, founder of the parents&#8217; group <a href="https://decreasingthedistance.org/">Decreasing the Distance</a>. “For this board to affirm their commitment—that’s an important step giving assurance to families about the fall; the families who were wavering and the families who had started to lose hope. This brings some of that hope back.”

“We’re thankful to Commissioner Jenny Lam and grateful for the unanimous vote,” said Meredith Dodson, founder of the parents' group <a href="https://decreasingthedistance.org/">Decreasing the Distance</a>. “For this board to affirm their commitment—that’s an important step giving assurance to families about the fall; the families who were wavering and the families who had started to lose hope. This brings some of that hope back.”

“We’re thankful to Commissioner Jenny Lam and grateful for the unanimous vote,” said Meredith Dodson, founder of the parents&#8217; group <a href="https://decreasingthedistance.org/">Decreasing the Distance</a>. “For this board to affirm their commitment—that’s an important step giving assurance to families about the fall; the families who were wavering and the families who had started to lose hope. This brings some of that hope back.”

The <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/BZLAZB2A0FE5/$file/Lam%20Return%20Students%20to%20School%2021-22.pdf">resolution</a>, authored by school board member Jenny Lam and introduced during the school board’s April 6 meeting, notes that distance learning has been suboptimal for students and that “in-person learning has historically been and remains the most effective form of whole-child learning for the majority of students.” It also highlights the significant mental health challenges posed by remote learning, including that UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital has seen a <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/02/12/san-francisco-officials-cite-fears-of-suicidal-children-in-demand-for-court-order-to-reopen-schools/">dramatic increase</a> in the number of suicidal children in the emergency room.

The <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/BZLAZB2A0FE5/$file/Lam%20Return%20Students%20to%20School%2021-22.pdf">resolution</a>, authored by school board member Jenny Lam and introduced during the school board’s April 6 meeting, notes that distance learning has been suboptimal for students and that “in-person learning has historically been and remains the most effective form of whole-child learning for the majority of students.” It also highlights the significant mental health challenges posed by remote learning, including that UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital has seen a <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/02/12/san-francisco-officials-cite-fears-of-suicidal-children-in-demand-for-court-order-to-reopen-schools/">dramatic increase</a> in the number of suicidal children in the emergency room.

“Our firm intention to ensure all students are able to attend full-time, 5 days a week, in-person learning on the first day of school, August 2021, and SFUSD will continue to bring as many students back to in-person learning as possible this Spring,” reads the resolution.

“Our firm intention to ensure all students are able to attend full-time, 5 days a week, in-person learning on the first day of school, August 2021, and SFUSD will continue to bring as many students back to in-person learning as possible this Spring,” reads the resolution.

Families who opt out of in-person learning will still be offered a remote option next semester.&nbsp;

Families who opt out of in-person learning will still be offered a remote option next semester.&nbsp;

Public commenters during Tuesday’s meeting largely celebrated the prospect of a full-time return to classrooms come August. However, some parents and students lamented that middle school and high schoolers have been overlooked thus far.

Public commenters during Tuesday’s meeting largely celebrated the prospect of a full-time return to classrooms come August. However, some parents and students lamented that middle school and high schoolers have been overlooked thus far.

Beginning April 12, the district will offer full-time and hybrid in-person learning to preschoolers, elementary-aged students, special education students and some students facing homelessness, residing in public housing or demonstrating limited internet access, but not students in upper grades.

Beginning April 12, the district will offer full-time and hybrid in-person learning to preschoolers, elementary-aged students, special education students and some students facing homelessness, residing in public housing or demonstrating limited internet access, but not students in upper grades.

“Think about it this way. We will be able to go to concerts and movies, fully-packed, before we can get back to school,” said high schooler Cal Kinoshita.

“Think about it this way. We will be able to go to concerts and movies, fully-packed, before we can get back to school,” said high schooler Cal Kinoshita.

Gov. Gavin Newsom <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/04/newsom-reopen-recall/">announced</a> Tuesday that California’s economy will fully reopen on June 15 and that his “expectation” is that there will be “no barrier to having our kids back in in-person instruction” after that date.

Gov. Gavin Newsom <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/04/newsom-reopen-recall/">announced</a> Tuesday that California’s economy will fully reopen on June 15 and that his “expectation” is that there will be “no barrier to having our kids back in in-person instruction” after that date.

However, staffing classrooms for even a limited return this spring has been a challenge. Approximately 290 teachers and paraeducators have met criteria to work remotely for the remainder of this semester, which includes “increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or [those] who cannot safely distance from household contacts who belong to a group at increased risk,” meaning that the district is seeking substitute teachers to fill the educator shortage.

However, staffing classrooms for even a limited return this spring has been a challenge. Approximately 290 teachers and paraeducators have met criteria to work remotely for the remainder of this semester, which includes “increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or [those] who cannot safely distance from household contacts who belong to a group at increased risk,” meaning that the district is seeking substitute teachers to fill the educator shortage.

“We need substitutes in order to do this work,” said Daniel Menezes, chief of human resources for the San Francisco Unified School District, in the April 6 school board meeting. “We’re also exploring options to deploy central staff,” Menezes added. The district is calling for qualified individuals to <a href="https://careers.sfusd.edu/job/San-Francisco-2020-21-TK-12-Day-to-Day-Substitute-Teacher-CA-94102/724869600/">apply</a> to substitute teach.

“We need substitutes in order to do this work,” said Daniel Menezes, chief of human resources for the San Francisco Unified School District, in the April 6 school board meeting. “We’re also exploring options to deploy central staff,” Menezes added. The district is calling for qualified individuals to <a href="https://careers.sfusd.edu/job/San-Francisco-2020-21-TK-12-Day-to-Day-Substitute-Teacher-CA-94102/724869600/">apply</a> to substitute teach.

This means that some students will be supervised in the classroom by a substitute while their teacher instructs them over Zoom. Numerous parents called into public comment to express concerns about this setup.

This means that some students will be supervised in the classroom by a substitute while their teacher instructs them over Zoom. Numerous parents called into public comment to express concerns about this setup.

“‘Zoom in a room’ is not student-centered,” said one parent. Other parents reported that information about school reopening hasn’t been clearly shared, and they haven’t received packets about in-person learning as promised.

“‘Zoom in a room’ is not student-centered,” said one parent. Other parents reported that information about school reopening hasn’t been clearly shared, and they haven’t received packets about in-person learning as promised.

Under local public health guidelines, schools have been allowed to reopen in San Francisco since last fall. Over 100 private schools are operating in San Francisco under such guidelines. However, negotiations with SFUSD’s unions and an initially sluggish vaccine rollout hamstrung the reopening of the city’s public schools.

Under local public health guidelines, schools have been allowed to reopen in San Francisco since last fall. Over 100 private schools are operating in San Francisco under such guidelines. However, negotiations with SFUSD’s unions and an initially sluggish vaccine rollout hamstrung the reopening of the city’s public schools.

Broadly, San Francisco’s school district has been under fire for its slow reopening process, including two lawsuits by San Francisco’s city attorney (which were later <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/judge-rejects-city-attorneys-request-for-a-court-order-on-school-reopening/">rejected</a> by a San Francisco judge) and <a href="https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/we-need-to-safely-reopen-public-schools-55099f2c6184">harsh criticism</a> from Mayor London Breed. There’s also an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">effort to recall</a> three school board members.

Broadly, San Francisco’s school district has been under fire for its slow reopening process, including two lawsuits by San Francisco’s city attorney (which were later <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/judge-rejects-city-attorneys-request-for-a-court-order-on-school-reopening/">rejected</a> by a San Francisco judge) and <a href="https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/we-need-to-safely-reopen-public-schools-55099f2c6184">harsh criticism</a> from Mayor London Breed. There’s also an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">effort to recall</a> three school board members.

In June, San Francisco’s school board chose <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1374893836065890312">not to hire a consultant</a> to help the district plan for school reopening despite the urging of Superintendent Vincent Matthews, who told the board that denying the contract would be a “body blow” to returning students to classrooms. Many school board members expressed concern about the consulting organization’s work for charter schools and ultimately voted against it.

In June, San Francisco’s school board chose <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1374893836065890312">not to hire a consultant</a> to help the district plan for school reopening despite the urging of Superintendent Vincent Matthews, who told the board that denying the contract would be a “body blow” to returning students to classrooms. Many school board members expressed concern about the consulting organization’s work for charter schools and ultimately voted against it.

On April 6, the school board also unanimously passed a <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/BZPR896CB91E/$file/Second%20Amended%20Resolution%20Re%20Renaming%20Schools.pdf">resolution</a> to undo its earlier controversial <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2021/01/27/san-francisco-rename-44-schools-racism-slavery-lincoln-washington/4283930001/">decision to rename</a>—without broad community input or the help of historians—44 district schools with namesakes tied to white supremacy, genocide and slavery, including those named after presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

On April 6, the school board also unanimously passed a <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/BZPR896CB91E/$file/Second%20Amended%20Resolution%20Re%20Renaming%20Schools.pdf">resolution</a> to undo its earlier controversial <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2021/01/27/san-francisco-rename-44-schools-racism-slavery-lincoln-washington/4283930001/">decision to rename</a>—without broad community input or the help of historians—44 district schools with namesakes tied to white supremacy, genocide and slavery, including those named after presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

The resolution reads, “The Board is deeply grateful for the work of the Panel, but wishes to avoid the distraction and wasteful expenditure of public funds in frivolous litigation.” A civil lawsuit alleges the school board’s decision <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/S-F-school-board-may-reverse-its-vote-to-rename-16074964.php">may have violated</a> the <a href="https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/facs-brown-act-primer/">Brown Act</a> (California&#8217;s open-meeting law).

The resolution reads, “The Board is deeply grateful for the work of the Panel, but wishes to avoid the distraction and wasteful expenditure of public funds in frivolous litigation.” A civil lawsuit alleges the school board’s decision <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/S-F-school-board-may-reverse-its-vote-to-rename-16074964.php">may have violated</a> the <a href="https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/facs-brown-act-primer/">Brown Act</a> (California's open-meeting law).

The resolution reads, “The Board is deeply grateful for the work of the Panel, but wishes to avoid the distraction and wasteful expenditure of public funds in frivolous litigation.” A civil lawsuit alleges the school board’s decision <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/S-F-school-board-may-reverse-its-vote-to-rename-16074964.php">may have violated</a> the <a href="https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/facs-brown-act-primer/">Brown Act</a> (California&#8217;s open-meeting law).

The board expects to revisit renaming in the fall, but only after “all students have returned to in-person learning for 5 full days each week,” according to the resolution.

The board expects to revisit renaming in the fall, but only after “all students have returned to in-person learning for 5 full days each week,” according to the resolution.

SF school board pledges to reopen full time for all students in the fall

From frustrated families to a formalized political action committee, various parent groups in San Francisco are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-board-education-recall-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seeking to reform the school board</a>. One plan was literally hatched over a plate of brownies.&nbsp;

From frustrated families to a formalized political action committee, various parent groups in San Francisco are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-board-education-recall-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seeking to reform the school board</a>. One plan was literally hatched over a plate of brownies.&nbsp;

This <a href="https://www.recallsfschoolboard.org/">“brownie-powered” campaign</a>, spearheaded by public school parents Autumn Looijen and Siva Raj, is pursuing a formal recall effort against three members of the school board. More than 7,000 people have signed onto the group&#8217;s mailing list to keep up with the movement so far.

This <a href="https://www.recallsfschoolboard.org/">“brownie-powered” campaign</a>, spearheaded by public school parents Autumn Looijen and Siva Raj, is pursuing a formal recall effort against three members of the school board. More than 7,000 people have signed onto the group's mailing list to keep up with the movement so far.

This <a href="https://www.recallsfschoolboard.org/">“brownie-powered” campaign</a>, spearheaded by public school parents Autumn Looijen and Siva Raj, is pursuing a formal recall effort against three members of the school board. More than 7,000 people have signed onto the group&#8217;s mailing list to keep up with the movement so far.

Search Results for: london breed

Chesa Boudin recall campaigns sprint to signature-gathering deadlines

Flush with funding, homelessness department shows persistent underspending

San Francisco looks ahead to helping children, families recover from pandemic upheaval

SF school board pledges to reopen full time for all students in the fall

Meet the parents behind an effort to recall three SF school board members