Annie Gaus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sophie Bearman

A signature-gathering effort at a local farmer’s market grew contentious after a bystander attempted to steal signed recall petitions from a volunteer on Sunday, according to eyewitness accounts.&nbsp;

A signature-gathering effort at a local farmer’s market grew contentious after a bystander attempted to steal signed recall petitions from a volunteer on Sunday, according to eyewitness accounts.&nbsp;

Man Kit Lam, a volunteer for the campaign to recall three members of the San Francisco Board of Education, said that the alleged thief, described by witnesses as a male appearing to be in his 20s and wearing red glasses, tried to steal roughly 20 signed petitions from his table at 3rd Avenue and Clement Street on Sunday. As Lam turned to assist another signator, the suspect grabbed and walked away with at least one clipboard full of signed recall petitions, he said.

Man Kit Lam, a volunteer for the campaign to recall three members of the San Francisco Board of Education, said that the alleged thief, described by witnesses as a male appearing to be in his 20s and wearing red glasses, tried to steal roughly 20 signed petitions from his table at 3rd Avenue and Clement Street on Sunday. As Lam turned to assist another signator, the suspect grabbed and walked away with at least one clipboard full of signed recall petitions, he said.

“All of a sudden, I noticed at least one clipboard was gone,” Lam told Here/Say. “I saw him—he was across the street—and he was tossing the clipboard underneath a vehicle.”&nbsp;

“All of a sudden, I noticed at least one clipboard was gone,” Lam told Here/Say. “I saw him—he was across the street—and he was tossing the clipboard underneath a vehicle.”&nbsp;

Lam, a SFUSD parent, immigrant from Hong Kong, and former anti-corruption investigator, walked across the street and confronted the suspect. Exclusive video shows the alleged thief initially arguing with Lam and denying wrongdoing. Moments later, however, the suspect produces what appears to be a batch of petitions from his jeans and hands it over, saying: “You caught me.”&nbsp;

Lam, a SFUSD parent, immigrant from Hong Kong, and former anti-corruption investigator, walked across the street and confronted the suspect. Exclusive video shows the alleged thief initially arguing with Lam and denying wrongdoing. Moments later, however, the suspect produces what appears to be a batch of petitions from his jeans and hands it over, saying: “You caught me.”&nbsp;

Lam filed a police report, and says he plans to press charges if the suspect is apprehended. In video recordings obtained by Here/Say, at least one other eyewitness is heard describing the would-be heist to police officers, saying that he spotted the suspect running off with petitions.&nbsp;

Lam filed a police report, and says he plans to press charges if the suspect is apprehended. In video recordings obtained by Here/Say, at least one other eyewitness is heard describing the would-be heist to police officers, saying that he spotted the suspect running off with petitions.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/V8pAiQrTwV1q75b8j9Q0Ba9lucqSrZrHXdYK1xi3DqH5NocgyPAGnGtGTNW4AvwD7s-neM7JWWwEbfDTATONH4I3SiTlmL_SR7j581kJjVYRoP9bZKZFXyLD33h3ohD-f7VRLVPn" alt=""/><figcaption>Man Kit Lam provides an eyewitness account to SFPD on Sunday, May 30 after signed BOE recall petitions were allegedly stolen from his table at the farmer’s market. | Photo by Jenny G. Shao</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/V8pAiQrTwV1q75b8j9Q0Ba9lucqSrZrHXdYK1xi3DqH5NocgyPAGnGtGTNW4AvwD7s-neM7JWWwEbfDTATONH4I3SiTlmL_SR7j581kJjVYRoP9bZKZFXyLD33h3ohD-f7VRLVPn" alt=""/><figcaption>Man Kit Lam provides an eyewitness account to SFPD on Sunday, May 30 after signed BOE recall petitions were allegedly stolen from his table at the farmer’s market. | Photo by Jenny G. Shao</figcaption></figure>

On Wednesday, SFPD spokesperson Robert Rueca said the investigation is “active and ongoing” and asked anyone with information to contact the department’s <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/contact-and-directory/anonymous-tip-lines">tip line</a>.

On Wednesday, SFPD spokesperson Robert Rueca said the investigation is “active and ongoing” and asked anyone with information to contact the department’s <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/contact-and-directory/anonymous-tip-lines">tip line</a>.

Under <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;sectionNum=18631">California election code</a>, taking by force or stealth any initiative, referendum or recall petition with signatures affixed to it from a signature gatherer is a crime punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

Under <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;sectionNum=18631">California election code</a>, taking by force or stealth any initiative, referendum or recall petition with signatures affixed to it from a signature gatherer is a crime punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

“Even if the petitions stolen were not large numbers&#8230;it is interfering with the process. It is an attempt to intimidate us,” said Siva Raj, a SFUSD parent who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">co-launched the recall campaign</a> with his partner Autumn Looijen.

“Even if the petitions stolen were not large numbers...it is interfering with the process. It is an attempt to intimidate us,” said Siva Raj, a SFUSD parent who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">co-launched the recall campaign</a> with his partner Autumn Looijen.

“Even if the petitions stolen were not large numbers&#8230;it is interfering with the process. It is an attempt to intimidate us,” said Siva Raj, a SFUSD parent who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">co-launched the recall campaign</a> with his partner Autumn Looijen.

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-board-education-recall-efforts/">recall effort</a>—fueled largely by concerns over a slow reopening process—is targeting Board President Gabriela López, Vice President Faauuga Moliga and Commissioner Alison Collins, the three Board of Education members currently eligible for recall. The campaign must deliver 51,325 valid signatures per school board member, equivalent to 10 percent of registered voters in San Francisco, by September 1. If that effort succeeds, the recall will qualify for a special election.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-board-education-recall-efforts/">recall effort</a>—fueled largely by concerns over a slow reopening process—is targeting Board President Gabriela López, Vice President Faauuga Moliga and Commissioner Alison Collins, the three Board of Education members currently eligible for recall. The campaign must deliver 51,325 valid signatures per school board member, equivalent to 10 percent of registered voters in San Francisco, by September 1. If that effort succeeds, the recall will qualify for a special election.&nbsp;

The Board of Education is one of a few recall efforts taking place locally and at the state level this year.&nbsp;

The Board of Education is one of a few recall efforts taking place locally and at the state level this year.&nbsp;

A campaign to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom already gathered the necessary number of signatures and will appear on the ballot in a special election later this year. In San Francisco, in addition to the Board of Education recall campaign, there are two active efforts to recall District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/chesa-boudin-explainer-district-attorney-san-francisco/">Chesa Boudin</a>. The first effort, which launched in March,&nbsp; has until August 11 to gather at least 51,325 valid signatures; a second effort launched in late May and must gather that amount by October 25 in order to qualify for a special election.

A campaign to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom already gathered the necessary number of signatures and will appear on the ballot in a special election later this year. In San Francisco, in addition to the Board of Education recall campaign, there are two active efforts to recall District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/chesa-boudin-explainer-district-attorney-san-francisco/">Chesa Boudin</a>. The first effort, which launched in March,&nbsp; has until August 11 to gather at least 51,325 valid signatures; a second effort launched in late May and must gather that amount by October 25 in order to qualify for a special election.

Lam said he began volunteering with the Board of Education recall to speak up for his son, a SFUSD student who has struggled during distance learning, and because Collins “insulted the entire Chinese community” in publishing offensive tweets about Asian families and later suing the school district for $87 million.&nbsp;

Lam said he began volunteering with the Board of Education recall to speak up for his son, a SFUSD student who has struggled during distance learning, and because Collins “insulted the entire Chinese community” in publishing offensive tweets about Asian families and later suing the school district for $87 million.&nbsp;

Lam added that he’s been harassed multiple times while working the recall table, with strangers shouting insults and, on at least one occasion, accusing him of being a “right-winger” and funded by tech money.&nbsp;

Lam added that he’s been harassed multiple times while working the recall table, with strangers shouting insults and, on at least one occasion, accusing him of being a “right-winger” and funded by tech money.&nbsp;

“My wife said, ‘I&#8217;m a Democrat. I&#8217;ve been a Democrat since before you were born,’” Lam added.&nbsp;

“My wife said, ‘I'm a Democrat. I've been a Democrat since before you were born,’” Lam added.&nbsp;

“My wife said, ‘I&#8217;m a Democrat. I&#8217;ve been a Democrat since before you were born,’” Lam added.&nbsp;

The Board of Education recall effort has raised about $100,000 to date, according to organizers, about half of which is from small donors giving $100 or less. Lam said he’s been spending the majority of his free time volunteering for the recall, which he sees as a fundamental democratic right.&nbsp;

The Board of Education recall effort has raised about $100,000 to date, according to organizers, about half of which is from small donors giving $100 or less. Lam said he’s been spending the majority of his free time volunteering for the recall, which he sees as a fundamental democratic right.&nbsp;

“In San Francisco, we praise this city as so liberal and so democratic. But we have people—they are nuts. And they are doing things that are undemocratic,” Lam continued. “This is America. We have the right to petition the government. I’m not doing something illegal, but he is.”

“In San Francisco, we praise this city as so liberal and so democratic. But we have people—they are nuts. And they are doing things that are undemocratic,” Lam continued. “This is America. We have the right to petition the government. I’m not doing something illegal, but he is.”

SFPD investigating attempted theft of signed school board recall petitions

Christina Campodonico

A new San Francisco video installation intentionally resists one-dimensional narratives about refugees—opting instead for a more complicated picture of personal truth.

A new San Francisco video installation intentionally resists one-dimensional narratives about refugees—opting instead for a more complicated picture of personal truth.

Produced by Oakland filmmaker <a href="https://www.sofiacordova.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sofía Córdova</a>, “dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here” challenges common narratives about the immigrant experience with intimate and confessional stories told directly by the migrant women who have lived them.

Produced by Oakland filmmaker <a href="https://www.sofiacordova.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sofía Córdova</a>, “dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here” challenges common narratives about the immigrant experience with intimate and confessional stories told directly by the migrant women who have lived them.

Eschewing traditional documentary form, the film empowers its six subjects—all women—with autobiographical agency, layering excerpts of their audio memoirs over archival footage, abstract hand gestures, animated illustrations and colorful scenes of rivers, interiors and cityscapes, which the women painted themselves.

Eschewing traditional documentary form, the film empowers its six subjects—all women—with autobiographical agency, layering excerpts of their audio memoirs over archival footage, abstract hand gestures, animated illustrations and colorful scenes of rivers, interiors and cityscapes, which the women painted themselves.

Córdova—a Puerto Rican artist who has United States citizenship but considers herself an immigrant—says the installation is intended to “complicate” the way stories of immigration are told.

Córdova—a Puerto Rican artist who has United States citizenship but considers herself an immigrant—says the installation is intended to “complicate” the way stories of immigration are told.

“Stories of immigrants&#8230; they&#8217;re always told in this incredibly binary way, where, ‘Oh, people are escaping terrible things and coming here for a better life, the end,’” Córdova says. “We&#8217;re always presented as starry-eyed and arriving here, and everything is wonderful and sort of hunky-dory after the fact. And it&#8217;s like, ‘No, these stories are actually complicated.’”

“Stories of immigrants... they're always told in this incredibly binary way, where, ‘Oh, people are escaping terrible things and coming here for a better life, the end,’” Córdova says. “We're always presented as starry-eyed and arriving here, and everything is wonderful and sort of hunky-dory after the fact. And it's like, ‘No, these stories are actually complicated.’”

“Stories of immigrants&#8230; they&#8217;re always told in this incredibly binary way, where, ‘Oh, people are escaping terrible things and coming here for a better life, the end,’” Córdova says. “We&#8217;re always presented as starry-eyed and arriving here, and everything is wonderful and sort of hunky-dory after the fact. And it&#8217;s like, ‘No, these stories are actually complicated.’”

With “dawn_chorusiii”, she hopes “that people kind of walk away with more questions than certainty” about the immigrant experience.&nbsp;

With “dawn_chorusiii”, she hopes “that people kind of walk away with more questions than certainty” about the immigrant experience.&nbsp;

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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://player.vimeo.com/video/646640726?h=bec20b7c51
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Now playing on a loop at the Chinese Culture Center’s <a href="https://www.41ross.org/">41 Ross gallery</a>, Córdova’s hour-long composition is a kaleidoscopic, stream of consciousness collage of memories, which flits from moments of terror and pain to scenes of reflection and transcendence.

Now playing on a loop at the Chinese Culture Center’s <a href="https://www.41ross.org/">41 Ross gallery</a>, Córdova’s hour-long composition is a kaleidoscopic, stream of consciousness collage of memories, which flits from moments of terror and pain to scenes of reflection and transcendence.

There are horrific tales of fleeing violence, persecution, poverty and ICE agents interspersed with personal traumas of rape, abortion and contemplated suicide—stories all too familiar to those who have kept up with news from the United States-Mexico border.

There are horrific tales of fleeing violence, persecution, poverty and ICE agents interspersed with personal traumas of rape, abortion and contemplated suicide—stories all too familiar to those who have kept up with news from the United States-Mexico border.

But these devastating accounts are juxtaposed with nostalgic, even fond, remembrances of home.&nbsp;

But these devastating accounts are juxtaposed with nostalgic, even fond, remembrances of home.&nbsp;

Though every woman’s story was unique, Córdova was particularly struck by one nostalgic point of reference that several of her subjects shared—difficulty finding fruits that are commonly available in their countries of origin.

Though every woman’s story was unique, Córdova was particularly struck by one nostalgic point of reference that several of her subjects shared—difficulty finding fruits that are commonly available in their countries of origin.

Córdova says that mainstream American accounts of the immigrant experience are often reductive—casting the migrants as little more than beleaguered victims fleeing impoverished, corrupt hellscapes. But they are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/countries-apart-but-held-together-by-a-san-francisco-sculpture-garden/">so much more nuanced than that.</a>

Córdova says that mainstream American accounts of the immigrant experience are often reductive—casting the migrants as little more than beleaguered victims fleeing impoverished, corrupt hellscapes. But they are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/countries-apart-but-held-together-by-a-san-francisco-sculpture-garden/">so much more nuanced than that.</a>

“Yes, they&#8217;re leaving terrible things,” she says. “[But] they&#8217;re also leaving parents. They&#8217;re also leaving abuelas. They&#8217;re also leaving villages that they adore. And so I wanted to really stress that part of the equation that you&#8217;re also leaving things that make you whole.”

“Yes, they're leaving terrible things,” she says. “[But] they're also leaving parents. They're also leaving abuelas. They're also leaving villages that they adore. And so I wanted to really stress that part of the equation that you're also leaving things that make you whole.”

“Yes, they&#8217;re leaving terrible things,” she says. “[But] they&#8217;re also leaving parents. They&#8217;re also leaving abuelas. They&#8217;re also leaving villages that they adore. And so I wanted to really stress that part of the equation that you&#8217;re also leaving things that make you whole.”

Sofía Córdova's video installation “dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here” seeks to 'complicate' and challenge mainstream perceptions of refugees. | Film still courtesy of the artist

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dawn_chorusiii_06.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21938"/><figcaption>Sofía Córdova&#8217;s video installation “dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here” seeks to &#8216;complicate&#8217; mainstream perceptions of refugees. | Film still courtesy of the artist</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dawn_chorusiii_06.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21938"/><figcaption>Sofía Córdova's video installation “dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here” seeks to 'complicate' mainstream perceptions of refugees. | Film still courtesy of the artist</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dawn_chorusiii_06.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21938"/><figcaption>Sofía Córdova&#8217;s video installation “dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here” seeks to &#8216;complicate&#8217; mainstream perceptions of refugees. | Film still courtesy of the artist</figcaption></figure>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluid-identities">Fluid Identities</h3>

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<h3 id="h-fluid-identities">Fluid Identities</h3>

Though the film spans oceans and traverses international borders, the origins of “dawn_chorusiii” can be traced back to a single Muni bus stop.

Though the film spans oceans and traverses international borders, the origins of “dawn_chorusiii” can be traced back to a single Muni bus stop.

In 2018, during the height of the Trump era, Córdova was tapped by the San Francisco Arts Commission<a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/culture/sofia-cordovas-muni-bus-shelter-series-stands-up-for-sanctuary-cities/"> to transform a series of Muni bus shelters</a> along Market Street into spaces for contemplating the theme of “sanctuary.”&nbsp;

In 2018, during the height of the Trump era, Córdova was tapped by the San Francisco Arts Commission<a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/culture/sofia-cordovas-muni-bus-shelter-series-stands-up-for-sanctuary-cities/"> to transform a series of Muni bus shelters</a> along Market Street into spaces for contemplating the theme of “sanctuary.”&nbsp;

The goal of the project was to interrogate San Francisco’s pioneering role in the <a href="https://sfmayor.org/sanctuary-city">sanctuary city movement</a>. In that spirit, Córdova created a series of portraits, called “A Body Reorganized,” featuring local undocumented immigrants and asylees, like Tian Shi, who fled from religious persecution in China during the country’s <a href="https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/chinese-pro-democracy-movement-1987-1989/">’89 Democracy Movement</a>. Unlike the other portrait subjects who wanted their identities’ obscured, Shi looked straight into Córdova’s camera and helped connect the artist to a circle of asylum seekers yearning to tell their stories.&nbsp;

The goal of the project was to interrogate San Francisco’s pioneering role in the <a href="https://sfmayor.org/sanctuary-city">sanctuary city movement</a>. In that spirit, Córdova created a series of portraits, called “A Body Reorganized,” featuring local undocumented immigrants and asylees, like Tian Shi, who fled from religious persecution in China during the country’s <a href="https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/chinese-pro-democracy-movement-1987-1989/">’89 Democracy Movement</a>. Unlike the other portrait subjects who wanted their identities’ obscured, Shi looked straight into Córdova’s camera and helped connect the artist to a circle of asylum seekers yearning to tell their stories.&nbsp;

One woman presents the ICE-issued mylar blanket she was given while detained by immigration police. | Film still from “dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here” courtesy of the artist


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dawn_chorusiii_04.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21929"/><figcaption>One woman presents the ICE-issued mylar blanket she was given while detained by immigration police. | Film still from “dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here” courtesy of the artist </figcaption></figure>

Córdova’s work on “A Body Reorganized” planted the seed for “dawn_chorusiii,” which took shape over the course of the pandemic—in partnership with the Chinese Culture Center, a collaborator on the Muni bus shelter project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Córdova’s work on “A Body Reorganized” planted the seed for “dawn_chorusiii,” which took shape over the course of the pandemic—in partnership with the Chinese Culture Center, a collaborator on the Muni bus shelter project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While “dawn_chorusiii” was originally intended to debut in 2020, Chinese Culture Center curator Hoi Leung notes that the project’s almost two-year gestation process has allowed Córdova to engage with the women featured in the film over an extended period of time and has made the work even more resonant.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

While “dawn_chorusiii” was originally intended to debut in 2020, Chinese Culture Center curator Hoi Leung notes that the project’s almost two-year gestation process has allowed Córdova to engage with the women featured in the film over an extended period of time and has made the work even more resonant.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leung says Córdova’s piece challenges simplistic and “binary” perceptions of race and identity in American politics.&nbsp;

Leung says Córdova’s piece challenges simplistic and “binary” perceptions of race and identity in American politics.&nbsp;

“It&#8217;s always about ‘where you come from, how you arrived here’ and all of that. For this work to exist at this time, it&#8217;s really to offer something that&#8217;s more fluid,” Leung says. “It&#8217;s like, ‘Here&#8217;s my story, and this is how I want to tell it.’”

“It's always about ‘where you come from, how you arrived here’ and all of that. For this work to exist at this time, it's really to offer something that's more fluid,” Leung says. “It's like, ‘Here's my story, and this is how I want to tell it.’”

“It&#8217;s always about ‘where you come from, how you arrived here’ and all of that. For this work to exist at this time, it&#8217;s really to offer something that&#8217;s more fluid,” Leung says. “It&#8217;s like, ‘Here&#8217;s my story, and this is how I want to tell it.’”

With “dawn_chorusiii,” Córdova aims to magnify the personal truths and confessional stories of six refugee women. | Film still courtesy of the artist

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dawn_chorusiii_07-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21911"/><figcaption>With “dawn_chorusiii,” Córdova aims to magnify the personal truths and confessional stories of six migrant women who&#8217;ve forged new lives in the Bay Area. | Film still courtesy of the artist</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dawn_chorusiii_07-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21911"/><figcaption>With “dawn_chorusiii,” Córdova aims to magnify the personal truths and confessional stories of six migrant women who've forged new lives in the Bay Area. | Film still courtesy of the artist</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dawn_chorusiii_07-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21911"/><figcaption>With “dawn_chorusiii,” Córdova aims to magnify the personal truths and confessional stories of six migrant women who&#8217;ve forged new lives in the Bay Area. | Film still courtesy of the artist</figcaption></figure>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Her Story</h3>

Alejandra is one of the women who share their stories in the film. (We are using Alejandra’s first name only to protect her sensitive immigration status.) The mother of three not only left Guatemala to escape gang violence in her home country and forge a better life for her children in the United States—she also moved to escape personal tragedy. About 13 years ago, her 3-year-old, first-born daughter was run over by a military truck.

Alejandra is one of the women who share their stories in the film. (We are using Alejandra’s first name only to protect her sensitive immigration status.) The mother of three not only left Guatemala to escape gang violence in her home country and forge a better life for her children in the United States—she also moved to escape personal tragedy. About 13 years ago, her 3-year-old, first-born daughter was run over by a military truck.

The memory of her daughter—whose body remains buried in Guatemala—brings tears to Alejandra’s eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The memory of her daughter—whose body remains buried in Guatemala—brings tears to Alejandra’s eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I don’t think I’ll ever get over it,” Alejandra says, speaking through a translator. “But [I’m] learning how to live with it.”&nbsp;

“I don’t think I’ll ever get over it,” Alejandra says, speaking through a translator. “But [I’m] learning how to live with it.”&nbsp;

Working with Córdova and the other women helped Alejandra process the pain of her daughter’s death and the isolation of the pandemic. As part of the creative process, Córdova recorded deep, one-on-one conversations with the women and also led them in painting workshops. Those paintings—of rivers, interiors and cityscapes—were used as the film’s fantastical backdrops. A team of multinational and multilingual therapists joined Córdova to help the women unpack their feelings.

Working with Córdova and the other women helped Alejandra process the pain of her daughter’s death and the isolation of the pandemic. As part of the creative process, Córdova recorded deep, one-on-one conversations with the women and also led them in painting workshops. Those paintings—of rivers, interiors and cityscapes—were used as the film’s fantastical backdrops. A team of multinational and multilingual therapists joined Córdova to help the women unpack their feelings.

“It was like a support group,”&nbsp; Alejandra says. “We had our own space so we can come and just express ourselves.”&nbsp;

“It was like a support group,”&nbsp; Alejandra says. “We had our own space so we can come and just express ourselves.”&nbsp;

film still from “dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here”, 2021

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1878" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dawn_chorusiii_09-2500x1878.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21974"/><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Córdova&#8217;s “dawn_chorusiii&#8221; layers art, poetry and song over the voices of the film&#8217;s subjects. | Film still courtesy of the artist</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dawn_chorusiii_09-2500x1878.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21974"/><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Córdova's “dawn_chorusiii" layers art, poetry and song over the voices of the film's subjects. | Film still courtesy of the artist</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dawn_chorusiii_09-2500x1878.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21974"/><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Córdova&#8217;s “dawn_chorusiii&#8221; layers art, poetry and song over the voices of the film&#8217;s subjects. | Film still courtesy of the artist</figcaption></figure>

As a migrant herself, Córdova says she sees her role as both a “container and bridge” for her subject’s stories—and she takes the responsibility seriously.

As a migrant herself, Córdova says she sees her role as both a “container and bridge” for her subject’s stories—and she takes the responsibility seriously.

“I really worked very arduously to create a safe space in every possible way,” she says. “I didn&#8217;t want to retraumatize anybody.”

“I really worked very arduously to create a safe space in every possible way,” she says. “I didn't want to retraumatize anybody.”

“I really worked very arduously to create a safe space in every possible way,” she says. “I didn&#8217;t want to retraumatize anybody.”

Instead of asking the women to improvise, as she’s done with other projects in the past, or asking them to tell their stories in the moment on-camera in front of an entire film crew, Córdova had the women repeat lines from their previously recorded audio conversations, and later—with their permission—carefully spliced in more “forthcoming” and candid details from their phone calls and voice messages.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Instead of asking the women to improvise, as she’s done with other projects in the past, or asking them to tell their stories in the moment on-camera in front of an entire film crew, Córdova had the women repeat lines from their previously recorded audio conversations, and later—with their permission—carefully spliced in more “forthcoming” and candid details from their phone calls and voice messages.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I didn&#8217;t want to leave too much to chance in the final shoot,” says Córdova.&nbsp;

“I didn't want to leave too much to chance in the final shoot,” says Córdova.&nbsp;

“I didn&#8217;t want to leave too much to chance in the final shoot,” says Córdova.&nbsp;

Ultimately, Córdova hopes that her film can jostle viewers&#8217; notions of the immigrant experience.&nbsp;

Ultimately, Córdova hopes that her film can jostle viewers' notions of the immigrant experience.&nbsp;

Ultimately, Córdova hopes that her film can jostle viewers&#8217; notions of the immigrant experience.&nbsp;

“There is really not one dimension to the story of migration,” she says. “I wanted to create the space where their arrival doesn&#8217;t tie up neatly with a bow.”

“There is really not one dimension to the story of migration,” she says. “I wanted to create the space where their arrival doesn't tie up neatly with a bow.”

“There is really not one dimension to the story of migration,” she says. “I wanted to create the space where their arrival doesn&#8217;t tie up neatly with a bow.”

core/separator

<a href="https://www.41ross.org/current">&#8220;dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here&#8221;</a> runs through Jan. 29, 2022, at 41 Ross. Admission is free.

<a href="https://www.41ross.org/current">"dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here"</a> runs through Jan. 29, 2022, at 41 Ross. Admission is free.

<a href="https://www.41ross.org/current">&#8220;dawn_chorusiii: the fruit they don’t have here&#8221;</a> runs through Jan. 29, 2022, at 41 Ross. Admission is free.

Oakland filmmaker’s Chinatown installation resists easy immigration narrative

Jon Jacobo, a well-known San Francisco political figure with leadership roles at several local organizations, announced his resignation from a city commission late Friday in the wake of allegations by a local activist that he assaulted and raped her.

Jon Jacobo, a well-known San Francisco political figure with leadership roles at several local organizations, announced his resignation from a city commission late Friday in the wake of allegations by a local activist that he assaulted and raped her.

Formerly a commissioner at the Building Inspection Commission, which sets policy for the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), Jacobo was also asked to resign by Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton.

Formerly a commissioner at the Building Inspection Commission, which sets policy for the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), Jacobo was also asked to resign by Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton.

Sasha Perigo, a student and organizer with the statewide advocacy group Tenants Together, wrote in a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NXZh8TbzOm6jrWtezXNCiZ5rieQ8aVZzXCufOH3Oe1c/edit">document</a> posted to Twitter that Jacobo raped her at his home on April 4, 2021.

Sasha Perigo, a student and organizer with the statewide advocacy group Tenants Together, wrote in a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NXZh8TbzOm6jrWtezXNCiZ5rieQ8aVZzXCufOH3Oe1c/edit">document</a> posted to Twitter that Jacobo raped her at his home on April 4, 2021.

Alongside the allegation, Perigo published records corroborating her account of the incident, including medical and police records, and asked that the story be shared so that other women can avoid being victimized.&nbsp;

Alongside the allegation, Perigo published records corroborating her account of the incident, including medical and police records, and asked that the story be shared so that other women can avoid being victimized.&nbsp;

In a <a href="https://twitter.com/Jon_Jacobo/status/1423828116288393224">statement on Twitter,</a> Jacobo appeared to deny the allegations but announced a leave of absence from work “for the sake of the community, which I owe so much, and to avoid distraction from the important work of addressing and preventing the spread of COVID-19 which has been my mission this past year.”

In a <a href="https://twitter.com/Jon_Jacobo/status/1423828116288393224">statement on Twitter,</a> Jacobo appeared to deny the allegations but announced a leave of absence from work “for the sake of the community, which I owe so much, and to avoid distraction from the important work of addressing and preventing the spread of COVID-19 which has been my mission this past year.”

Hours earlier, Walton had called for Jacobo’s resignation from the Building Inspection Commission and indicated that if Jacobo didn’t resign, the board would take “swift action” for removal.&nbsp;

Hours earlier, Walton had called for Jacobo’s resignation from the Building Inspection Commission and indicated that if Jacobo didn’t resign, the board would take “swift action” for removal.&nbsp;

“My thoughts go out to the victim for her courage and bravery for speaking out on this awful situation that no one should ever experience,” wrote Walton.

“My thoughts go out to the victim for her courage and bravery for speaking out on this awful situation that no one should ever experience,” wrote Walton.

Because commissioners are appointed by the Board of Supervisors or the mayor, removing them from office in cases of misconduct would require a vote by the board, according to San Francisco’s <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GGG-July-2021-FINAL.pdf">Good Government Guide</a>.&nbsp;

Because commissioners are appointed by the Board of Supervisors or the mayor, removing them from office in cases of misconduct would require a vote by the board, according to San Francisco’s <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GGG-July-2021-FINAL.pdf">Good Government Guide</a>.&nbsp;

Angus McCarthy, president of the Building Inspection Commission, told Here/Say in a statement that “we applaud [Perigo’s] bravery for coming forward to share her story and have no tolerance for the behavior that was called out.”

Angus McCarthy, president of the Building Inspection Commission, told Here/Say in a statement that “we applaud [Perigo’s] bravery for coming forward to share her story and have no tolerance for the behavior that was called out.”

In addition to his role at the Building Inspection Commission, Jacobo is a policy director at Tenants and Owners Development Corporation (TODCO), a nonprofit development group that operates several affordable housing sites in and around South of Market.&nbsp;

In addition to his role at the Building Inspection Commission, Jacobo is a policy director at Tenants and Owners Development Corporation (TODCO), a nonprofit development group that operates several affordable housing sites in and around South of Market.&nbsp;

Jacobo also serves as Vice President of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, an influential nonprofit in the Mission District that received five grants from the city totaling more than $500,000 last year, according to public records.&nbsp;

Jacobo also serves as Vice President of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, an influential nonprofit in the Mission District that received five grants from the city totaling more than $500,000 last year, according to public records.&nbsp;

More recently, Jacobo co-founded the Latino Task Force, a group that was instrumental in&nbsp; bringing COVID-19 testing and vaccinations to the Mission during the pandemic. Among other activities, the Latino Task Force participated in a <a href="https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-over-28-million-expanded-covid-19-support-san-franciscos-latino">$28 million initiative</a> last year to advance public health and economic assistance in the Mission’s Latino community, which was hit especially hard by the pandemic.

More recently, Jacobo co-founded the Latino Task Force, a group that was instrumental in&nbsp; bringing COVID-19 testing and vaccinations to the Mission during the pandemic. Among other activities, the Latino Task Force participated in a <a href="https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-over-28-million-expanded-covid-19-support-san-franciscos-latino">$28 million initiative</a> last year to advance public health and economic assistance in the Mission’s Latino community, which was hit especially hard by the pandemic.

In December, the Latino Task Force and Mission Language and Vocational School <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2020/12/neighborhood-notes-new-funding-for-latino-task-force-and-online-events-happening-soon/">were awarded</a> a $500,000 grant from the Department of Public Health to serve residents most impacted by COVID-19.&nbsp;

In December, the Latino Task Force and Mission Language and Vocational School <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2020/12/neighborhood-notes-new-funding-for-latino-task-force-and-online-events-happening-soon/">were awarded</a> a $500,000 grant from the Department of Public Health to serve residents most impacted by COVID-19.&nbsp;

Perigo wrote that she decided to come forward with the allegations after hearing that Jacobo had engaged in similar conduct with other women.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Perigo wrote that she decided to come forward with the allegations after hearing that Jacobo had engaged in similar conduct with other women.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“After a lot of deliberation, I am choosing to talk about my assault publicly specifically because Jon has such a large platform. Jon cannot be allowed to use his platform to victimize women any longer,” wrote Perigo.

“After a lot of deliberation, I am choosing to talk about my assault publicly specifically because Jon has such a large platform. Jon cannot be allowed to use his platform to victimize women any longer,” wrote Perigo.

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