David Sjostedt

Elon Musk, one of the wealthiest <a href="https://www.forbes.com/real-time-billionaires/#5a797a613d78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">people in the world</a>, called for the imprisonment of a San Francisco supervisor in a message Friday on X, formerly Twitter, the social media app he owns. In response to an article about legislation proposed by Supervisor Dean Preston that would ban security guards from drawing firearms to protect property, <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1707725140618858935?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Musk commented</a> that the legislator &#8220;should go to prison.&#8221; Preston, a Democratic Socialist, introduced the legislation after a security guard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/15/banko-brown-protesters-rage-outside-walgreens-after-da-jenkins-decision/">killed Banko Brown,</a> a transgender man, after he allegedly tried to steal snacks from a San Francisco Walgreens. Preston hit back at Musk in a Friday press release, calling him a &#8220;fascist&#8221; and touting his own record as a tenants&#8217; rights attorney. &#8220;A billionaire calling for a democratically elected official to be sent to prison for no reason is textbook fascism,&#8221; Preston said. Musk wrote on X last week that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/elon-musk-pledges-100k-to-defeat-san-francisco-elected-official-dean-preston/">he would donate $100,000 to boot Preston</a> from office. In another tweet, he wrote that Preston “is arguably the person most responsible for the destruction of San Francisco.”

Banko Brown shooting: Protesters decry DA’s decision not to prosecute guard

Elon Musk pledges $100K to defeat this San Francisco elected official

core/paragraph

Elon Musk, one of the wealthiest <a href="https://www.forbes.com/real-time-billionaires/#5a797a613d78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">people in the world</a>, called for the imprisonment of a San Francisco supervisor in a message Friday on X, formerly Twitter, the social media app he owns. In response to an article about legislation proposed by Supervisor Dean Preston that would ban security guards from drawing firearms to protect property, <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1707725140618858935?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Musk commented</a> that the legislator "should go to prison." Preston, a Democratic Socialist, introduced the legislation after a security guard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/15/banko-brown-protesters-rage-outside-walgreens-after-da-jenkins-decision/">killed Banko Brown,</a> a transgender man, after he allegedly tried to steal snacks from a San Francisco Walgreens. Preston hit back at Musk in a Friday press release, calling him a "fascist" and touting his own record as a tenants' rights attorney. "A billionaire calling for a democratically elected official to be sent to prison for no reason is textbook fascism," Preston said. Musk wrote on X last week that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/elon-musk-pledges-100k-to-defeat-san-francisco-elected-official-dean-preston/">he would donate $100,000 to boot Preston</a> from office. In another tweet, he wrote that Preston “is arguably the person most responsible for the destruction of San Francisco.”

Elon Musk, one of the wealthiest <a href="https://www.forbes.com/real-time-billionaires/#5a797a613d78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">people in the world</a>, called for the imprisonment of a San Francisco supervisor in a message Friday on X, formerly Twitter, the social media app he owns. In response to an article about legislation proposed by Supervisor Dean Preston that would ban security guards from drawing firearms to protect property, <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1707725140618858935?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Musk commented</a> that the legislator &#8220;should go to prison.&#8221; Preston, a Democratic Socialist, introduced the legislation after a security guard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/15/banko-brown-protesters-rage-outside-walgreens-after-da-jenkins-decision/">killed Banko Brown,</a> a transgender man, after he allegedly tried to steal snacks from a San Francisco Walgreens. Preston hit back at Musk in a Friday press release, calling him a &#8220;fascist&#8221; and touting his own record as a tenants&#8217; rights attorney. &#8220;A billionaire calling for a democratically elected official to be sent to prison for no reason is textbook fascism,&#8221; Preston said. Musk wrote on X last week that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/elon-musk-pledges-100k-to-defeat-san-francisco-elected-official-dean-preston/">he would donate $100,000 to boot Preston</a> from office. In another tweet, he wrote that Preston “is arguably the person most responsible for the destruction of San Francisco.”

In a recent appearance at a local church, Preston said the campaigns against him are part of a “billionaire backlash”&nbsp;due to his progressive policies.

In a recent appearance at a local church, Preston said the campaigns against him are part of a “billionaire backlash”&nbsp;due to his progressive policies.

“People can respectfully agree or disagree on policies, but this kind of toxic rhetoric &#8230; undermines democracy and has no place in San Francisco,” Preston said in the Friday release.

“People can respectfully agree or disagree on policies, but this kind of toxic rhetoric ... undermines democracy and has no place in San Francisco,” Preston said in the Friday release.

“People can respectfully agree or disagree on policies, but this kind of toxic rhetoric &#8230; undermines democracy and has no place in San Francisco,” Preston said in the Friday release.

Elon Musk calls for imprisonment of Democratic Socialist San Francisco supervisor

Mike Ege

Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting was brief but contentious and emotionally charged as Board President Aaron Peskin asked that the charging decision in the shooting death of a man by a Walgreens security guard be reconsidered. Meanwhile, other members called for hearings on the cause of a lengthy power outage and the state of homelessness and behavioral programs.

Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting was brief but contentious and emotionally charged as Board President Aaron Peskin asked that the charging decision in the shooting death of a man by a Walgreens security guard be reconsidered. Meanwhile, other members called for hearings on the cause of a lengthy power outage and the state of homelessness and behavioral programs.

Attendees and organizers adorn a memorial for Banko Brown outside of a Downtown San Francisco Walgreens where a vigil was held for him on Monday, May 1, 2023. 24-year-old Brown was shot and killed  by an armed security guard at the 825 Market St. location of Walgreens on Thursday, April 27. | Morgan Ellis/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BankoBrown05012023-9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155765"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees and organizers decorate a memorial for Banko Brown outside of a Downtown San Francisco Walgreens, where a vigil was held for him on Monday. | Morgan Ellis/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BankoBrown05012023-9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155765"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees and organizers decorate a memorial for Banko Brown outside of a Downtown San Francisco Walgreens, where a vigil was held for him on Monday. | Morgan Ellis/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Banko Brown Outcry</h2>

core/heading

The lawmakers listened to two hours of passionate testimony on the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-san-francisco-guard-released-from-jail/">case of Banko Brown</a>, who was shot and killed on April 27 by a security guard at a Downtown Walgreens.

The lawmakers listened to two hours of passionate testimony on the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-san-francisco-guard-released-from-jail/">case of Banko Brown</a>, who was shot and killed on April 27 by a security guard at a Downtown Walgreens.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced Monday she would not pursue charges against the guard, Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, citing a review of evidence that indicated he acted in self-defense.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced Monday she would not pursue charges against the guard, Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, citing a review of evidence that indicated he acted in self-defense.

Speakers repeatedly expressed anger about Brown’s death over an incident involving alleged petty theft and how they said it exemplified continuing inequality and maltreatment of people of color.

Speakers repeatedly expressed anger about Brown’s death over an incident involving alleged petty theft and how they said it exemplified continuing inequality and maltreatment of people of color.

After public comment, Peskin said that he was disturbed by Jenkins’s decision not to press “at least manslaughter charges” against Anthony and called on the board to ask for a reconsideration of the charges.

After public comment, Peskin said that he was disturbed by Jenkins’s decision not to press “at least manslaughter charges” against Anthony and called on the board to ask for a reconsideration of the charges.

San Francisco Fire Department ambulances outside of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital on August  22, 2022. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SFFireSedatives_INLINED-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-70341"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Fire Department ambulances sit outside of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital on Aug. 22, 2022. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overtime-pains-again">Overtime Pains, Again</h2>

<h2 id="h-overtime-pains-again">Overtime Pains, Again</h2>

Supervisors approved $65 million in funding for the Department of Public Health, fire department and other city service providers for ambulance service staff overtime, but not without some pointed questions.

Supervisors approved $65 million in funding for the Department of Public Health, fire department and other city service providers for ambulance service staff overtime, but not without some pointed questions.

Those questions recalled the grilling supervisors gave to the police department over its $25 million overtime funding request, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-pass-police-overtime-bill-hear-qualms-over-shelter-policy/">passed on March 21</a> after weeks of arguments.

Those questions recalled the grilling supervisors gave to the police department over its $25 million overtime funding request, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-pass-police-overtime-bill-hear-qualms-over-shelter-policy/">passed on March 21</a> after weeks of arguments.

Like with the police, it appeared that the health department failed to give adequate notice anticipating it would exhaust its overtime funds sooner than usual, technically violating the city code.

Like with the police, it appeared that the health department failed to give adequate notice anticipating it would exhaust its overtime funds sooner than usual, technically violating the city code.

Controller Ben Rosenfield said that in normal years anomalies in overtime spending would be highlighted in the six-month budget report, but that “the six-month report, which we use as a sort of trigger, was too late this year.”&nbsp;

Controller Ben Rosenfield said that in normal years anomalies in overtime spending would be highlighted in the six-month budget report, but that “the six-month report, which we use as a sort of trigger, was too late this year.”&nbsp;

The <a href="https://sf.gov/departments/controllers-office">Controller’s Office</a> is in talks about notifying city agencies of overspending sooner going forward, Rosenfield added.

The <a href="https://sf.gov/departments/controllers-office">Controller’s Office</a> is in talks about notifying city agencies of overspending sooner going forward, Rosenfield added.

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&amp;E) crews arrive and set up to repair a power line that had come loose from an insulator along Foresthill Rd. around Foresthill, Ca. on August 8, 2019. | Michael Macor/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1321817000-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pacific Gas &amp; Electric crews set up to repair a power line along Foresthill Road near Foresthill on Aug. 8, 2019. | Michael Macor/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inquiry-into-power-outage">Inquiry Into Power Outage</h2>

<h2 id="h-inquiry-into-power-outage">Inquiry Into Power Outage</h2>

Peskin also requested a hearing on Pacific Gas &amp; Electric’s response to the March 26 fire caused by a sidewalk electrical vault in Jackson Square.

Peskin also requested a hearing on Pacific Gas &amp; Electric’s response to the March 26 fire caused by a sidewalk electrical vault in Jackson Square.

“The good news was the San Francisco Fire Department responded [to the fire] in under four minutes,” Peskin said. 

“The good news was the San Francisco Fire Department responded [to the fire] in under four minutes,” Peskin said.

The bad news: A 20-minute-plus wait for PG&amp;E to provide required assistance extinguishing the blaze allowed it to spread, triggering a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/pge-outage-in-downtown-sf-snarls-traffic-kills-power-for-10000/">power outage</a> that affected almost 10,000 customers in the northeast part of the city over a five-day period, which Peskin called “unconscionable.”

The bad news: A 20-minute-plus wait for PG&amp;E to provide required assistance extinguishing the blaze allowed it to spread, triggering a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/pge-outage-in-downtown-sf-snarls-traffic-kills-power-for-10000/">power outage</a> that affected almost 10,000 customers in the northeast part of the city over a five-day period, which Peskin called “unconscionable.”

“There have been numerous vault failures and with other PG&amp;E equipment over many years,” Peskin said. “This particular incident is marked by the fact that [&#8230;] the last buildings and individuals had their power restored 123 hours later.”

“There have been numerous vault failures and with other PG&amp;E equipment over many years,” Peskin said. “This particular incident is marked by the fact that [...] the last buildings and individuals had their power restored 123 hours later.”

“There have been numerous vault failures and with other PG&amp;E equipment over many years,” Peskin said. “This particular incident is marked by the fact that [&#8230;] the last buildings and individuals had their power restored 123 hours later.”

An aerial view of the area around Pier 94 in the Bayview neighborhood which houses homeless people in roughly 100 trailers and RVs. The United Council of Human Services (UCHS), which operates in the Bayview was identified having numerous violations of city rules and red flags of financial mismanagement. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SFS_PROJECT_VERSION.01_17_41_12.Still003.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148568"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pier 94 houses homeless people in roughly 100 trailers and RVs. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-on-homelessness">More on Homelessness</h2>

<h2 id="h-more-on-homelessness">More on Homelessness</h2>

Supervisor Shamann Walton introduced a resolution urging the Port of San Francisco and the homelessness agency to keep the Pier 94 RV shelter open.

Supervisor Shamann Walton introduced a resolution urging the Port of San Francisco and the homelessness agency to keep the Pier 94 RV shelter open.

The shelter, which houses people in 100 RVs and trailers, was until recently managed by the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-blocks-contracts-homeless-nonprofit-fbi-united-council-human-services/">United Council of Human Services</a>, a nonprofit that was barred from receiving public funds after revelations of mismanagement and corruption.

The shelter, which houses people in 100 RVs and trailers, was until recently managed by the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-blocks-contracts-homeless-nonprofit-fbi-united-council-human-services/">United Council of Human Services</a>, a nonprofit that was barred from receiving public funds after revelations of mismanagement and corruption.

Supervisor Hillary Ronen also requested hearings on the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s strategic plan and whether it will address street conditions and issues with coordinated entry—the system by which new clients are matched with programs—as well as the role of board-approved contacts in the Department of Public Health’s Behavioral Health System of Care.

Supervisor Hillary Ronen also requested hearings on the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s strategic plan and whether it will address street conditions and issues with coordinated entry—the system by which new clients are matched with programs—as well as the role of board-approved contacts in the Department of Public Health’s Behavioral Health System of Care.

“We often talk about wonderful programs serving our residents, but we never really understand where they fit into a whole,” Ronen said. “And what we see is people falling out of the system of care or not being helped by it. [&#8230;] It’s unclear if there is a system.”

“We often talk about wonderful programs serving our residents, but we never really understand where they fit into a whole,” Ronen said. “And what we see is people falling out of the system of care or not being helped by it. [...] It’s unclear if there is a system.”

“We often talk about wonderful programs serving our residents, but we never really understand where they fit into a whole,” Ronen said. “And what we see is people falling out of the system of care or not being helped by it. [&#8230;] It’s unclear if there is a system.”

Walgreens shooting, 5-day power outage draw pointed questions from San Francisco supervisors

Josh Koehn

Vandals spray-painted graffiti across San Francisco Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>’s home this past weekend, criticizing her and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins over their stances on&nbsp;the controversial killing of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=banko%20brown">Banko Brown</a>.

Vandals spray-painted graffiti across San Francisco Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>’s home this past weekend, criticizing her and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins over their stances on&nbsp;the controversial killing of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=banko%20brown">Banko Brown</a>.

The Mayor’s Office confirmed the incident occurred Saturday, leaving the facade of her apartment and a neighboring property in the Lower Haight neighborhood covered in black spray paint. Other messages were scrawled on the sidewalk and street pavement. The messages included vulgar language directed at Breed and Jenkins, with one message on the garage of Breed’s home reading: “Get a life London yr a killer.”

The Mayor’s Office confirmed the incident occurred Saturday, leaving the facade of her apartment and a neighboring property in the Lower Haight neighborhood covered in black spray paint. Other messages were scrawled on the sidewalk and street pavement. The messages included vulgar language directed at Breed and Jenkins, with one message on the garage of Breed’s home reading: “Get a life London yr a killer.”

Other tagging read: “F— Brooke Jenkins,” “Rest in peace Banko” and “ACAB,” an acronym for the phrase “all cops are bastards.”

Other tagging read: “F— Brooke Jenkins,” “Rest in peace Banko” and “ACAB,” an acronym for the phrase “all cops are bastards.”

Breed&#8217;s office and police did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while Jenkins’ office declined comment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Breed's office and police did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while Jenkins’ office declined comment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Breed&#8217;s office and police did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while Jenkins’ office declined comment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The district attorney’s decision last month not to press charges against Brown’s killer continues to be a source of contention for many who feel justice was not served.

The district attorney’s decision last month not to press charges against Brown’s killer continues to be a source of contention for many who feel justice was not served.

Around 6:30 p.m. April 27, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-san-francisco-guard-released-from-jail/">Walgreens security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, 33, confronted 24-year-old Brown</a> as the latter attempted to leave the Mid-Market drug store without paying for several items. Anthony punched Brown and wrestled with him before eventually opening fire on Brown, who later <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-san-francisco-guard-released-from-jail/">died at a nearby hospital</a>. The Standard found that Walgreens security guards were <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-killing-weeks-before-deadly-sf-shooting-guards-were-told-to-confront-thieves/">instructed to take a more forceful approach to shoplifting</a> in the weeks ahead of the shooting.

Around 6:30 p.m. April 27, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-san-francisco-guard-released-from-jail/">Walgreens security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, 33, confronted 24-year-old Brown</a> as the latter attempted to leave the Mid-Market drug store without paying for several items. Anthony punched Brown and wrestled with him before eventually opening fire on Brown, who later <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-san-francisco-guard-released-from-jail/">died at a nearby hospital</a>. The Standard found that Walgreens security guards were <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-killing-weeks-before-deadly-sf-shooting-guards-were-told-to-confront-thieves/">instructed to take a more forceful approach to shoplifting</a> in the weeks ahead of the shooting.

Jenkins determined that Anthony had reason to fear for his life and was justified in opening fire. However, several San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-wont-urge-new-charges-in-banko-brown-case-but-call-for-release-of-video/">supervisors vociferously disagreed</a>, saying the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-district-attorney-brooke-jenkins-video-deadly-shooting/">video evidence of the shooting</a> showed that Brown was not the aggressor and posed no deadly threat after he and the security guard broke free from a hand-to-hand struggle. Numerous <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-protesters-rage-outside-walgreens-after-da-jenkins-decision/">protests were held</a> after the release of video footage.

Jenkins determined that Anthony had reason to fear for his life and was justified in opening fire. However, several San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-wont-urge-new-charges-in-banko-brown-case-but-call-for-release-of-video/">supervisors vociferously disagreed</a>, saying the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-district-attorney-brooke-jenkins-video-deadly-shooting/">video evidence of the shooting</a> showed that Brown was not the aggressor and posed no deadly threat after he and the security guard broke free from a hand-to-hand struggle. Numerous <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-protesters-rage-outside-walgreens-after-da-jenkins-decision/">protests were held</a> after the release of video footage.

It’s possible state Attorney General Rob Bonta could review the case and reconsider charges against Anthony, but as of a month ago, Bonta’s office said it was not involved in the matter. Breed, who appointed Jenkins, told reporters she supported the district attorney’s decision not to file charges but <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/politics/sf-mayor-london-breed-opines-on-possible-banko-brown-probe/article_afd3a63a-f43f-11ed-9e29-97b7b5afba60.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">would not be opposed to a state or federal investigation</a>.

It’s possible state Attorney General Rob Bonta could review the case and reconsider charges against Anthony, but as of a month ago, Bonta’s office said it was not involved in the matter. Breed, who appointed Jenkins, told reporters she supported the district attorney’s decision not to file charges but <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/politics/sf-mayor-london-breed-opines-on-possible-banko-brown-probe/article_afd3a63a-f43f-11ed-9e29-97b7b5afba60.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">would not be opposed to a state or federal investigation</a>.

Saturday’s incident is far from the first time elected officials’ homes in San Francisco have been targeted. In 2020, protesters staged <a href="https://hoodline.com/2020/05/protesters-stage-die-in-outside-mayor-breed-s-home-as-hotels-for-homeless-impasse-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a “die-in” at the mayor’s home</a> in an effort to force her hand to provide more vacant hotel rooms to homeless people in the first months of the pandemic.

Saturday’s incident is far from the first time elected officials’ homes in San Francisco have been targeted. In 2020, protesters staged <a href="https://hoodline.com/2020/05/protesters-stage-die-in-outside-mayor-breed-s-home-as-hotels-for-homeless-impasse-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a “die-in” at the mayor’s home</a> in an effort to force her hand to provide more vacant hotel rooms to homeless people in the first months of the pandemic.

In early 2021, former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home was vandalized with spray paint, and <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/report-pelosi-san-francisco-home-vandalized-graffiti-apparent-pigs-head/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a pig’s severed head</a> was left in front of her garage. A far more serious intrusion occurred last fall, when a man broke into Pelosi’s home and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/paul-pelosis-alleged-attacker-named-after-hammer-attack-at-sf-home/">bludgeoned her husband, Paul, with a hammer</a>.

In early 2021, former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home was vandalized with spray paint, and <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/report-pelosi-san-francisco-home-vandalized-graffiti-apparent-pigs-head/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a pig’s severed head</a> was left in front of her garage. A far more serious intrusion occurred last fall, when a man broke into Pelosi’s home and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/paul-pelosis-alleged-attacker-named-after-hammer-attack-at-sf-home/">bludgeoned her husband, Paul, with a hammer</a>.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to note that the city had a policy to shelter homeless people in vacant hotel rooms prior to the 2020 protest at the mayor’s home.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to note that the city had a policy to shelter homeless people in vacant hotel rooms prior to the 2020 protest at the mayor’s home.

Vandals spray-paint Mayor Breed’s home with graffiti about Banko Brown killing

After <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/woman-throws-brick-at-sf-officials-after-un-plaza-meeting-cut-short-by-heckling/">hecklers shut down</a> a chaotic open-air hearing on Mayor London Breed’s drug enforcement policies Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors reconvened indoors and called for more scrutiny of street traffic enforcement and the shelter-in-place hotel program and voted down a permit for an autonomous vehicle fleet garage.

After <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/woman-throws-brick-at-sf-officials-after-un-plaza-meeting-cut-short-by-heckling/">hecklers shut down</a> a chaotic open-air hearing on Mayor London Breed’s drug enforcement policies Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors reconvened indoors and called for more scrutiny of street traffic enforcement and the shelter-in-place hotel program and voted down a permit for an autonomous vehicle fleet garage.

The board voted to urge outside examination of the evidence in the fatal shooting of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-wont-urge-new-charges-in-banko-brown-case-but-call-for-release-of-video/">Banko Brown</a>, but only after that call was rendered moot by state Attorney General Rob Bonta’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-killing-california-attorney-general-to-review-banko-brown-case/">announcement</a> that he would do just that. And a call for federal assistance in the drug fight was sent back to committee.

The board voted to urge outside examination of the evidence in the fatal shooting of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-wont-urge-new-charges-in-banko-brown-case-but-call-for-release-of-video/">Banko Brown</a>, but only after that call was rendered moot by state Attorney General Rob Bonta’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-killing-california-attorney-general-to-review-banko-brown-case/">announcement</a> that he would do just that. And a call for federal assistance in the drug fight was sent back to committee.

Wonks can peruse this week&#8217;s meeting&#8217;s whole kit and caboodle in the <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag052323_agenda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agenda</a>.

Wonks can peruse this week's meeting's whole kit and caboodle in the <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag052323_agenda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agenda</a>.

Wonks can peruse this week&#8217;s meeting&#8217;s whole kit and caboodle in the <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag052323_agenda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agenda</a>.

Mayor London Breed walks back to City Hall following a meeting held at UN Plaza in San Francisco, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors and Breed held the meeting at the plaza to address city issues including the Fentanyl epidemic. UN Plaza is an area known for open drug use. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/UNPlazaBosMeeting05182023_1053-2500x1667.jpg" alt="Mayor London Breed crosses a street with her colleagues." class="wp-image-163720"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed walks back to City Hall following a brief meeting at U.N. Plaza on Tuesday. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breed-calls-for-tougher-drug-policies">Breed Calls for Tougher Drug Policies</h2>

After hecklers cut short a special edition of mayoral Question Time at United Nations Plaza on the city’s drug problems and Breed’s plans for combating them, the mayor and the board reconvened in the relative safety of the board chambers in City Hall.

After hecklers cut short a special edition of mayoral Question Time at United Nations Plaza on the city’s drug problems and Breed’s plans for combating them, the mayor and the board reconvened in the relative safety of the board chambers in City Hall.

Board President Aaron Peskin, who had intended the U.N. Plaza setting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/peskin-challenges-breed-come-to-un-plaza-and-address-drug-crisis/">as an appropriate venue</a> for questioning Breed on the fentanyl crisis, reiterated his central question: Would Breed commit to opening an emergency operations center to coordinate local and regional agencies involved in combating open-air drug markets?

Board President Aaron Peskin, who had intended the U.N. Plaza setting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/peskin-challenges-breed-come-to-un-plaza-and-address-drug-crisis/">as an appropriate venue</a> for questioning Breed on the fentanyl crisis, reiterated his central question: Would Breed commit to opening an emergency operations center to coordinate local and regional agencies involved in combating open-air drug markets?

Peskin compared the proposed effort to the emergency operations center the city ran during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic that was staffed not only by representatives of the Mayor’s Office and city departments but supervisors as well.

Peskin compared the proposed effort to the emergency operations center the city ran during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic that was staffed not only by representatives of the Mayor’s Office and city departments but supervisors as well.

Rather than committing to the idea, Breed urged the board to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-mayor-defends-efforts-to-fight-drug-crisis/">pass her public safety budget</a> and to cease “micromanaging” departments. She said the police “get disrespected and treated like a punching bag” by the board.

Rather than committing to the idea, Breed urged the board to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-mayor-defends-efforts-to-fight-drug-crisis/">pass her public safety budget</a> and to cease “micromanaging” departments. She said the police “get disrespected and treated like a punching bag” by the board.

Breed also alluded to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-to-address-public-intoxication-under-new-program/">a pilot program</a> that would allow for enforcement of public intoxication laws and “an important meeting” with Police Chief Bill Scott, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, U.S. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey aimed at moving new policies forward. However, she was “not at liberty to speak on the details,” she said.

Breed also alluded to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-to-address-public-intoxication-under-new-program/">a pilot program</a> that would allow for enforcement of public intoxication laws and “an important meeting” with Police Chief Bill Scott, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, U.S. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey aimed at moving new policies forward. However, she was “not at liberty to speak on the details,” she said.

A composite image of San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, left, Banko Brown, center, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, right. | The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOCIAL_BankoBrownAg052323.jpg" alt="A triptych showing District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Banko Brown and Attorney General Rob Bonta " class="wp-image-163598"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, left; Banko Brown, center; and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, right | The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Bonta Gets Ahead of Board on Banko Brown Case&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonta-gets-ahead-of-board-on-banko-brown-case-nbsp">Bonta Gets Ahead of Board on Banko Brown Case&nbsp;</h2>

The board unanimously passed a resolution urging state or federal agencies to review evidence in the controversial Banko Brown case, where a Walgreens security guard fatally shot a Black trans activist over alleged shoplifting. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins declined to charge the security guard.

The board unanimously passed a resolution urging state or federal agencies to review evidence in the controversial Banko Brown case, where a Walgreens security guard fatally shot a Black trans activist over alleged shoplifting. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins declined to charge the security guard.

The vote was made moot by the state attorney general&#8217;s decision Tuesday <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-killing-california-attorney-general-to-review-banko-brown-case/">to review the case</a>.

The vote was made moot by the state attorney general's decision Tuesday <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-killing-california-attorney-general-to-review-banko-brown-case/">to review the case</a>.

The vote was made moot by the state attorney general&#8217;s decision Tuesday <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-killing-california-attorney-general-to-review-banko-brown-case/">to review the case</a>.

The resolution included an amendment by Supervisor Joel Engardio to remove language that could present a bias.

The resolution included an amendment by Supervisor Joel Engardio to remove language that could present a bias.

“It’s important to note the possibility that the state attorney general could review the case and come to the same legal conclusion as our district attorney,” Engardio said, noting Bonta&#8217;s decision in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-ag-bonta-rejects-keita-oneil-case/">the police shooting of Keita O’Neil</a>, where Jenkins dropped charges in March.

“It’s important to note the possibility that the state attorney general could review the case and come to the same legal conclusion as our district attorney,” Engardio said, noting Bonta's decision in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-ag-bonta-rejects-keita-oneil-case/">the police shooting of Keita O’Neil</a>, where Jenkins dropped charges in March.

“It’s important to note the possibility that the state attorney general could review the case and come to the same legal conclusion as our district attorney,” Engardio said, noting Bonta&#8217;s decision in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-ag-bonta-rejects-keita-oneil-case/">the police shooting of Keita O’Neil</a>, where Jenkins dropped charges in March.

Meanwhile, Supervisor Matt Dorsey asked to send his resolution supporting Pelosi’s appeal to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to add San Francisco to the DEA’s Operation Overdrive back to committee.

Meanwhile, Supervisor Matt Dorsey asked to send his resolution supporting Pelosi’s appeal to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to add San Francisco to the DEA’s Operation Overdrive back to committee.

The resolution “probably merits more consideration though the committee process and the opportunity for public comment,” Dorsey said.

The resolution “probably merits more consideration though the committee process and the opportunity for public comment,” Dorsey said.

The DEA <a href="https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2022/02/07/dea-washington-division-launches-operation-overdrive" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">describes Operation Overdrive</a> as “a data-driven, intelligence-led approach to identify and dismantle criminal drug networks operating in areas with the highest rates of violence and overdoses.” Launched in February 2022 in 34 cities in 23 states, the program has recently been credited with 53 arrests on drug and violence charges and the recovery of 50 guns <a href="https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/columbus-mayor-andrew-ginther-dea-police-operation-overview-drug-related-gun-violence-trafficking-offenses-criminal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in Columbus, Ohio</a>, as well as multiple arrests and the seizure of 10,000 fentanyl pills in <a href="https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/fast-cars-gun-sand-more-than-10000-fentanyl-pills-seized-metro-atlanta-drug-raids/JQEOMP6RPZE3JFZKYI7NN3AL4A/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta</a>.

The DEA <a href="https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2022/02/07/dea-washington-division-launches-operation-overdrive" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">describes Operation Overdrive</a> as “a data-driven, intelligence-led approach to identify and dismantle criminal drug networks operating in areas with the highest rates of violence and overdoses.” Launched in February 2022 in 34 cities in 23 states, the program has recently been credited with 53 arrests on drug and violence charges and the recovery of 50 guns <a href="https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/columbus-mayor-andrew-ginther-dea-police-operation-overview-drug-related-gun-violence-trafficking-offenses-criminal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in Columbus, Ohio</a>, as well as multiple arrests and the seizure of 10,000 fentanyl pills in <a href="https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/fast-cars-gun-sand-more-than-10000-fentanyl-pills-seized-metro-atlanta-drug-raids/JQEOMP6RPZE3JFZKYI7NN3AL4A/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta</a>.

Cars drive through the intersection of Fremont and Howard St. in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/TrafficUpdate021323-6-2500x1667.jpg" alt="Cars on a road wet by rain" class="wp-image-131894"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cars drive through the intersection of Fremont and Howard streets in San Francisco in February. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traffic-enforcement-inquiry">Traffic Enforcement Inquiry</h2>

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman announced his office would send a letter of inquiry to the police department on another persistent and deadly problem in the city: the decline in traffic enforcement and its relationship to the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-with-six-deaths-on-sf-streets-in-may-alone-its-time-to-admit-vision-zero-has-failed/">repeated failure to meet Vision Zero traffic safety goals</a>.

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman announced his office would send a letter of inquiry to the police department on another persistent and deadly problem in the city: the decline in traffic enforcement and its relationship to the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-with-six-deaths-on-sf-streets-in-may-alone-its-time-to-admit-vision-zero-has-failed/">repeated failure to meet Vision Zero traffic safety goals</a>.

Last year <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/sf-just-had-its-worst-year-for-road-deaths-since-plan-to-end-them-began/">saw the most traffic deaths</a> in any year since 2014, when the city adopted its Vision Zero policy, following other major cities in a goal to eliminate all traffic fatalities.

Last year <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/sf-just-had-its-worst-year-for-road-deaths-since-plan-to-end-them-began/">saw the most traffic deaths</a> in any year since 2014, when the city adopted its Vision Zero policy, following other major cities in a goal to eliminate all traffic fatalities.

Mandelman wants police to describe challenges to restoring traffic enforcement to 2014 levels and for a timeline for returning to that level of service, focusing on the most common causes of collisions and injuries.

Mandelman wants police to describe challenges to restoring traffic enforcement to 2014 levels and for a timeline for returning to that level of service, focusing on the most common causes of collisions and injuries.

Police issued only 10 citations per day in 2022, compared with 350 per day in 2014, and 117 per day in 2019, according to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/bayarea/heatherknight/article/sfpd-traffic-tickets-17355651.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data analysis</a> by street safety advocate Stephen Braitsch.

Police issued only 10 citations per day in 2022, compared with 350 per day in 2014, and 117 per day in 2019, according to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/bayarea/heatherknight/article/sfpd-traffic-tickets-17355651.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data analysis</a> by street safety advocate Stephen Braitsch.

“The city’s failure to make good on Vision Zero over the last decade is closely linked to the steep decline in traffic enforcement,” Mandelman said. ”If it feels like there’s no traffic enforcement in San Francisco, it’s because there’s no traffic enforcement in San Francisco.”&nbsp;

“The city’s failure to make good on Vision Zero over the last decade is closely linked to the steep decline in traffic enforcement,” Mandelman said. ”If it feels like there’s no traffic enforcement in San Francisco, it’s because there’s no traffic enforcement in San Francisco.”&nbsp;

A Waymo car drives along a street on March 01, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1470596477-2500x1621.jpg" alt="A robotaxi speeding down a street" class="wp-image-133695"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Waymo car drives along a San Francisco street in March. | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robocar-garage-voted-down">Robocar Garage Voted Down</h2>

The board unanimously voted down a conditional use authorization awarded by the Planning Commission to a project at 301 Toland St. that would let the autonomous vehicle service Waymo use a private parking garage.

The board unanimously voted down a conditional use authorization awarded by the Planning Commission to a project at 301 Toland St. that would let the autonomous vehicle service Waymo use a private parking garage.

The permit was appealed by Mark Gleason, a retired Teamsters union official, who has alleged that Waymo plans to use the site for automated “last mile” parcel delivery services, as implied by a recently announced partnership between the robocar company and ride-hail company Uber.

The permit was appealed by Mark Gleason, a retired Teamsters union official, who has alleged that Waymo plans to use the site for automated “last mile” parcel delivery services, as implied by a recently announced partnership between the robocar company and ride-hail company Uber.

It’s a question on the Teamsters&#8217; and supervisors’ radars, out of concerns over driver jobs and increased traffic congestion. The board passed <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=751364b43e&amp;e=2ce444673b">legislation last year</a> tightening controls over parcel delivery sites amid questions raised by a planned Amazon warehouse in SoMa.

It’s a question on the Teamsters' and supervisors’ radars, out of concerns over driver jobs and increased traffic congestion. The board passed <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=751364b43e&amp;e=2ce444673b">legislation last year</a> tightening controls over parcel delivery sites amid questions raised by a planned Amazon warehouse in SoMa.

It’s a question on the Teamsters&#8217; and supervisors’ radars, out of concerns over driver jobs and increased traffic congestion. The board passed <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=751364b43e&amp;e=2ce444673b">legislation last year</a> tightening controls over parcel delivery sites amid questions raised by a planned Amazon warehouse in SoMa.

The supervisors&#8217; ability to regulate autonomous vehicles is <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=568b4f18bf&amp;e=2ce444673b">hamstrung by state law</a>, but that hasn’t stopped them from testing new strategies to curb robocars.

The supervisors' ability to regulate autonomous vehicles is <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=568b4f18bf&amp;e=2ce444673b">hamstrung by state law</a>, but that hasn’t stopped them from testing new strategies to curb robocars.

The supervisors&#8217; ability to regulate autonomous vehicles is <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=568b4f18bf&amp;e=2ce444673b">hamstrung by state law</a>, but that hasn’t stopped them from testing new strategies to curb robocars.

Last week, Supervisor Connie Chan announced she was asking the city attorney to draft legislation adding robocars to the list of zoning uses related to package delivery.

Last week, Supervisor Connie Chan announced she was asking the city attorney to draft legislation adding robocars to the list of zoning uses related to package delivery.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-scrutiny-on-shelter-in-place-hotels">More Scrutiny on Shelter-in-Place Hotels</h2>

Dorsey requested a hearing on San Francisco’s use of shelter-in-place (SIP) hotels, pointing to the latest damage claim from a hotel owner set to be reviewed by the board. If approved, the liability claims would top $50 million.

Dorsey requested a hearing on San Francisco’s use of shelter-in-place (SIP) hotels, pointing to the latest damage claim from a hotel owner set to be reviewed by the board. If approved, the liability claims would top $50 million.

“I am not interested in recriminations over whether we should’ve had SIP hotels,” Dorsey said. “We as a city made important and bold and necessary decisions at the onset of Covid-19, and in large part, these decisions saved lives. Still, I think there are important lessons to learn.”

“I am not interested in recriminations over whether we should’ve had SIP hotels,” Dorsey said. “We as a city made important and bold and necessary decisions at the onset of Covid-19, and in large part, these decisions saved lives. Still, I think there are important lessons to learn.”

Owners of the Hotel Whitcomb filed a claim on April 13 for <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=cf12817f3b&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">$19.5 million</a> for damages incurred while the hotel was leased under the Covid-era shelter-in-place hotel program.&nbsp;

Owners of the Hotel Whitcomb filed a claim on April 13 for <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=cf12817f3b&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">$19.5 million</a> for damages incurred while the hotel was leased under the Covid-era shelter-in-place hotel program.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=e54069ee22&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">The city has already approved</a> $25 million in claims for a range of hotels. The controller predicted a total of $26 million in claims. The Federal Emergency Management Agency may reimburse the costs while the city anticipates a <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=7a76d5b970&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">whopper budget deficit</a>.

<a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=e54069ee22&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">The city has already approved</a> $25 million in claims for a range of hotels. The controller predicted a total of $26 million in claims. The Federal Emergency Management Agency may reimburse the costs while the city anticipates a <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=7a76d5b970&amp;e=a68fe5a60e">whopper budget deficit</a>.

City Attorney David Chiu said the Hotel Whitcomb claim “represents an appropriate resolution and is the last SIP Hotel claim for damages that the City is aware of.”

City Attorney David Chiu said the Hotel Whitcomb claim “represents an appropriate resolution and is the last SIP Hotel claim for damages that the City is aware of.”

Before adjourning the meeting, Peskin offered a rebuttal to Breed’s earlier remarks on the board&#8217;s treatment of city employees and departments.

Before adjourning the meeting, Peskin offered a rebuttal to Breed’s earlier remarks on the board's treatment of city employees and departments.

Before adjourning the meeting, Peskin offered a rebuttal to Breed’s earlier remarks on the board&#8217;s treatment of city employees and departments.

“I think that in everything that I see—and yes, we do have a duty to ask questions—the way you treat city staff and department heads […] is respectful and professional, and I just want to state that for the record,” Peskin said.

“I think that in everything that I see—and yes, we do have a duty to ask questions—the way you treat city staff and department heads […] is respectful and professional, and I just want to state that for the record,” Peskin said.

San Francisco supervisors take on robocars, traffic deaths

Astrid Kane

Downtown San Francisco is set to lose its third Walgreens in under two years.

Downtown San Francisco is set to lose its third Walgreens in under two years.

A store at 500 Geary St., at the intersection with Taylor Street, will close on Nov. 15. That corner, at the northern edge of San Francisco&#8217;s low-income Tenderloin neighborhood, is less than three blocks west of tourist-heavy Union Square, the city&#8217;s prime Downtown retail district.

A store at 500 Geary St., at the intersection with Taylor Street, will close on Nov. 15. That corner, at the northern edge of San Francisco's low-income Tenderloin neighborhood, is less than three blocks west of tourist-heavy Union Square, the city's prime Downtown retail district.

A store at 500 Geary St., at the intersection with Taylor Street, will close on Nov. 15. That corner, at the northern edge of San Francisco&#8217;s low-income Tenderloin neighborhood, is less than three blocks west of tourist-heavy Union Square, the city&#8217;s prime Downtown retail district.

Joann, a Walgreens associate who said she was not authorized to give her last name, confirmed the impending closure to The Standard, adding that employees have not been told why.

Joann, a Walgreens associate who said she was not authorized to give her last name, confirmed the impending closure to The Standard, adding that employees have not been told why.

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San Francisco supervisors take on robocars, traffic deaths

Downtown San Francisco losing another Walgreens, this time in a tourist-heavy area