Annie Gaus

A discussion about conduct among City Hall officials grew personal on Tuesday, with Mayor London Breed and Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton accusing the other of misbehavior at a public meeting.&nbsp;

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A discussion about conduct among City Hall officials grew personal on Tuesday, with Mayor London Breed and Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton accusing the other of misbehavior at a public meeting.&nbsp;

The back-and-forth was sparked by an announcement by Supervisor Aaron Peskin that he is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/aaron-peskin-to-enter-alcohol-treatment/">seeking alcohol treatment</a>. In a statement issued last Thursday, Peskin said he plans to attend treatment “under the guidance of professionals” and apologized for prior conduct. Peskin’s behavior, which has verged on hostile and aggressive at times, particularly over the past year, raised broader questions around bullying and mistreatment at City Hall.&nbsp;

The back-and-forth was sparked by an announcement by Supervisor Aaron Peskin that he is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/aaron-peskin-to-enter-alcohol-treatment/">seeking alcohol treatment</a>. In a statement issued last Thursday, Peskin said he plans to attend treatment “under the guidance of professionals” and apologized for prior conduct. Peskin’s behavior, which has verged on hostile and aggressive at times, particularly over the past year, raised broader questions around bullying and mistreatment at City Hall.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Breed remarked that ”we need to take things a step further” than the codes of conduct currently in place at the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors’ rules of order <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/rules_of_order.pdf">set forth some guidelines</a> for behavior at meetings, including a rule against interrupting fellow supervisors without their consent and a prohibition on speaking twice on the same item.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Breed remarked that ”we need to take things a step further” than the codes of conduct currently in place at the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors’ rules of order <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/rules_of_order.pdf">set forth some guidelines</a> for behavior at meetings, including a rule against interrupting fellow supervisors without their consent and a prohibition on speaking twice on the same item.&nbsp;

“I&#8217;d like to see a policy that has teeth, that brings members of the board or any elected official accountable for their treatment of people,” Breed told reporters. “Especially in the way that we&#8217;ve seen things happen not just recently, but it&#8217;s been happening over some time.”

“I'd like to see a policy that has teeth, that brings members of the board or any elected official accountable for their treatment of people,” Breed told reporters. “Especially in the way that we've seen things happen not just recently, but it's been happening over some time.”

“I&#8217;d like to see a policy that has teeth, that brings members of the board or any elected official accountable for their treatment of people,” Breed told reporters. “Especially in the way that we&#8217;ve seen things happen not just recently, but it&#8217;s been happening over some time.”

Breed, who herself served as President of the Board of Supervisors until 2018, added that Walton “needs to be an example” to others on the board, and that greater consequences are in order for misbehavior.

Breed, who herself served as President of the Board of Supervisors until 2018, added that Walton “needs to be an example” to others on the board, and that greater consequences are in order for misbehavior.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 04:  San Francisco mayor London Breed looks on during a news conference to show support for safe injection sites within city limits at HealthRIGHT 360 on September 4, 2018 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco mayor London Breed joined local and state lawmakers in supporting Assembly Bill 186 which would allow safe injection sites in San Francisco. The bill, authored by state assemblymemeber Susan Eggman and state senator Scott Wiener, creates a 3-year pilot program for supervised drug consumption programs.  (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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“He should&#8230;manage this board appropriately and not be someone who&#8217;s also inflicting harm on city staff and other people who are coming forward to testify with the board,” Breed said.&nbsp;

“He should...manage this board appropriately and not be someone who's also inflicting harm on city staff and other people who are coming forward to testify with the board,” Breed said.&nbsp;

“He should&#8230;manage this board appropriately and not be someone who&#8217;s also inflicting harm on city staff and other people who are coming forward to testify with the board,” Breed said.&nbsp;

Questions around Peskin’s conduct, and by extension conduct at the Board of Supervisors, escalated after a tense meeting last Tuesday that included Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the Parks &amp; Recreation department. During a routine motion to appropriate bond proceeds, Peskin and Supervisor Connie Chan lobbed combative questions at Ginsburg regarding a letter sent by Drew Becher, CEO of the parks nonprofit Parks Alliance, to a group of Supervisors earlier this year.&nbsp;

Questions around Peskin’s conduct, and by extension conduct at the Board of Supervisors, escalated after a tense meeting last Tuesday that included Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the Parks &amp; Recreation department. During a routine motion to appropriate bond proceeds, Peskin and Supervisor Connie Chan lobbed combative questions at Ginsburg regarding a letter sent by Drew Becher, CEO of the parks nonprofit Parks Alliance, to a group of Supervisors earlier this year.&nbsp;

During the 20-minute exchange, Peskin told Ginsburg to “wipe that smirk off your face” and accused him of lying.

During the 20-minute exchange, Peskin told Ginsburg to “wipe that smirk off your face” and accused him of lying.

On Tuesday, Peskin struck a more conciliatory tone and said he was “embarrassed” about his behavior towards other public officials. Peskin said that he plans to remain in treatment for alcohol dependency for “as long as it takes” to address the problem, but said he would remain a full-time member of the board.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Peskin struck a more conciliatory tone and said he was “embarrassed” about his behavior towards other public officials. Peskin said that he plans to remain in treatment for alcohol dependency for “as long as it takes” to address the problem, but said he would remain a full-time member of the board.&nbsp;

“I have a problem, and I am taking serious steps to address it, and let me say again: I’m sorry, colleagues, and I’m sorry San Francisco citizens.”

“I have a problem, and I am taking serious steps to address it, and let me say again: I’m sorry, colleagues, and I’m sorry San Francisco citizens.”

In a statement at Tuesday’s meeting, Walton accused Breed of trying to “turn members of this Board of Supervisors against each other.”&nbsp;

In a statement at Tuesday’s meeting, Walton accused Breed of trying to “turn members of this Board of Supervisors against each other.”&nbsp;

“I have done everything in my power to protect and respect, but I will no longer allow the mayor or her staff to disrespect me or speak my name again without a response,” said Walton. “Board of Supervisors meetings have never been more respectful.”&nbsp;

“I have done everything in my power to protect and respect, but I will no longer allow the mayor or her staff to disrespect me or speak my name again without a response,” said Walton. “Board of Supervisors meetings have never been more respectful.”&nbsp;

Walton then implied that Breed had made members of her staff cry, and called Breed and her team “the real bullies.”&nbsp;

Walton then implied that Breed had made members of her staff cry, and called Breed and her team “the real bullies.”&nbsp;

“All of those things could easily be said about you as well,” said Breed, who had been waiting in the wings to deliver a monthly address before the board, in response to Walton.&nbsp;

“All of those things could easily be said about you as well,” said Breed, who had been waiting in the wings to deliver a monthly address before the board, in response to Walton.&nbsp;

“Earlier today when I spoke with President Walton about some of the complaints I have been hearing from staff about personal attacks and mistreatment, there were strong feelings on both sides. And I believe we can all do more,” said Breed. “The people of San Francisco are counting on us to put aside our differences.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Earlier today when I spoke with President Walton about some of the complaints I have been hearing from staff about personal attacks and mistreatment, there were strong feelings on both sides. And I believe we can all do more,” said Breed. “The people of San Francisco are counting on us to put aside our differences.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over the next few weeks, the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor’s Office are tasked with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-kick-off-13-billion-budget-negotiations/">negotiating and finalizing</a> the city’s roughly $13 billion annual budget. The budget is due to be signed by August 1.&nbsp;

Over the next few weeks, the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor’s Office are tasked with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-kick-off-13-billion-budget-negotiations/">negotiating and finalizing</a> the city’s roughly $13 billion annual budget. The budget is due to be signed by August 1.&nbsp;

Later on in Tuesday’s meeting, the board approved a number of new and routine items.

Later on in Tuesday’s meeting, the board approved a number of new and routine items.

Those included an ordinance to require regular reports on overdose prevention, another to add provisions to a commercial vacancy tax approved by voters in 2020 and other items.&nbsp;

Those included an ordinance to require regular reports on overdose prevention, another to add provisions to a commercial vacancy tax approved by voters in 2020 and other items.&nbsp;

At Board of Supervisors, calls for respect at City Hall escalate into finger-pointing

Sophie Bearman

A high-profile petition meddling case took a new turn with the victim, Man Kit Lam, asking San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin to recuse himself from the case and refer it instead to the California Attorney General.&nbsp;

A high-profile petition meddling case took a new turn with the victim, Man Kit Lam, asking San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin to recuse himself from the case and refer it instead to the California Attorney General.&nbsp;

An attorney for Lam, Paul D. Scott, wrote a letter to Boudin requesting a voluntary recusal in the case. Citing a potential conflict of interest, the letter asked that the case be removed entirely from the District Attorney’s office and sent to state law enforcement.&nbsp;

An attorney for Lam, Paul D. Scott, wrote a letter to Boudin requesting a voluntary recusal in the case. Citing a potential conflict of interest, the letter asked that the case be removed entirely from the District Attorney’s office and sent to state law enforcement.&nbsp;

As first reported by Here/Say, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-investigating-attempted-theft-of-school-board-recall-petitions/">initial incident</a> took place at a May 30 farmers’ market in the Richmond District.&nbsp;

As first reported by Here/Say, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-investigating-attempted-theft-of-school-board-recall-petitions/">initial incident</a> took place at a May 30 farmers’ market in the Richmond District.&nbsp;

Lam, a volunteer for a campaign to recall three members of the San Francisco Board of Education, was gathering signatures when a bystander allegedly walked off with a batch of signed petitions, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;sectionNum=18631#:~:text=18631.,is%20guilty%20of%20a%20misdemeanor.">a misdemeanor</a> under California election law. A subsequent confrontation was captured <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOB1cQSxePY">on video</a>.

Lam, a volunteer for a campaign to recall three members of the San Francisco Board of Education, was gathering signatures when a bystander allegedly walked off with a batch of signed petitions, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;sectionNum=18631#:~:text=18631.,is%20guilty%20of%20a%20misdemeanor.">a misdemeanor</a> under California election law. A subsequent confrontation was captured <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOB1cQSxePY">on video</a>.

According to Lam’s attorney, Lam also had a batch of petitions for a separate campaign to recall Boudin at the table. Before walking off with the unsigned school board petitions, the suspected thief had also signed a fake name on one of the petitions to recall Boudin, according to the letter. 

According to Lam’s attorney, Lam also had a batch of petitions for a separate campaign to recall Boudin at the table. Before walking off with the unsigned school board petitions, the suspected thief had also signed a fake name on one of the petitions to recall Boudin, according to the letter.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOB1cQSxePY&amp;t=14s&amp;ab_channel=HereSayMedia
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Signing a fake name on a petition or ballot <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;sectionNum=18613.#:~:text=Every%20person%20who%20subscribes%20to,of%20Section%201170%20of%20the">is a felony</a> under California law and also raises a conflict of interest issue given that the suspect took the action to benefit Boudin, wrote Scott in the recusal request.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Signing a fake name on a petition or ballot <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;sectionNum=18613.#:~:text=Every%20person%20who%20subscribes%20to,of%20Section%201170%20of%20the">is a felony</a> under California law and also raises a conflict of interest issue given that the suspect took the action to benefit Boudin, wrote Scott in the recusal request.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The handling of the case will impact “the public’s perception of the integrity of government,” Scott wrote. “In these circumstances, where the conduct at issue is of paramount public importance, the law plainly requires that you be recused.”

The handling of the case will impact “the public’s perception of the integrity of government,” Scott wrote. “In these circumstances, where the conduct at issue is of paramount public importance, the law plainly requires that you be recused.”

The District Attorney’s office did not respond to Here/Say’s request for comment, but told the San Francisco Chronicle that the case has been referred to the California Attorney General.&nbsp;A spokesperson for the Attorney General&#8217;s office confirmed that the District Attorney had been in touch on the matter, but declined to give further details.

The District Attorney’s office did not respond to Here/Say’s request for comment, but told the San Francisco Chronicle that the case has been referred to the California Attorney General.&nbsp;A spokesperson for the Attorney General's office confirmed that the District Attorney had been in touch on the matter, but declined to give further details.

The District Attorney’s office did not respond to Here/Say’s request for comment, but told the San Francisco Chronicle that the case has been referred to the California Attorney General.&nbsp;A spokesperson for the Attorney General&#8217;s office confirmed that the District Attorney had been in touch on the matter, but declined to give further details.

Lam also filed a complaint with the California Secretary of State, which oversees elections in California.&nbsp;

Lam also filed a complaint with the California Secretary of State, which oversees elections in California.&nbsp;

No arrest has been announced in the case. Jewish Vocational Services, a social services nonprofit in San Francisco, announced earlier this month that it <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1405634012761055234">dismissed an employee</a> who they identified as the suspect in the case.&nbsp;

No arrest has been announced in the case. Jewish Vocational Services, a social services nonprofit in San Francisco, announced earlier this month that it <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1405634012761055234">dismissed an employee</a> who they identified as the suspect in the case.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Police Department maintains that the case is an active investigation, and that officers have gathered evidence and witness accounts. SFPD had earlier referred the case to the District Attorney’s office for purposes of obtaining a warrant, according to Lam.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Police Department maintains that the case is an active investigation, and that officers have gathered evidence and witness accounts. SFPD had earlier referred the case to the District Attorney’s office for purposes of obtaining a warrant, according to Lam.&nbsp;

Police officers generally have two avenues for obtaining an arrest warrant: If they plan on presenting a case to a prosecutor, they can request that the District Attorney conduct its own investigation and obtain the warrant. They can also bring evidence directly to a judge. In either case, the law enforcement officer must demonstrate probable cause for the arrest.&nbsp;

Police officers generally have two avenues for obtaining an arrest warrant: If they plan on presenting a case to a prosecutor, they can request that the District Attorney conduct its own investigation and obtain the warrant. They can also bring evidence directly to a judge. In either case, the law enforcement officer must demonstrate probable cause for the arrest.&nbsp;

Lam told Here/Say that he hopes to press charges against the suspect, describing the May 30 incident as part of a pattern of harassment towards recall signature gatherers: “I don’t want this guy to get off the hook,” he said.&nbsp;

Lam told Here/Say that he hopes to press charges against the suspect, describing the May 30 incident as part of a pattern of harassment towards recall signature gatherers: “I don’t want this guy to get off the hook,” he said.&nbsp;

Lam, a former investigator for the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong, said he began volunteering for the school board recall on behalf of his son, a student at San Francisco Unified School District who has struggled with distance learning.&nbsp;

Lam, a former investigator for the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong, said he began volunteering for the school board recall on behalf of his son, a student at San Francisco Unified School District who has struggled with distance learning.&nbsp;

Now an enrollment investigator at SFUSD, Lam said he had access to data pointing to learning loss that he believes was exacerbated by a distracted school board. Two SFUSD reports about the <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sfusd-data-show-widening-learning-gaps-during-covid-19">impact of COVID-19 on students’ academic performances</a> revealed deep inequalities in <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gXz07bagibKdbzgDCkWyzqe0NPtPfr59/view">math</a> and <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PoIT4Y8ut0zIyMQ60z24yMbIwR1M3DQK/view">reading</a> that worsened during the pandemic. Lam emphasized that his work on the school board recall reflects his own opinion and not that of his employer.&nbsp;

Now an enrollment investigator at SFUSD, Lam said he had access to data pointing to learning loss that he believes was exacerbated by a distracted school board. Two SFUSD reports about the <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sfusd-data-show-widening-learning-gaps-during-covid-19">impact of COVID-19 on students’ academic performances</a> revealed deep inequalities in <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gXz07bagibKdbzgDCkWyzqe0NPtPfr59/view">math</a> and <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PoIT4Y8ut0zIyMQ60z24yMbIwR1M3DQK/view">reading</a> that worsened during the pandemic. Lam emphasized that his work on the school board recall reflects his own opinion and not that of his employer.&nbsp;

Here/Say reached out to all 11 Supervisors, plus Mayor London Breed’s office, for comment on the alleged crime. Mayor Breed and Supervisors Connie Chan, Ahsha Safai and Catherine Stefani responded, each denouncing the alleged theft.

Here/Say reached out to all 11 Supervisors, plus Mayor London Breed’s office, for comment on the alleged crime. Mayor Breed and Supervisors Connie Chan, Ahsha Safai and Catherine Stefani responded, each denouncing the alleged theft.

“The citizen initiative process is an important part of our democracy, and people should be free to gather signatures for any ballot initiative free of fear of harm or harassment. Any attempt to subvert this process should be investigated and taken seriously,” said Jeff Cretan, Breed&#8217;s spokesperson.

“The citizen initiative process is an important part of our democracy, and people should be free to gather signatures for any ballot initiative free of fear of harm or harassment. Any attempt to subvert this process should be investigated and taken seriously,” said Jeff Cretan, Breed's spokesperson.

“The citizen initiative process is an important part of our democracy, and people should be free to gather signatures for any ballot initiative free of fear of harm or harassment. Any attempt to subvert this process should be investigated and taken seriously,” said Jeff Cretan, Breed&#8217;s spokesperson.

Chan, who represents the Richmond District where the incident occurred, said she was glad no one was hurt during the confrontation and likened the incident to her own prior campaign for Supervisor.

Chan, who represents the Richmond District where the incident occurred, said she was glad no one was hurt during the confrontation and likened the incident to her own prior campaign for Supervisor.

“When I was running as a candidate, my signs were often illegally torn down and vandalized, opponents’ campaigns would have people harass[ing] my supporters, put out attack ads,” Chan wrote in an email. “So it is always disappointing when people resorted to dirty tactics instead of healthy debating and robust policy discussions to resolve our political differences.”

“When I was running as a candidate, my signs were often illegally torn down and vandalized, opponents’ campaigns would have people harass[ing] my supporters, put out attack ads,” Chan wrote in an email. “So it is always disappointing when people resorted to dirty tactics instead of healthy debating and robust policy discussions to resolve our political differences.”

The recall campaigns for both Boudin and the school board members must gather at least 51,325 valid signatures, equivalent to 10 percent of registered voters in San Francisco, before their respective deadlines in order to qualify for a citywide election.&nbsp;

The recall campaigns for both Boudin and the school board members must gather at least 51,325 valid signatures, equivalent to 10 percent of registered voters in San Francisco, before their respective deadlines in order to qualify for a citywide election.&nbsp;

The school board recall is targeting Board President Gabriela López, Vice President Faauuga Moliga and Commissioner Alison Collins, the three members currently eligible for recall. That campaign must deliver the necessary number of signatures by Sept. 7.&nbsp;

The school board recall is targeting Board President Gabriela López, Vice President Faauuga Moliga and Commissioner Alison Collins, the three members currently eligible for recall. That campaign must deliver the necessary number of signatures by Sept. 7.&nbsp;

There are two active petitions to recall Boudin: The first, which launched in March 2021, has until Aug. 11 to meet the signature threshold. A second campaign launched more recently has until Oct. 25 to deliver the necessary signatures. 

There are two active petitions to recall Boudin: The first, which launched in March 2021, has until Aug. 11 to meet the signature threshold. A second campaign launched more recently has until Oct. 25 to deliver the necessary signatures.

District Attorney Chesa Boudin asked for recusal from petition theft case

Michael Barba

Mayor London Breed’s controversial practice of having <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-made-appointees-sign-undated-resignation-letters-here-are-40-who-submitted-them/">appointees sign secret, undated resignation letters</a> went as far as to include a preemptive letter from a bestselling author who is related to Vice President Kamala Harris, according to newly obtained records.

Mayor London Breed’s controversial practice of having <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-made-appointees-sign-undated-resignation-letters-here-are-40-who-submitted-them/">appointees sign secret, undated resignation letters</a> went as far as to include a preemptive letter from a bestselling author who is related to Vice President Kamala Harris, according to newly obtained records.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/meena/?hl=en">Meena Harris</a>, an attorney, children’s author and niece of the vice president, is among a new batch of 10 mayoral appointees who signed preemptive resignation letters that Breed’s office released this week. The letters have been criticized because they could open up certain city commissioners—who are supposed to be independent—to undue influence from the Mayor’s Office.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/meena/?hl=en">Meena Harris</a>, an attorney, children’s author and niece of the vice president, is among a new batch of 10 mayoral appointees who signed preemptive resignation letters that Breed’s office released this week. The letters have been criticized because they could open up certain city commissioners—who are supposed to be independent—to undue influence from the Mayor’s Office.

Meena Harris appears to have signed the document as part of her reappointment to the Commission on the Status of Women in 2019. She is no longer serving on the commission, which focuses on issues affecting women from homelessness to domestic violence. Her company, Phenomenal Media, did not respond to a request for comment.

Meena Harris appears to have signed the document as part of her reappointment to the Commission on the Status of Women in 2019. She is no longer serving on the commission, which focuses on issues affecting women from homelessness to domestic violence. Her company, Phenomenal Media, did not respond to a request for comment.

Other notable local figures included in the latest disclosure are Belva Davis, a pioneering Black female television reporter who the mayor reappointed to the War Memorial Board of Trustees in 2019, and Yoyo Chan Murphy, a senior vice president of government and community relations for the Golden State Warriors who was appointed to the Mission Bay Citizens Advisory Committee.

Other notable local figures included in the latest disclosure are Belva Davis, a pioneering Black female television reporter who the mayor reappointed to the War Memorial Board of Trustees in 2019, and Yoyo Chan Murphy, a senior vice president of government and community relations for the Golden State Warriors who was appointed to the Mission Bay Citizens Advisory Committee.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_7930.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80170"/><figcaption>A screenshot of a draft resignation letter sent to Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office by Meena Harris, who held a position with the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women. All letters sent to City Hall were voided on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, after the City’s Attorney Office deemed them &#8220;inconsistent&#8221; with SF law.” | Courtesy of the Mayor&#8217;s Office</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_7930.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80170"/><figcaption>A screenshot of a draft resignation letter sent to Mayor London Breed's office by Meena Harris, who held a position with the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women. All letters sent to City Hall were voided on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, after the City’s Attorney Office deemed them "inconsistent" with SF law.” | Courtesy of the Mayor's Office</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_7930.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80170"/><figcaption>A screenshot of a draft resignation letter sent to Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office by Meena Harris, who held a position with the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women. All letters sent to City Hall were voided on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, after the City’s Attorney Office deemed them &#8220;inconsistent&#8221; with SF law.” | Courtesy of the Mayor&#8217;s Office</figcaption></figure>

The newest disclosures raise the total number of publicly known appointees who submitted preemptive resignation letters to 48. They include members of some of the most powerful oversight bodies in San Francisco, from the police and planning commissions to the Board of Appeals.

The newest disclosures raise the total number of publicly known appointees who submitted preemptive resignation letters to 48. They include members of some of the most powerful oversight bodies in San Francisco, from the police and planning commissions to the Board of Appeals.

Breed’s office has said the mayor requested the letters only to use them in the most extreme circumstances, such as when one of her appointees abandons their duties.

Breed’s office has said the mayor requested the letters only to use them in the most extreme circumstances, such as when one of her appointees abandons their duties.

But critics see the letters as an attempt by Breed to control her appointees and circumvent the City Charter, which gives the Board of Supervisors—not the mayor—the power to remove some of her appointees.&nbsp;

But critics see the letters as an attempt by Breed to control her appointees and circumvent the City Charter, which gives the Board of Supervisors—not the mayor—the power to remove some of her appointees.&nbsp;

The Standard exposed the practice last month, leading Breed to pledge she would stop asking her appointees for letters and rescind those her office has received. The City Attorney’s Office found that the practice is “inconsistent” with the charter and essentially <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/mayors-secret-resignation-letters-inconsistent-with-sf-law-city-attorney-finds/">advised Breed to stop requesting the letters</a>. The revelations also prompted Supervisor Dean Preston to call for a hearing and push for a new law explicitly banning the practice.

The Standard exposed the practice last month, leading Breed to pledge she would stop asking her appointees for letters and rescind those her office has received. The City Attorney’s Office found that the practice is “inconsistent” with the charter and essentially <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/mayors-secret-resignation-letters-inconsistent-with-sf-law-city-attorney-finds/">advised Breed to stop requesting the letters</a>. The revelations also prompted Supervisor Dean Preston to call for a hearing and push for a new law explicitly banning the practice.

Breed’s office released the new batch of resignation letters in response to a formal Letter of Inquiry issued by Preston.

Breed’s office released the new batch of resignation letters in response to a formal Letter of Inquiry issued by Preston.

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The mayor’s staff said she never required her appointees to sign the letters, used the undated letters to influence her appointees or held up an appointment because an appointee refused to sign one.

The mayor’s staff said she never required her appointees to sign the letters, used the undated letters to influence her appointees or held up an appointment because an appointee refused to sign one.

However, Police Commissioner Max Carter-Oberstone, a Breed appointee, previously told The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/whats-really-behind-the-mayors-spat-with-her-appointee-influence-over-sfpds-future-leadership/">he felt compelled to sign an undated letter</a> as a condition of his reappointment. He also said he believed the Mayor’s Office could use the letter against him if he did not make a public statement supporting Breed’s agenda.

However, Police Commissioner Max Carter-Oberstone, a Breed appointee, previously told The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/whats-really-behind-the-mayors-spat-with-her-appointee-influence-over-sfpds-future-leadership/">he felt compelled to sign an undated letter</a> as a condition of his reappointment. He also said he believed the Mayor’s Office could use the letter against him if he did not make a public statement supporting Breed’s agenda.

While the Mayor’s Office previously identified 40 appointees who submitted preemptive resignation letters, it has since clarified that two of those appointees, Ike Kwon and Yakuh Askew, were included in error.

While the Mayor’s Office previously identified 40 appointees who submitted preemptive resignation letters, it has since clarified that two of those appointees, Ike Kwon and Yakuh Askew, were included in error.

The Mayor’s Office last week released an unsigned letter from Kwon for his post on the Department of Streets and Sanitation Commission. The Mayor’s Office later clarified that the letter was drafted but never provided to Kwon or submitted by him.

The Mayor’s Office last week released an unsigned letter from Kwon for his post on the Department of Streets and Sanitation Commission. The Mayor’s Office later clarified that the letter was drafted but never provided to Kwon or submitted by him.

“I’ve never been asked nor have I ever provided an undated letter of resignation in all my years as a commissioner,” Kwon told The Standard.

“I’ve never been asked nor have I ever provided an undated letter of resignation in all my years as a commissioner,” Kwon told The Standard.

The Mayor’s Office also said it erroneously included a real resignation letter from Askew stepping down from the Arts Commission.

The Mayor’s Office also said it erroneously included a real resignation letter from Askew stepping down from the Arts Commission.

The other newly disclosed mayoral appointees who submitted undated resignation letters included: Connie Wolf, president of the Library Commission; the late Felicia &#8220;Flames&#8221; Elizondo, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ebar.com/story.php?ch=news&amp;sc=news&amp;sc2=&amp;id=275061" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brief member</a>&nbsp;of the Aging and Adult Services Commission; Derek Flores, a nominee to the Planning Commission&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/mayoral-nominee-for-planning-commission-withdraws-due-to-family-reasons/article_4db11abb-baea-5ebb-8fee-7b59ddd04538.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">who never served</a>; Daniela Maldonado, a former juvenile probation commissioner; Paul Woolford, a former arts commissioner now serving in a different capacity; and Ikram Mansori and Myles Tucker of the Veterans Affairs Commission.

The other newly disclosed mayoral appointees who submitted undated resignation letters included: Connie Wolf, president of the Library Commission; the late Felicia "Flames" Elizondo, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ebar.com/story.php?ch=news&amp;sc=news&amp;sc2=&amp;id=275061" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brief member</a>&nbsp;of the Aging and Adult Services Commission; Derek Flores, a nominee to the Planning Commission&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/mayoral-nominee-for-planning-commission-withdraws-due-to-family-reasons/article_4db11abb-baea-5ebb-8fee-7b59ddd04538.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">who never served</a>; Daniela Maldonado, a former juvenile probation commissioner; Paul Woolford, a former arts commissioner now serving in a different capacity; and Ikram Mansori and Myles Tucker of the Veterans Affairs Commission.

The other newly disclosed mayoral appointees who submitted undated resignation letters included: Connie Wolf, president of the Library Commission; the late Felicia &#8220;Flames&#8221; Elizondo, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ebar.com/story.php?ch=news&amp;sc=news&amp;sc2=&amp;id=275061" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brief member</a>&nbsp;of the Aging and Adult Services Commission; Derek Flores, a nominee to the Planning Commission&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/mayoral-nominee-for-planning-commission-withdraws-due-to-family-reasons/article_4db11abb-baea-5ebb-8fee-7b59ddd04538.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">who never served</a>; Daniela Maldonado, a former juvenile probation commissioner; Paul Woolford, a former arts commissioner now serving in a different capacity; and Ikram Mansori and Myles Tucker of the Veterans Affairs Commission.

Preston is expected to hold his hearing on the practice next Tuesday.

Preston is expected to hold his hearing on the practice next Tuesday.

Mayor Breed’s resignation letter list included niece of VP Kamala Harris

Christina Campodonico

Danny Yu Chang. Ngoc Pham. Xiao Zhen Xie.&nbsp;

Danny Yu Chang. Ngoc Pham. Xiao Zhen Xie.&nbsp;

These are the names of three Asian elders who were brutally attacked just this past week along Market Street. Chang, 59, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Nothing-is-safe-here-in-California-16034222.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was struck from behind</a> on his way back from Trader Joe’s. Pham, 83, <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/juliareinstein/two-asian-people-attacked-san-francisco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suffered a fractured nose</a>. Xie, 75, was <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/03/18/asian-american-attacks-elderly-woman-beats-attacker-san-francisco/4745168001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">punched in the face</a> and fought off her attacker with a stick.

These are the names of three Asian elders who were brutally attacked just this past week along Market Street. Chang, 59, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Nothing-is-safe-here-in-California-16034222.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was struck from behind</a> on his way back from Trader Joe’s. Pham, 83, <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/juliareinstein/two-asian-people-attacked-san-francisco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suffered a fractured nose</a>. Xie, 75, was <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/03/18/asian-american-attacks-elderly-woman-beats-attacker-san-francisco/4745168001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">punched in the face</a> and fought off her attacker with a stick.

These unprovoked assaults happened the same week as <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2021/03/17/graphics-atlanta-spa-shootings-robert-long/4731540001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a deadly shooting rampage</a> across three Atlanta-area spas, which killed <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/17/us/asian-women-victims-atlanta-shootings.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">six women of Asian descent</a> in Georgia and sent shockwaves across the country. The incidents are part of <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-16/anti-asian-hate-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a disturbing trend of harassment </a>against Asian Americans nationally and regionally since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.&nbsp;

These unprovoked assaults happened the same week as <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2021/03/17/graphics-atlanta-spa-shootings-robert-long/4731540001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a deadly shooting rampage</a> across three Atlanta-area spas, which killed <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/17/us/asian-women-victims-atlanta-shootings.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">six women of Asian descent</a> in Georgia and sent shockwaves across the country. The incidents are part of <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-16/anti-asian-hate-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a disturbing trend of harassment </a>against Asian Americans nationally and regionally since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.&nbsp;

Between March 2020 and February of this year, the group <a href="https://stopaapihate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stop AAPI Hate</a>&nbsp;recorded nearly <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/there-were-3-800-anti-asian-racist-incidents-mostly-against-n1261257" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3,800 anti-Asian incidents</a> in the U.S., including shunning, slurs and physical attacks. (AAPI stands for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.) An earlier version of the report noted that out of 1,226 instances reported in California between March and December 2020, 708 happened in the Bay Area and 292 took place in San Francisco alone—although that’s likely <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11859965/700-anti-asian-hate-incidents-reported-in-bay-area-during-pandemic-true-figures-might-be-even-worse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an underestimation</a>. In 2020, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-18/brutal-attacks-scar-san-francisco-asian-residents" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">almost 12% of hate crimes</a> were directed at Asians, San Francisco police spokesperson Robert Rueca told the L.A. Times.

Between March 2020 and February of this year, the group <a href="https://stopaapihate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stop AAPI Hate</a>&nbsp;recorded nearly <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/there-were-3-800-anti-asian-racist-incidents-mostly-against-n1261257" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3,800 anti-Asian incidents</a> in the U.S., including shunning, slurs and physical attacks. (AAPI stands for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.) An earlier version of the report noted that out of 1,226 instances reported in California between March and December 2020, 708 happened in the Bay Area and 292 took place in San Francisco alone—although that’s likely <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11859965/700-anti-asian-hate-incidents-reported-in-bay-area-during-pandemic-true-figures-might-be-even-worse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an underestimation</a>. In 2020, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-18/brutal-attacks-scar-san-francisco-asian-residents" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">almost 12% of hate crimes</a> were directed at Asians, San Francisco police spokesperson Robert Rueca told the L.A. Times.

As the country grapples with its history of bias against the AAPI community and a resurgence of intolerance, we break down how San Francisco is driving the national conversation and reckoning with racial injustice.&nbsp;

As the country grapples with its history of bias against the AAPI community and a resurgence of intolerance, we break down how San Francisco is driving the national conversation and reckoning with racial injustice.&nbsp;

A Resurgence of Racism &#8211; Attacks in the Bay Area Gain National Attention

A Resurgence of Racism - Attacks in the Bay Area Gain National Attention

A Resurgence of Racism &#8211; Attacks in the Bay Area Gain National Attention

A rash of assaults on Asian Americans <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/02/12/966940217/anger-and-fear-as-asian-american-seniors-targeted-in-bay-area-attacks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the Bay Area</a> over the last year has put a spotlight on renewed anti-Asian sentiment in America. In February 2020, a video of an elderly Asian man being attacked and robbed <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/police-investigate-attack-elderly-asian-man-collecting-recyclables-san-francisco-n1143471" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">while collecting recyclables</a> in Bayview-Hunters Point went viral and garnered millions of views on social media. In January of this year, 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, a Thai San Franciscan, died from his injuries after being <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/02/01/video-surveillance-footage-shows-brutal-san-francisco-assault-that-critically-injured-84-year-old-man/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knocked to the ground</a> in a sudden assault, which <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php">his fa</a><a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">m</a><a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php">ily says was racially motivated</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A rash of assaults on Asian Americans <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/02/12/966940217/anger-and-fear-as-asian-american-seniors-targeted-in-bay-area-attacks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the Bay Area</a> over the last year has put a spotlight on renewed anti-Asian sentiment in America. In February 2020, a video of an elderly Asian man being attacked and robbed <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/police-investigate-attack-elderly-asian-man-collecting-recyclables-san-francisco-n1143471" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">while collecting recyclables</a> in Bayview-Hunters Point went viral and garnered millions of views on social media. In January of this year, 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, a Thai San Franciscan, died from his injuries after being <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/02/01/video-surveillance-footage-shows-brutal-san-francisco-assault-that-critically-injured-84-year-old-man/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knocked to the ground</a> in a sudden assault, which <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php">his fa</a><a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">m</a><a href="https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/elderly-San-Francisco-man-killed-racist-act-Vicha-15918274.php">ily says was racially motivated</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

That attack drew the attention of <a href="https://abc7.com/olivia-munn-awkwafina-daniel-dae-kim-queens-bakery-assault/10351077/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prominent Asian American celebrities</a> and sparked <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/scapegoated-asians-asian-americans-speak-spate-violence/story?id=75956385" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a national conversation</a> on the rise of anti-Asian violence during the pandemic. The recent attacks against Chang, Pham and Xie, with the Atlanta spa shootings last week, continue to stir the discussion.&nbsp;

That attack drew the attention of <a href="https://abc7.com/olivia-munn-awkwafina-daniel-dae-kim-queens-bakery-assault/10351077/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prominent Asian American celebrities</a> and sparked <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/scapegoated-asians-asian-americans-speak-spate-violence/story?id=75956385" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a national conversation</a> on the rise of anti-Asian violence during the pandemic. The recent attacks against Chang, Pham and Xie, with the Atlanta spa shootings last week, continue to stir the discussion.&nbsp;

Trump’s Anti-Asian Speech Fans Flames of Hatred Buried Deep in History&nbsp;

Trump’s Anti-Asian Speech Fans Flames of Hatred Buried Deep in History&nbsp;

Members of the AAPI community and experts agree that the wave of attacks against Asian Americans is directly related to <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Health/trumps-chinese-virus-tweet-helped-lead-rise-racist/story?id=76530148" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the anti-Asian rhetoric of former U.S. President Donald Trump</a> from early on in the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Members of the AAPI community and experts agree that the wave of attacks against Asian Americans is directly related to <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Health/trumps-chinese-virus-tweet-helped-lead-rise-racist/story?id=76530148" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the anti-Asian rhetoric of former U.S. President Donald Trump</a> from early on in the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“President Trump’s rhetoric of the ‘Chinese virus,’ or the ‘kung flu,’ that automatically associated the virus with Chinese people,” Lok Siu, a UC Berkeley associate professor of Asian American studies, told <a href="https://news.berkeley.edu/2021/03/17/berkeley-expert-in-times-of-crisis-anti-asian-violence-is-an-american-tradition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley News</a>. “By blaming the Chinese as the cause of the pandemic, he ignited anti-Chinese sentiments and channeled popular fear and rage against East Asian-appearing persons.”&nbsp;

“President Trump’s rhetoric of the ‘Chinese virus,’ or the ‘kung flu,’ that automatically associated the virus with Chinese people,” Lok Siu, a UC Berkeley associate professor of Asian American studies, told <a href="https://news.berkeley.edu/2021/03/17/berkeley-expert-in-times-of-crisis-anti-asian-violence-is-an-american-tradition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley News</a>. “By blaming the Chinese as the cause of the pandemic, he ignited anti-Chinese sentiments and channeled popular fear and rage against East Asian-appearing persons.”&nbsp;

“The rhetoric of ‘Wuhan virus’ came directly from Donald Trump, and his administration enabled a whole wave of far-right white supremacists,” echoed local activist and Entertainment Commission representative <a href="https://sfgov.org/entertainment/cyn-wang#:~:text=Cyn%20Wang%20was%20appointed%20to,the%20Sunset%20District%20in%201979." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyn Wang</a>, who also told Here/Say that her family’s business in the Sunset District has been graffitied with the ethnic slur “Chink” in recent months. “I think he emboldened a group of radicalized people that are going to continue to be in our community and in public discourse.”&nbsp;

“The rhetoric of ‘Wuhan virus’ came directly from Donald Trump, and his administration enabled a whole wave of far-right white supremacists,” echoed local activist and Entertainment Commission representative <a href="https://sfgov.org/entertainment/cyn-wang#:~:text=Cyn%20Wang%20was%20appointed%20to,the%20Sunset%20District%20in%201979." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyn Wang</a>, who also told Here/Say that her family’s business in the Sunset District has been graffitied with the ethnic slur “Chink” in recent months. “I think he emboldened a group of radicalized people that are going to continue to be in our community and in public discourse.”&nbsp;

For San Francisco State University Asian American history professor Russell Jeung, this current wave of violence against Asians is part of a long legacy of anti-Asian hate in the U.S.&nbsp;

For San Francisco State University Asian American history professor Russell Jeung, this current wave of violence against Asians is part of a long legacy of anti-Asian hate in the U.S.&nbsp;

“Whenever an epidemic comes from Asia, Asians are scapegoated and are met with interpersonal violence and racist policies,” Jeung <a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/race-racism-the-long-western-legacy-of-violence-against-asian-americans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told High Country News</a>.&nbsp;

“Whenever an epidemic comes from Asia, Asians are scapegoated and are met with interpersonal violence and racist policies,” Jeung <a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/race-racism-the-long-western-legacy-of-violence-against-asian-americans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told High Country News</a>.&nbsp;

In the U.S., anti-Asian rhetoric and discrimination date back at least to the 19th century with the 1875 Page Act and Chinese Exclusion Act. The former effectively barred Chinese women from immigrating to the U.S., and the latter stopped Chinese laborers from entering the country. In the 20th century, Japanese Americans were forced from their homes across the West Coast into internment camps during World War II. San Francisco’s <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Nihonjin-Machi,_San_Francisco%27s_Japanese_People_Town" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dense</a> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/California-state/People" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian populations</a> were <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Japanese_Internment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deeply impacted</a> by <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Chinese_Americans_in_San_Francisco_during_World_War_II" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">such policies</a> as well as <a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-03-22/anti-asian-violence-california" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discriminatory city and state edicts</a>, which did everything from bar Japanese students from attending SF public schools to prevent people of Chinese descent from testifying in court.&nbsp;

In the U.S., anti-Asian rhetoric and discrimination date back at least to the 19th century with the 1875 Page Act and Chinese Exclusion Act. The former effectively barred Chinese women from immigrating to the U.S., and the latter stopped Chinese laborers from entering the country. In the 20th century, Japanese Americans were forced from their homes across the West Coast into internment camps during World War II. San Francisco’s <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Nihonjin-Machi,_San_Francisco%27s_Japanese_People_Town" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dense</a> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/California-state/People" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian populations</a> were <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Japanese_Internment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deeply impacted</a> by <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Chinese_Americans_in_San_Francisco_during_World_War_II" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">such policies</a> as well as <a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-03-22/anti-asian-violence-california" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discriminatory city and state edicts</a>, which did everything from bar Japanese students from attending SF public schools to prevent people of Chinese descent from testifying in court.&nbsp;

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_4418-2500x1875.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-2639"/><figcaption>Demonstrators gather at a stop AAPI hate rally in Chinatown&#8217;s Portsmouth Square</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_4418-2500x1875.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-2639"/><figcaption>Demonstrators gather at a stop AAPI hate rally in Chinatown's Portsmouth Square</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_4418-2500x1875.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-2639"/><figcaption>Demonstrators gather at a stop AAPI hate rally in Chinatown&#8217;s Portsmouth Square</figcaption></figure></div>

San Francisco&#8217;s Response&nbsp;

San Francisco's Response&nbsp;

San Francisco&#8217;s Response&nbsp;

At the direction of Mayor London Breed, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has responded to the increase in anti-Asian attacks <a href="https://abc7news.com/sfpd-chief-addresses-horrific-spike-in-anti-asian-violence/10427468/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">by stepping up patrols</a> in predominantly Asian neighborhoods. The <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco/sf-citizen-patrol-group-praised-for-protecting-asian-american-community/2492251/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Peace Collaborative</a>, a grassroots citizen patrol based out of Chinatown, has also sprung up to bolster public safety, while some San Franciscans on Nextdoor have offered to be walking buddies for their Asian American neighbors at night.&nbsp;

At the direction of Mayor London Breed, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has responded to the increase in anti-Asian attacks <a href="https://abc7news.com/sfpd-chief-addresses-horrific-spike-in-anti-asian-violence/10427468/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">by stepping up patrols</a> in predominantly Asian neighborhoods. The <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco/sf-citizen-patrol-group-praised-for-protecting-asian-american-community/2492251/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Peace Collaborative</a>, a grassroots citizen patrol based out of Chinatown, has also sprung up to bolster public safety, while some San Franciscans on Nextdoor have offered to be walking buddies for their Asian American neighbors at night.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the mayor’s office announced that the city would <a href="https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-new-efforts-protect-public-safety-and-combat-anti-asian" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expand the Street Violence Intervention Program</a> to enhance neighborhood public safety in a “culturally-competent” way and the senior escort program, which provides companions to seniors walking or taking transit to medical or personal appointments.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the mayor’s office announced that the city would <a href="https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-new-efforts-protect-public-safety-and-combat-anti-asian" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expand the Street Violence Intervention Program</a> to enhance neighborhood public safety in a “culturally-competent” way and the senior escort program, which provides companions to seniors walking or taking transit to medical or personal appointments.&nbsp;

“We have seen a rise of hate crimes against our elderly Asian community, and I want to make it clear that we won’t tolerate it,” <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/S-F-increasing-police-patrols-in-Asian-16033107.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said Mayor Breed</a> in a public response to the Atlanta spa shootings and uptick in anti-Asian violence last week. “San Francisco will continue to support and uplift our Asian community.”&nbsp;

“We have seen a rise of hate crimes against our elderly Asian community, and I want to make it clear that we won’t tolerate it,” <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/S-F-increasing-police-patrols-in-Asian-16033107.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said Mayor Breed</a> in a public response to the Atlanta spa shootings and uptick in anti-Asian violence last week. “San Francisco will continue to support and uplift our Asian community.”&nbsp;

“No one should have to live in fear that their race or ethnicity could make them a victim,” she added <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonBreed/status/1372232626237370368" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in a tweet</a>.&nbsp;

“No one should have to live in fear that their race or ethnicity could make them a victim,” she added <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonBreed/status/1372232626237370368" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in a tweet</a>.&nbsp;

In contrast, District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s office <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Amid-attacks-on-Asians-hate-crime-laws-out-of-16045251.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has been criticized</a> for not charging the attacks against Xie, Pham and Ratanapakdee as hate crimes. (Boudin’s chief of staff told the San Francisco Chronicle that the Pham and Xie cases are still under investigation and that the DA <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Amid-attacks-on-Asians-hate-crime-laws-out-of-16045251.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has not ruled out additional charges</a>. Boudin has charged the alleged assailant in the Ratanapakdee case with murder and inflicting injury on an elder, but no hate crimes.)&nbsp;

In contrast, District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s office <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Amid-attacks-on-Asians-hate-crime-laws-out-of-16045251.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has been criticized</a> for not charging the attacks against Xie, Pham and Ratanapakdee as hate crimes. (Boudin’s chief of staff told the San Francisco Chronicle that the Pham and Xie cases are still under investigation and that the DA <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Amid-attacks-on-Asians-hate-crime-laws-out-of-16045251.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has not ruled out additional charges</a>. Boudin has charged the alleged assailant in the Ratanapakdee case with murder and inflicting injury on an elder, but no hate crimes.)&nbsp;

Other San Francisco leaders have come out strongly against the spate of attacks in the Bay Area and across the country.&nbsp;

Other San Francisco leaders have come out strongly against the spate of attacks in the Bay Area and across the country.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s female AAPI elected officials, including District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, BART Board Director Janice Li and Board of Education Commissioner Jenny Lam, issued a joint statement <a href="https://twitter.com/conniechansf/status/1372655813702025216/photo/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">denouncing</a> the violent targeting of Asian women in last week’s Atlanta spa shootings. State Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) has <a href="https://ktla.com/news/california/california-bill-could-create-statewide-hotline-for-reporting-hate-crimes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">also introduced legislation</a> that would create a statewide system for reporting hate crimes.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s female AAPI elected officials, including District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, BART Board Director Janice Li and Board of Education Commissioner Jenny Lam, issued a joint statement <a href="https://twitter.com/conniechansf/status/1372655813702025216/photo/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">denouncing</a> the violent targeting of Asian women in last week’s Atlanta spa shootings. State Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) has <a href="https://ktla.com/news/california/california-bill-could-create-statewide-hotline-for-reporting-hate-crimes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">also introduced legislation</a> that would create a statewide system for reporting hate crimes.&nbsp;

Amid this political environment, Board of Education Vice President Alison Collins <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/03/21/mayor-breed-leads-chorus-of-officials-calling-for-school-board-vps-resignation-over-anti-asian-tweets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has come under fire</a> for a series of resurfaced 2016 tweets deemed by some public officials as “racist” and “anti-Asian.” (Collins affirmed her solidarity with the Asian American community and said her remarks <a href="https://alimcollins.medium.com/with-anti-asian-bias-on-the-rise-in-our-communities-and-the-hate-crimes-committed-in-georgia-this-2e5e6d22dac1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">were taken out of context</a> in a Medium post.)&nbsp;

Amid this political environment, Board of Education Vice President Alison Collins <a href="https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/03/21/mayor-breed-leads-chorus-of-officials-calling-for-school-board-vps-resignation-over-anti-asian-tweets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has come under fire</a> for a series of resurfaced 2016 tweets deemed by some public officials as “racist” and “anti-Asian.” (Collins affirmed her solidarity with the Asian American community and said her remarks <a href="https://alimcollins.medium.com/with-anti-asian-bias-on-the-rise-in-our-communities-and-the-hate-crimes-committed-in-georgia-this-2e5e6d22dac1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">were taken out of context</a> in a Medium post.)&nbsp;

At the grassroots level, San Franciscans and Bay Area locals have come out in droves to show solidarity with the AAPI community. Over the weekend, anti-AAPI hate <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Bay-Area-artists-rally-in-San-Francisco-s-16041278.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rallies were held across the Bay Area</a> and more than 1,000 people <a href="https://abc7news.com/stop-asian-hate-rally-san-francisco-crimes-protest-sf-lives-matter/10439342/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marched from the Castro to Chinatown</a> in a demonstration organized by the LGBTQ community to rebuke anti-Asian rhetoric and attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the grassroots level, San Franciscans and Bay Area locals have come out in droves to show solidarity with the AAPI community. Over the weekend, anti-AAPI hate <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Bay-Area-artists-rally-in-San-Francisco-s-16041278.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rallies were held across the Bay Area</a> and more than 1,000 people <a href="https://abc7news.com/stop-asian-hate-rally-san-francisco-crimes-protest-sf-lives-matter/10439342/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marched from the Castro to Chinatown</a> in a demonstration organized by the LGBTQ community to rebuke anti-Asian rhetoric and attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&#8220;This rally is a call to arms, a call to action, to stand up and say no more, ‘enough is enough,’&#8221; the Asian Pacific Alliance’s Michael Nguyen told ABC 7.&nbsp;

"This rally is a call to arms, a call to action, to stand up and say no more, ‘enough is enough,’" the Asian Pacific Alliance’s Michael Nguyen told ABC 7.&nbsp;

&#8220;This rally is a call to arms, a call to action, to stand up and say no more, ‘enough is enough,’&#8221; the Asian Pacific Alliance’s Michael Nguyen told ABC 7.&nbsp;

As of Tuesday, GoFundMe campaigns set up for <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/danny-yu-chang-asian-hate-crime-victim" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chang</a>, <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/ngoc-pham-fundraiser" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pham</a> and <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2b8zh292uo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xie</a> to aid in their recoveries have raised over $1.2 million dollars in total. Xie’s family has said that their 75-year-old grandmother <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/money-raised-for-woman-attacked-in-sf-being-donated-to-asian-american-community/2500599/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will donate the nearly $900,000</a> raised from her GoFundMe to the Asian American community to combat racism. &nbsp;

As of Tuesday, GoFundMe campaigns set up for <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/danny-yu-chang-asian-hate-crime-victim" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chang</a>, <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/ngoc-pham-fundraiser" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pham</a> and <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2b8zh292uo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xie</a> to aid in their recoveries have raised over $1.2 million dollars in total. Xie’s family has said that their 75-year-old grandmother <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/money-raised-for-woman-attacked-in-sf-being-donated-to-asian-american-community/2500599/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will donate the nearly $900,000</a> raised from her GoFundMe to the Asian American community to combat racism. &nbsp;

Moving Forward &#8211; What Can Everyday San Franciscans Do?&nbsp;

Moving Forward - What Can Everyday San Franciscans Do?&nbsp;

Moving Forward &#8211; What Can Everyday San Franciscans Do?&nbsp;

At Board of Supervisors, calls for respect at City Hall escalate into finger-pointing

District Attorney Chesa Boudin asked for recusal from petition theft case

Mayor Breed’s resignation letter list included niece of VP Kamala Harris

How is San Francisco responding to a wave of anti-Asian assaults?

亞裔社區內罷免教委運動如火如荼，但亞裔官員則靜悄悄

Search Results for: connie chan

At Board of Supervisors, calls for respect at City Hall escalate into finger-pointing

District Attorney Chesa Boudin asked for recusal from petition theft case

Mayor Breed’s resignation letter list included niece of VP Kamala Harris

How is San Francisco responding to a wave of anti-Asian assaults?

亞裔社區內罷免教委運動如火如荼，但亞裔官員則靜悄悄