Jonah Owen Lamb

An East Bay anti-vaxxer who threatened state Sen. Scott Wiener earlier this year over a bill that would’ve let teens get vaccinated without parental approval was found guilty this week.

core/paragraph

An East Bay anti-vaxxer who threatened state Sen. Scott Wiener earlier this year over a bill that would’ve let teens get vaccinated without parental approval was found guilty this week.

Of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/armed-anti-vaxxer-who-allegedly-threatened-sen-scott-wiener-says-he-never-planned-to-hurt-anyone/">eight felony</a> counts leveled against 51-year-old San Ramon resident Erik Triana, a jury found him guilty of seven.

Of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/armed-anti-vaxxer-who-allegedly-threatened-sen-scott-wiener-says-he-never-planned-to-hurt-anyone/">eight felony</a> counts leveled against 51-year-old San Ramon resident Erik Triana, a jury found him guilty of seven.

Namely, of threatening Wiener’s life, two counts of possessing assault weapons, two counts of manufacturing or assembling unregistered firearms, and two counts of having a concealed firearm in a vehicle. He was found not guilty for criminal threat of death or great bodily injury.&nbsp;

Namely, of threatening Wiener’s life, two counts of possessing assault weapons, two counts of manufacturing or assembling unregistered firearms, and two counts of having a concealed firearm in a vehicle. He was found not guilty for criminal threat of death or great bodily injury.&nbsp;

“While free speech is a cornerstone of our democracy and a constitutionally protected right, there is a clear line between political discourse and threats of violence,” Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Kang said. “The jury’s verdict in this case highlights the fact that threats to seriously harm or kill a public servant because of disagreement with their policies is not protected speech and will not be tolerated.”

“While free speech is a cornerstone of our democracy and a constitutionally protected right, there is a clear line between political discourse and threats of violence,” Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Kang said. “The jury’s verdict in this case highlights the fact that threats to seriously harm or kill a public servant because of disagreement with their policies is not protected speech and will not be tolerated.”

Wiener’s bill prompted Triana to threaten Wiener on Jan. 22, Kang said at the trial’s opening. Triana’s threats came in the form of an anonymous message left on the politician’s website saying, “Vax my kids without my permission and expect a visit from me and my rifle.”

Wiener’s bill prompted Triana to threaten Wiener on Jan. 22, Kang said at the trial’s opening. Triana’s threats came in the form of an anonymous message left on the politician’s website saying, “Vax my kids without my permission and expect a visit from me and my rifle.”

Triana also noted the address of the Moscone Center, which Kang argued was evidence of plans to kill or harm Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco: The events center was named after former Mayor George Moscone, who was assassinated in 1978. 

Triana also noted the address of the Moscone Center, which Kang argued was evidence of plans to kill or harm Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco: The events center was named after former Mayor George Moscone, who was assassinated in 1978.

Triana&#8217;s attorney argued at the trial’s opening that his client was a family man who made a terrible mistake.&nbsp;

Triana's attorney argued at the trial’s opening that his client was a family man who made a terrible mistake.&nbsp;

Triana&#8217;s attorney argued at the trial’s opening that his client was a family man who made a terrible mistake.&nbsp;

“Erik Triana is not who the prosecution would have you believe he is,” Ian McGrattan said. “Is he a man who has violent intentions? Or is he someone who made a mistake and posted a comment on the internet?”&nbsp;

“Erik Triana is not who the prosecution would have you believe he is,” Ian McGrattan said. “Is he a man who has violent intentions? Or is he someone who made a mistake and posted a comment on the internet?”&nbsp;

Wiener—who has fielded death threats before—said he was grateful for the verdict.&nbsp;

Wiener—who has fielded death threats before—said he was grateful for the verdict.&nbsp;

“Death threats against public officials undermine democracy,” he wrote in a prepared statement. “A public official should make decisions based on what benefits the community, not based on whether a decision will get the official killed. Modern politics can be polarized and toxic, but we must never normalize or tolerate death threats.”

“Death threats against public officials undermine democracy,” he wrote in a prepared statement. “A public official should make decisions based on what benefits the community, not based on whether a decision will get the official killed. Modern politics can be polarized and toxic, but we must never normalize or tolerate death threats.”

Weiner withdrew his vaccination bill, SB 866, on Aug. 31, the same day Triana’s trial opened.&nbsp;“The anti-vaxxer harassment campaign worked this time, at the expense of teen health,” <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1564998864125317120">Wiener wrote on Twitter</a> that day. “We lost this round but aren’t going anywhere.”

Weiner withdrew his vaccination bill, SB 866, on Aug. 31, the same day Triana’s trial opened.&nbsp;“The anti-vaxxer harassment campaign worked this time, at the expense of teen health,” <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1564998864125317120">Wiener wrote on Twitter</a> that day. “We lost this round but aren’t going anywhere.”

Anti-vaxxer who threatened state Sen. Scott Wiener found guilty

Sarah Wright

It was 4 a.m. when Brendan O’Callaghan was hit in his Subaru Forester while trying to get on the Bay Bridge. The driver sped off.&nbsp;

It was 4 a.m. when Brendan O’Callaghan was hit in his Subaru Forester while trying to get on the Bay Bridge. The driver sped off.&nbsp;

His car dented, he called 9-1-1 in the hopes that police could track down the driver on the deserted nighttime streets and with the aid of toll cameras. But the response he got from the California Highway Patrol and the San Francisco Police Department was disappointing.&nbsp;

His car dented, he called 9-1-1 in the hopes that police could track down the driver on the deserted nighttime streets and with the aid of toll cameras. But the response he got from the California Highway Patrol and the San Francisco Police Department was disappointing.&nbsp;

“Ultimately, nothing happened,” O’Callaghan said. “I was just rather surprised. Wouldn&#8217;t you guys want to find someone that is doing something like a hit-and-run? It seems to me that that type of driver is also a problematic driver in a variety of other places.”

“Ultimately, nothing happened,” O’Callaghan said. “I was just rather surprised. Wouldn't you guys want to find someone that is doing something like a hit-and-run? It seems to me that that type of driver is also a problematic driver in a variety of other places.”

“Ultimately, nothing happened,” O’Callaghan said. “I was just rather surprised. Wouldn&#8217;t you guys want to find someone that is doing something like a hit-and-run? It seems to me that that type of driver is also a problematic driver in a variety of other places.”

Traffic enforcement has <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/stay-safe/crime-data/traffic-violation-reports">plummeted in San Francisco</a> over the last decade, and virtually fell off a cliff during the pandemic. At a Feb. 2 police commission meeting, Chief of Police Bill Scott pinned the decline on Covid lockdown, staffing shortages and the police department’s new “Focus on Five,” a new policy requiring that at least half of traffic stops be related to the five most dangerous driving maneuvers.

Traffic enforcement has <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/stay-safe/crime-data/traffic-violation-reports">plummeted in San Francisco</a> over the last decade, and virtually fell off a cliff during the pandemic. At a Feb. 2 police commission meeting, Chief of Police Bill Scott pinned the decline on Covid lockdown, staffing shortages and the police department’s new “Focus on Five,” a new policy requiring that at least half of traffic stops be related to the five most dangerous driving maneuvers.

core/html

But while enforcement is down, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/buscrasharrest/">dangerous driving</a> sure isn’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But while enforcement is down, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/buscrasharrest/">dangerous driving</a> sure isn’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That’s the feeling among many residents who have witnessed—or experienced themselves—risky driving, including hit-and-runs, crashes, blown stop signs or other incidents. And some are taking matters into their own hands, buying dashcams, building do-it-yourself “infrastructure” and even teaming up to investigate hit-and-runs.

That’s the feeling among many residents who have witnessed—or experienced themselves—risky driving, including hit-and-runs, crashes, blown stop signs or other incidents. And some are taking matters into their own hands, buying dashcams, building do-it-yourself “infrastructure” and even teaming up to investigate hit-and-runs.

When Jackson Borchardt was rear-ended last November, he immediately jumped into action. Borchardt started chasing down the driver who had hit him—but it turned out that driver, too, had been rear-ended. They joined forces to find the minivan that had initiated the crash when a fourth character arrived: Orlando.&nbsp;

When Jackson Borchardt was rear-ended last November, he immediately jumped into action. Borchardt started chasing down the driver who had hit him—but it turned out that driver, too, had been rear-ended. They joined forces to find the minivan that had initiated the crash when a fourth character arrived: Orlando.&nbsp;

Orlando, who declined to give his last name, had been driving his Tesla when he witnessed the crash and had caught the whole thing on his built-in dash camera. He offered to give Borchardt the footage to show his insurance company, which ultimately paid Borchardt out for the needed fixes.&nbsp;

Orlando, who declined to give his last name, had been driving his Tesla when he witnessed the crash and had caught the whole thing on his built-in dash camera. He offered to give Borchardt the footage to show his insurance company, which ultimately paid Borchardt out for the needed fixes.&nbsp;

Orlando said he’s helped other strangers in similar situations.

Orlando said he’s helped other strangers in similar situations.

“I&#8217;ve volunteered because I&#8217;d like someone to do that if I was involved,” he said. “I just think it provides eyes that no one can lie about.”

“I've volunteered because I'd like someone to do that if I was involved,” he said. “I just think it provides eyes that no one can lie about.”

“I&#8217;ve volunteered because I&#8217;d like someone to do that if I was involved,” he said. “I just think it provides eyes that no one can lie about.”

Kevin, a store associate at San Francisco’s Best Buy who declined to give his last name, said his store carries around a dozen models of dash cameras—ranging from around $50 to a few a hundred dollars —and they’re fairly popular, with store employees often hired to install them in cars.&nbsp;

Kevin, a store associate at San Francisco’s Best Buy who declined to give his last name, said his store carries around a dozen models of dash cameras—ranging from around $50 to a few a hundred dollars —and they’re fairly popular, with store employees often hired to install them in cars.&nbsp;

Dash cameras aren’t just useful to drivers. Magnus Line bought a Cycleiq dash camera late last year for his bike so that he can show the footage as proof if he is targeted or hit while biking. While the camera is always rolling, he hasn’t had to use the footage thus far. But Line said he would let police know about the footage or use it as proof to an insurance company if needed.&nbsp;

Dash cameras aren’t just useful to drivers. Magnus Line bought a Cycleiq dash camera late last year for his bike so that he can show the footage as proof if he is targeted or hit while biking. While the camera is always rolling, he hasn’t had to use the footage thus far. But Line said he would let police know about the footage or use it as proof to an insurance company if needed.&nbsp;

“I&#8217;ve just had way too many close calls,” Line said.&nbsp;

“I've just had way too many close calls,” Line said.&nbsp;

“I&#8217;ve just had way too many close calls,” Line said.&nbsp;

Even when cameras are present, it’s still up to police and traffic enforcement to take action.&nbsp;

Even when cameras are present, it’s still up to police and traffic enforcement to take action.&nbsp;

O’Callaghan said he was surprised the person who hit him got away with it in such a camera-heavy area that was nearly deserted at 4 a.m. If it were to happen again, O’Callaghan said he’d try harder to get a visual description—not just the license plate number—of the person who hit him.&nbsp;&nbsp;

O’Callaghan said he was surprised the person who hit him got away with it in such a camera-heavy area that was nearly deserted at 4 a.m. If it were to happen again, O’Callaghan said he’d try harder to get a visual description—not just the license plate number—of the person who hit him.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I just assumed it would be an easy catch,” O’Callaghan said.

“I just assumed it would be an easy catch,” O’Callaghan said.

Some San Franciscans are calling for better infrastructure—not necessarily more enforcement—to address the street safety problem, like better visibility at intersections, lower speed limits or physical barriers.&nbsp;

Some San Franciscans are calling for better infrastructure—not necessarily more enforcement—to address the street safety problem, like better visibility at intersections, lower speed limits or physical barriers.&nbsp;

Automated cameras can be helpful, but are limited: State legislation to allow a five-year pilot to install speed cameras in San Francisco and a handful of other cities has failed three times since 2017 due to concerns about privacy and equity. SFMTA maintains a limited camera enforcement program that includes red-light cameras at select intersections and Muni cameras that can capture lane violations.&nbsp;

Automated cameras can be helpful, but are limited: State legislation to allow a five-year pilot to install speed cameras in San Francisco and a handful of other cities has failed three times since 2017 due to concerns about privacy and equity. SFMTA maintains a limited camera enforcement program that includes red-light cameras at select intersections and Muni cameras that can capture lane violations.&nbsp;

On Page Street, which is open only to local traffic and people traveling on foot or bike, resident Molly Hayden brought out her gardening skills to stop people in cars from zooming along the street.&nbsp;

On Page Street, which is open only to local traffic and people traveling on foot or bike, resident Molly Hayden brought out her gardening skills to stop people in cars from zooming along the street.&nbsp;

She and fellow resident Jess Jenkins have helped put up colorful barriers, including concrete planters, where the Slow Street intersects with other avenues. The idea is to make the street feel welcoming, but also to make drivers think twice before using the Slow Street. 

She and fellow resident Jess Jenkins have helped put up colorful barriers, including concrete planters, where the Slow Street intersects with other avenues. The idea is to make the street feel welcoming, but also to make drivers think twice before using the Slow Street.

“SFPD can’t be around all the time,” Jenkins said. “Automated enforcement has potential, but it feels like we’re so far away from [progress] there as a state and a city. For us, it’s all about the infrastructure.”

“SFPD can’t be around all the time,” Jenkins said. “Automated enforcement has potential, but it feels like we’re so far away from [progress] there as a state and a city. For us, it’s all about the infrastructure.”

Dangerous street conditions have even driven some San Franciscans to take to the streets in protest. The same day the Golden State Warriors paraded down Market Street in celebration of their national title, a smaller, more somber demonstration was planned. It was in remembrance of a motorcyclist who died at Eddy and Larkin Streets and in protest of unsafe streets in San Francisco. The protesters, part of the group Safe Street Rebel, blocked the intersection for one green light cycle.

Dangerous street conditions have even driven some San Franciscans to take to the streets in protest. The same day the Golden State Warriors paraded down Market Street in celebration of their national title, a smaller, more somber demonstration was planned. It was in remembrance of a motorcyclist who died at Eddy and Larkin Streets and in protest of unsafe streets in San Francisco. The protesters, part of the group Safe Street Rebel, blocked the intersection for one green light cycle.

Jabez Wesly holds a sign on the corner of Eddy Street and Larkin Street during a vigil for people killed by drivers on SFMTA streets on Monday, June 20, 2022, in San Francisco, Calif. | Constanza Hevia H. for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TrafficEnforcement-FEATURED-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63319"/><figcaption>Jabez Wesly holds a sign on the corner of Eddy Street and Larkin Street during a vigil for people killed by drivers on Monday, June 20, 2022, in San Francisco, Calif. | Constanza Hevia H. for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TrafficEnforcement-FEATURED-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63319"/><figcaption>Jabez Wesly holds a sign on the corner of Eddy Street and Larkin Street during a vigil for people killed by drivers on Monday, June 20, 2022, in San Francisco, Calif. | Constanza Hevia H. for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Brett Bertocci, who was out organizing that day, said he was hit by a car while riding his bike last year.&nbsp;

Brett Bertocci, who was out organizing that day, said he was hit by a car while riding his bike last year.&nbsp;

“I went home and I organized an action to block the street somewhere else,” Bertocci said. “I can&#8217;t do anything about this short term, but what I can do is make sure you can&#8217;t do this again in the future.”

“I went home and I organized an action to block the street somewhere else,” Bertocci said. “I can't do anything about this short term, but what I can do is make sure you can't do this again in the future.”

“I went home and I organized an action to block the street somewhere else,” Bertocci said. “I can&#8217;t do anything about this short term, but what I can do is make sure you can&#8217;t do this again in the future.”

With traffic enforcement way down, SF residents are taking safety into their own hands

Scott Alan Lucas

I have a modest proposal: It’s time to split San Francisco in two.

I have a modest proposal: It’s time to split San Francisco in two.

It may seem like a radical solution, but without a conscious civic uncoupling, we’ll be stuck in the current dilemma for the rest of our lives (or at least until the AI kids bring on the End Times).&nbsp;

It may seem like a radical solution, but without a conscious civic uncoupling, we’ll be stuck in the current dilemma for the rest of our lives (or at least until the AI kids bring on the End Times).&nbsp;

I came to this conclusion this week after the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">overrode Mayor London Breed’s veto</a> of a bill that would downzone parts of the city in and around North Beach.

San Francisco mayor’s veto of controversial housing bill is overturned

I came to this conclusion this week after the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">overrode Mayor London Breed’s veto</a> of a bill that would downzone parts of the city in and around North Beach.

On the one side are elected officials like Supervisor Aaron Peskin, likely a candidate for mayor in the fall, who believe that new buildings will wreck the<a href="https://x.com/maxdubler/status/1773027223718531442?s=20"> historical character of their perfectly constructed neighborhoods</a>. Conversely, we have a state mandate to build 80,000 new homes by 2031. It seems impossible to do both.

On the one side are elected officials like Supervisor Aaron Peskin, likely a candidate for mayor in the fall, who believe that new buildings will wreck the<a href="https://x.com/maxdubler/status/1773027223718531442?s=20"> historical character of their perfectly constructed neighborhoods</a>. Conversely, we have a state mandate to build 80,000 new homes by 2031. It seems impossible to do both.

Which is why I say, why pick?&nbsp;

We can preserve the panoramic bay views enjoyed by Peskin and his Telegraph Hill neighbors, while allowing new housing to be built.

We can preserve the panoramic bay views enjoyed by Peskin and his Telegraph Hill neighbors, while allowing new housing to be built.

We just can’t do it in one city. Which is why we need a #Peskxit.

We just can’t do it in one city. Which is why we need a #Peskxit.

With one stroke of a surveyor’s pen, we could simply saw off Peskin’s Northern Waterfront from the rest of San Francisco. The supervisor would get his low-density, high-property-value fiefdom atop <s>Mordor</s> Telegraph Hill. The rest of us could get on with building the city of the future, or at least attempt to adapt to the needs of the present.&nbsp;

With one stroke of a surveyor’s pen, we could simply saw off Peskin’s Northern Waterfront from the rest of San Francisco. The supervisor would get his low-density, high-property-value fiefdom atop <s>Mordor</s> Telegraph Hill. The rest of us could get on with building the city of the future, or at least attempt to adapt to the needs of the present.&nbsp;

The borders of Peskin’s city could run from Fisherman’s Wharf around the Embarcadero to Washington Street, from there to Mason Street, where it would go north back to the wharf again. I’m prepared to negotiate the tract as far as Jones and Jefferson streets, but no further. We need to keep the In-N-Out in San Francisco proper.&nbsp;

The borders of Peskin’s city could run from Fisherman’s Wharf around the Embarcadero to Washington Street, from there to Mason Street, where it would go north back to the wharf again. I’m prepared to negotiate the tract as far as Jones and Jefferson streets, but no further. We need to keep the In-N-Out in San Francisco proper.&nbsp;

The rest of the city will maintain its current name, or go by Real San Francisco. The newly seceded city we will call Carmel-by-the-Bay. Official motto: “Screw You, I Got Mine.”

The rest of the city will maintain its current name, or go by Real San Francisco. The newly seceded city we will call Carmel-by-the-Bay. Official motto: “Screw You, I Got Mine.”

Peskin and his neighborhood allies clearly would prefer to live in Carmel—a treasured historic town full of charm and delight, where tourists from around the world throng cobblestone streets, where <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/centralcoast/article/monaco-billionaire-carmel-real-estate-purchases-18605669.php">billionaires are forcing out the ordinary millionaires</a>, and where the tallest building is legally required to be short enough that Clint Eastwood can throw a football over it. (And that’s “Cry Macho” Clint, not “Dirty Harry” Clint.) If they want a city in thrall to a long-ago Bohemian past—which, in a shocking coincidence, just happens to be filled with&nbsp;incredibly valuable real estate—we should give it to them.&nbsp;

Peskin and his neighborhood allies clearly would prefer to live in Carmel—a treasured historic town full of charm and delight, where tourists from around the world throng cobblestone streets, where <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/centralcoast/article/monaco-billionaire-carmel-real-estate-purchases-18605669.php">billionaires are forcing out the ordinary millionaires</a>, and where the tallest building is legally required to be short enough that Clint Eastwood can throw a football over it. (And that’s “Cry Macho” Clint, not “Dirty Harry” Clint.) If they want a city in thrall to a long-ago Bohemian past—which, in a shocking coincidence, just happens to be filled with&nbsp;incredibly valuable real estate—we should give it to them.&nbsp;

The new city of Carmel-by-the-Bay would have everything an aging nostalgic needs: Coit Tower, the Cable Car Museum, Madame Tussaud&#8217;s, that one <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/02/san-francisco-mystery-property-housing-crisis/">three-story office building</a>, that one <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/02/san-francisco-mystery-property-housing-crisis/">empty lot in the middle of a row of houses</a>, and that <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/8-Washington-waterfront-project-loses-again-this-6080498.php">sacrosanct civic treasure</a>, the Bay Club.&nbsp;

San Francisco mystery property: How a $13.5 million dirt lot explains the city’s housing crisis

The new city of Carmel-by-the-Bay would have everything an aging nostalgic needs: Coit Tower, the Cable Car Museum, Madame Tussaud's, that one <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/02/san-francisco-mystery-property-housing-crisis/">three-story office building</a>, that one <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/02/san-francisco-mystery-property-housing-crisis/">empty lot in the middle of a row of houses</a>, and that <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/8-Washington-waterfront-project-loses-again-this-6080498.php">sacrosanct civic treasure</a>, the Bay Club.&nbsp;

The new city of Carmel-by-the-Bay would have everything an aging nostalgic needs: Coit Tower, the Cable Car Museum, Madame Tussaud&#8217;s, that one <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/02/san-francisco-mystery-property-housing-crisis/">three-story office building</a>, that one <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/02/san-francisco-mystery-property-housing-crisis/">empty lot in the middle of a row of houses</a>, and that <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/8-Washington-waterfront-project-loses-again-this-6080498.php">sacrosanct civic treasure</a>, the Bay Club.&nbsp;

Just think of what this new city, unencumbered by its obligations to the rest of us, could accomplish! They could finally knock down their long-hated abomination, the Transamerica Pyramid. They could ban robo-taxis, ubers, scooters, e-bikes and cybertrucks, all at the same time! They could even use eminent domain to seize the Church of Scientology building on Montgomery Street and convert it to affordable housing. (Actually, that’s a pretty good idea.)

Just think of what this new city, unencumbered by its obligations to the rest of us, could accomplish! They could finally knock down their long-hated abomination, the Transamerica Pyramid. They could ban robo-taxis, ubers, scooters, e-bikes and cybertrucks, all at the same time! They could even use eminent domain to seize the Church of Scientology building on Montgomery Street and convert it to affordable housing. (Actually, that’s a pretty good idea.)

Tell you what. To sweeten the deal—and to assist Carmel-by-the-Bay in meeting its state-mandated new-housing requirements—we’ll even throw in Treasure Island. No extra charge.

Tell you what. To sweeten the deal—and to assist Carmel-by-the-Bay in meeting its state-mandated new-housing requirements—we’ll even throw in Treasure Island. No extra charge.

There’s no reason that a secession would be controversial or difficult. Just look at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_divided_cities">the long list</a> of urban regions that have split apart—Sarajevo! East Berlin! East Jerusalem! No harm ever came from such amicable partings.

There’s no reason that a secession would be controversial or difficult. Just look at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_divided_cities">the long list</a> of urban regions that have split apart—Sarajevo! East Berlin! East Jerusalem! No harm ever came from such amicable partings.

The point being—if the people of the Northern Waterfront don’t want to pull their weight in creating new housing for all San Franciscans, who are we to force them?&nbsp;

The point being—if the people of the Northern Waterfront don’t want to pull their weight in creating new housing for all San Franciscans, who are we to force them?&nbsp;

You don’t have to be born before the Carter administration to know that the true spirit of San Fran … er, Carmel-by-the-Bay lies in buying hilltop castles decades ago, writing laws to protect those castles in perpetuity, digging moats, erecting drawbridges, and never letting anyone build anything near your parrot-poop-encrusted fortress ever again.&nbsp;

You don’t have to be born before the Carter administration to know that the true spirit of San Fran … er, Carmel-by-the-Bay lies in buying hilltop castles decades ago, writing laws to protect those castles in perpetuity, digging moats, erecting drawbridges, and never letting anyone build anything near your parrot-poop-encrusted fortress ever again.&nbsp;

So we, the citizens of Real San Francisco should just give them what they want: A hermetically sealed Beat Museum in the shape of a city.

So we, the citizens of Real San Francisco should just give them what they want: A hermetically sealed Beat Museum in the shape of a city.

Scott Alan Lucas is a former editor at San Francisco magazine whose book, Last Night In San Francisco, about the death of technology executive Bob Lee, will be published next year by Steerforth Press.

Scott Alan Lucas is a former editor at San Francisco magazine whose book, Last Night In San Francisco, about the death of technology executive Bob Lee, will be published next year by Steerforth Press.

core/block

A modest proposal: It’s time for North Beach to secede from the city

Opinion: A modest proposal: It’s time for North Beach to secede from the city

Kevin Truong

Now that California’s legislative session is coming to an end, it’s time to comb through the remains.

Now that California’s legislative session is coming to an end, it’s time to comb through the remains.

In what is a twice-annual tradition for California lawmakers, hundreds of bills go through the Assembly or Senate Appropriations committees in what’s called the <a href="https://sapro.senate.ca.gov/FAQs#:~:text=What%20is%20Suspense%3F,referral%20to%20the%20Suspense%20File.">Suspense File</a> process.&nbsp;

In what is a twice-annual tradition for California lawmakers, hundreds of bills go through the Assembly or Senate Appropriations committees in what’s called the <a href="https://sapro.senate.ca.gov/FAQs#:~:text=What%20is%20Suspense%3F,referral%20to%20the%20Suspense%20File.">Suspense File</a> process.&nbsp;

Every bill with an estimated fiscal impact of $150,000 or greater is routed to the committees for approval. No public hearing is held on the votes, which are conducted behind closed doors. That means it’s impossible to tell who supported the legislation or why it was killed. 

Every bill with an estimated fiscal impact of $150,000 or greater is routed to the committees for approval. No public hearing is held on the votes, which are conducted behind closed doors. That means it’s impossible to tell who supported the legislation or why it was killed.

At a subsequent public hearing, legislators run through the results in a rapid-fire style, with the respective chairs of the committees reading out the bill and announcing whether it moves forward or is held, effectively putting the legislation on ice for the session.&nbsp;

At a subsequent public hearing, legislators run through the results in a rapid-fire style, with the respective chairs of the committees reading out the bill and announcing whether it moves forward or is held, effectively putting the legislation on ice for the session.&nbsp;

We went through the roughly 200 bills that were killed this cycle to find 10 with major implications for San Francisco. Time will tell which bills will come back, and when. 

We went through the roughly 200 bills that were killed this cycle to find 10 with major implications for San Francisco. Time will tell which bills will come back, and when.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-senate">Senate:</h2>

core/heading

<h2 id="h-senate">Senate:</h2>

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB917">SB 917</a> Seamless Transit Transformation Act

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB917">SB 917</a> Seamless Transit Transformation Act

Introduced by state Sen. Josh Becker, the bill would have required the Metropolitan Transportation Committee—the Bay Area’s regional transportation planning body—to develop and adopt a plan for a connected transit system, including standardized transit mapping and maintenance and funding strategies.&nbsp;

Introduced by state Sen. Josh Becker, the bill would have required the Metropolitan Transportation Committee—the Bay Area’s regional transportation planning body—to develop and adopt a plan for a connected transit system, including standardized transit mapping and maintenance and funding strategies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB234">SB 234</a> Transition Aged Youth Housing Program

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB234">SB 234</a> Transition Aged Youth Housing Program

Introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, this bill would have established a program under the California Interagency Council on Homelessness meant to create housing for homeless and foster youth under 26 years old who have been removed from their homes or are experiencing homelessness.&nbsp;

Introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, this bill would have established a program under the California Interagency Council on Homelessness meant to create housing for homeless and foster youth under 26 years old who have been removed from their homes or are experiencing homelessness.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1427">SB 1427</a> Homeless and Mental Health Court Grants

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1427">SB 1427</a> Homeless and Mental Health Court Grants

Introduced by state Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, the bill would have created grant programs to provide funding to counties like San Francisco to expand homeless courts and mental health courts and to fund programs aimed at reducing homelessness among inmates released from custody. <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1293">SB 1293</a> Cannabis Equity Tax Credit&nbsp;

Introduced by state Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, the bill would have created grant programs to provide funding to counties like San Francisco to expand homeless courts and mental health courts and to fund programs aimed at reducing homelessness among inmates released from custody. <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1293">SB 1293</a> Cannabis Equity Tax Credit&nbsp;

Introduced by state Sen. Stephen Bradford, the bill would have provided a $10,000 tax credit until December 2027 for a cannabis equity applicant or licensee eligible for a specified fee waiver and deferral program administered by the Department of Cannabis Control.&nbsp;

Introduced by state Sen. Stephen Bradford, the bill would have provided a $10,000 tax credit until December 2027 for a cannabis equity applicant or licensee eligible for a specified fee waiver and deferral program administered by the Department of Cannabis Control.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB602">SB 602</a> Review of Conservatorships

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB602">SB 602</a> Review of Conservatorships

Introduced by state Sen. John Laird, the bill would have impacted state policy around conservatorships and require conservators to file a care plan for a conservatee within 60 days of appointment and within 30 days before a hearing to determine the continuation or termination of an existing conservatorship. It would authorize the court to impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for the failure to submit a plan.&nbsp;

Introduced by state Sen. John Laird, the bill would have impacted state policy around conservatorships and require conservators to file a care plan for a conservatee within 60 days of appointment and within 30 days before a hearing to determine the continuation or termination of an existing conservatorship. It would authorize the court to impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for the failure to submit a plan.&nbsp;

California State Senator Scott Wiener at a press event on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022 in San Francisco's Anza Vista neighborhood. | Ekevara Kitpowson for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DeadStateBills_INLINED.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-68538"/><figcaption>California State Senator Scott Wiener at a press event on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022 in San Francisco&#8217;s Anza Vista neighborhood. | Ekevara Kitpowson for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DeadStateBills_INLINED.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-68538"/><figcaption>California State Senator Scott Wiener at a press event on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022 in San Francisco's Anza Vista neighborhood. | Ekevara Kitpowson for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DeadStateBills_INLINED.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-68538"/><figcaption>California State Senator Scott Wiener at a press event on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022 in San Francisco&#8217;s Anza Vista neighborhood. | Ekevara Kitpowson for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Assembly:</h2>

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2656">AB 2656</a> Housing Accountability Act

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2656">AB 2656</a> Housing Accountability Act

This bill, authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting, who represents parts of San Francisco, would have required local agencies to issue exemptions to the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/the-story-behind-ceqa-breaking-down-the-lefts-love-hate-relationship-with-californias-pioneering-environmental-law/">California Environmental Quality Act</a> or approve environmental documents wherever eligible in urban areas for projects 15 or more units, making it illegal under state housing laws to not do this.&nbsp;

This bill, authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting, who represents parts of San Francisco, would have required local agencies to issue exemptions to the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/the-story-behind-ceqa-breaking-down-the-lefts-love-hate-relationship-with-californias-pioneering-environmental-law/">California Environmental Quality Act</a> or approve environmental documents wherever eligible in urban areas for projects 15 or more units, making it illegal under state housing laws to not do this.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2408">AB 2408</a> Social Media Platform: child users: addiction.

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2408">AB 2408</a> Social Media Platform: child users: addiction.

The aim of this legislation, introduced by Assemblymembers Jordan Cunningham and Buffy Wicks, was to allow the state and county to bring lawsuits against social media companies for creating or using features that make their products addictive to kids.&nbsp;

The aim of this legislation, introduced by Assemblymembers Jordan Cunningham and Buffy Wicks, was to allow the state and county to bring lawsuits against social media companies for creating or using features that make their products addictive to kids.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2186">AB 2186</a> Housing Cost Reduction Incentive Program

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2186">AB 2186</a> Housing Cost Reduction Incentive Program

This bill, introduced by Assemblymembers Tim Grayson, Sharon Quirk-Silva and Buffy Wicks, would have established a program to reimburse cities and counties for half of the state development fees they normally have to pay on housing to bring down costs.&nbsp;

This bill, introduced by Assemblymembers Tim Grayson, Sharon Quirk-Silva and Buffy Wicks, would have established a program to reimburse cities and counties for half of the state development fees they normally have to pay on housing to bring down costs.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2768">AB 2768</a> Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: database of facilities.

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB2768">AB 2768</a> Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: database of facilities.

Introduced by Assemblymember Marie Waldron, the bill would have required the state’s health and human services agency to set up a committee to study creating a comprehensive online database of available beds and treatment centers for mental health and substance abuse to help direct resources and people in need.&nbsp;

Introduced by Assemblymember Marie Waldron, the bill would have required the state’s health and human services agency to set up a committee to study creating a comprehensive online database of available beds and treatment centers for mental health and substance abuse to help direct resources and people in need.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB1602">AB 1602</a> Student, Faculty, and Staff Housing: California Student Housing Revolving Loan Fund Act of 2022.

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB1602">AB 1602</a> Student, Faculty, and Staff Housing: California Student Housing Revolving Loan Fund Act of 2022.

Despite <a href="https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2022/07/student-housing-affordable-dorms/">more than a billion dollars</a> in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s budget for loans for public colleges and universities to build housing, the bill that would have regulated how that money is spent, introduced by a long list of assemblymembers, failed to get anywhere this year.

Despite <a href="https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2022/07/student-housing-affordable-dorms/">more than a billion dollars</a> in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s budget for loans for public colleges and universities to build housing, the bill that would have regulated how that money is spent, introduced by a long list of assemblymembers, failed to get anywhere this year.

10 California state bills that never saw the light of day this year

Michael Barba

A movement to end racial disparities in traffic stops by banning officers from pulling over people for minor vehicle offenses is shaping up to be the next battle for police reform in San Francisco.

A movement to end racial disparities in traffic stops by banning officers from pulling over people for minor vehicle offenses is shaping up to be the next battle for police reform in San Francisco.

Around the country, state and local lawmakers are considering placing limits on a police practice known as a “pretextual stop.” The practice occurs when an officer pulls over a person for a low-level offense—like having a broken tail light—because they want to investigate the driver for an unrelated matter.

Around the country, state and local lawmakers are considering placing limits on a police practice known as a “pretextual stop.” The practice occurs when an officer pulls over a person for a low-level offense—like having a broken tail light—because they want to investigate the driver for an unrelated matter.

Police say pretextual stops are an important crime-fighting tool that can help take guns or drugs off the streets. But community advocates say the practice leads to officers unfairly pulling over Black and Latino people at disproportionately high rates, sometimes leading to deadly encounters.

Police say pretextual stops are an important crime-fighting tool that can help take guns or drugs off the streets. But community advocates say the practice leads to officers unfairly pulling over Black and Latino people at disproportionately high rates, sometimes leading to deadly encounters.

“These unnecessary interactions lead to use-of-force violations and they unnecessarily strain the relationship between communities and police in a way that isn’t providing any public safety benefit,” said Police Commissioner Max Carter-Oberstone, who wants to ban the practice in San Francisco.

“These unnecessary interactions lead to use-of-force violations and they unnecessarily strain the relationship between communities and police in a way that isn’t providing any public safety benefit,” said Police Commissioner Max Carter-Oberstone, who wants to ban the practice in San Francisco.

In Philadelphia, legislators recently <a href="https://www.phila.gov/media/20211109145453/executive-order-2021-06.pdf">barred officers from making certain low-level traffic stops</a>. Soon after, the Los Angeles Police Commission <a href="http://www.lapdpolicecom.lacity.org/030122/BPC_22-042.pdf">stopped officers</a> from making pretextual stops without some information that the driver was involved in a serious crime.

In Philadelphia, legislators recently <a href="https://www.phila.gov/media/20211109145453/executive-order-2021-06.pdf">barred officers from making certain low-level traffic stops</a>. Soon after, the Los Angeles Police Commission <a href="http://www.lapdpolicecom.lacity.org/030122/BPC_22-042.pdf">stopped officers</a> from making pretextual stops without some information that the driver was involved in a serious crime.

Search Results for: bill scott

Anti-vaxxer who threatened state Sen. Scott Wiener found guilty

With traffic enforcement way down, SF residents are taking safety into their own hands

Opinion: A modest proposal: It’s time for North Beach to secede from the city

10 California state bills that never saw the light of day this year

Battle for police reform: To reduce racial disparities, SFPD may ban minor traffic stops