Jonah Owen Lamb

Michael Barba

San Francisco police have begun citing and arresting drug users—not just dealers—as part of a strategy meant to disrupt the “open-air” drug markets that dominate blighted pockets of downtown.

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San Francisco police have begun citing and arresting drug users—not just dealers—as part of a strategy meant to disrupt the “open-air” drug markets that dominate blighted pockets of downtown.

The tactic, which appears to have rolled out in the past month using federal funding SFPD secured in February, marks a departure for an agency that has regularly allowed users to inject or smoke substances in public.&nbsp;

The tactic, which appears to have rolled out in the past month using federal funding SFPD secured in February, marks a departure for an agency that has regularly allowed users to inject or smoke substances in public.&nbsp;

While police are mostly ticketing users and taking away their drugs and paraphernalia, officers have also started arresting those with outstanding warrants or who are violating terms of their release in open criminal cases, SFPD Chief Bill Scott said.

While police are mostly ticketing users and taking away their drugs and paraphernalia, officers have also started arresting those with outstanding warrants or who are violating terms of their release in open criminal cases, SFPD Chief Bill Scott said.

“We want people who are addicted to get help,” Scott said. “I very much understand harm reduction. But we have to disrupt this activity because the bottom line is it’s going unabated, we have had a significant spike in deaths, and I’m not saying by any stretch of the imagination that the police department is going to solve that problem, but I think we can disrupt it.”

“We want people who are addicted to get help,” Scott said. “I very much understand harm reduction. But we have to disrupt this activity because the bottom line is it’s going unabated, we have had a significant spike in deaths, and I’m not saying by any stretch of the imagination that the police department is going to solve that problem, but I think we can disrupt it.”

The move appears to explain <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/brooke-jenkins-dismisses-slew-of-paraphernalia-charges-in-reversal-that-signals-chaos-at-district-attorneys-office/">the unusual slew of more than a dozen standalone possession-of-paraphernalia cases</a> the District Attorney’s Office filed in recent weeks. While the office filed those charges, newly appointed District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who was sworn in on July 8, said she did not direct her staff to do so and ordered prosecutors this week to dismiss the cases.&nbsp;

The move appears to explain <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/brooke-jenkins-dismisses-slew-of-paraphernalia-charges-in-reversal-that-signals-chaos-at-district-attorneys-office/">the unusual slew of more than a dozen standalone possession-of-paraphernalia cases</a> the District Attorney’s Office filed in recent weeks. While the office filed those charges, newly appointed District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who was sworn in on July 8, said she did not direct her staff to do so and ordered prosecutors this week to dismiss the cases.&nbsp;

Scott detailed his plans for the first time Wednesday at the Police Commission. His announcement drew criticism from members of the civilian oversight body and at least one harm-reduction proponent who blasted the move as a return to the “war on drugs.”

Scott detailed his plans for the first time Wednesday at the Police Commission. His announcement drew criticism from members of the civilian oversight body and at least one harm-reduction proponent who blasted the move as a return to the “war on drugs.”

Individuals congregate and transit on a sidewalk in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco Calif., on Monday, July 4, 2022. Fentanyl and other opioids are common the Tenderloin neighborhood. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TenderloinCrackdown_INLINED01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63447"/><figcaption>Individuals congregate and transit on a sidewalk in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco Calif., on Monday, July 4, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TenderloinCrackdown_INLINED01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63447"/><figcaption>Individuals congregate and transit on a sidewalk in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco Calif., on Monday, July 4, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Scott said his effort is a response to skyrocketing overdose deaths in San Francisco largely due to the proliferation of fentanyl, as well as the constellation of violent crimes linked to downtown’s visible drug markets.

Scott said his effort is a response to skyrocketing overdose deaths in San Francisco largely due to the proliferation of fentanyl, as well as the constellation of violent crimes linked to downtown’s visible drug markets.

Police have made roughly 300 arrests for drug sales in the Tenderloin this year and cited over 150 people since July for using drugs out in the open, Scott said. Some of those users have been arrested as well, mostly for warrants.

Police have made roughly 300 arrests for drug sales in the Tenderloin this year and cited over 150 people since July for using drugs out in the open, Scott said. Some of those users have been arrested as well, mostly for warrants.

SFPD issued 42 paraphernalia citations in June, according to department data, compared to seven in May and three in April.&nbsp;

SFPD issued 42 paraphernalia citations in June, according to department data, compared to seven in May and three in April.&nbsp;

The crackdown is being funded in part by a $125,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services that the department applied for months ago, according to Scott. The grant expires sometime in August.

The crackdown is being funded in part by a $125,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services that the department applied for months ago, according to Scott. The grant expires sometime in August.

The decision to seize drug paraphernalia from users appears to fly in the face of city-funded harm-reduction efforts to reduce the spread of disease among users by handing out clean needles, foil and other equipment.

The decision to seize drug paraphernalia from users appears to fly in the face of city-funded harm-reduction efforts to reduce the spread of disease among users by handing out clean needles, foil and other equipment.

“That’s wildly counterproductive and goes against absolutely everything that we know works and doesn’t work,” Laura Thomas, a director of harm reduction with the San Francisco Aids Foundation, said in a phone call with The Standard. “There’s a widespread saying that we can’t arrest our way out of this problem, and in fact I&#8217;m pretty sure I’ve heard Chief Scott say those words before.”

“That’s wildly counterproductive and goes against absolutely everything that we know works and doesn’t work,” Laura Thomas, a director of harm reduction with the San Francisco Aids Foundation, said in a phone call with The Standard. “There’s a widespread saying that we can’t arrest our way out of this problem, and in fact I'm pretty sure I’ve heard Chief Scott say those words before.”

“That’s wildly counterproductive and goes against absolutely everything that we know works and doesn’t work,” Laura Thomas, a director of harm reduction with the San Francisco Aids Foundation, said in a phone call with The Standard. “There’s a widespread saying that we can’t arrest our way out of this problem, and in fact I&#8217;m pretty sure I’ve heard Chief Scott say those words before.”

Thomas described the strategy as being the “war on drugs—and we all know that that doesn’t work.”

Thomas described the strategy as being the “war on drugs—and we all know that that doesn’t work.”

SFPD Chief Scott speaks at a press conference on Jan. 25, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TenderloinCrackdown_FEATRURED-2500x1667.jpg" alt="SFPD Chief Scott speaks on police response to the rise in AAPI hate crimes on Jan. 25, 2022." class="wp-image-63444"/><figcaption>SFPD Chief Scott speaks at a press conference on Jan. 25, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TenderloinCrackdown_FEATRURED-2500x1667.jpg" alt="SFPD Chief Scott speaks on police response to the rise in AAPI hate crimes on Jan. 25, 2022." class="wp-image-63444"/><figcaption>SFPD Chief Scott speaks at a press conference on Jan. 25, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Public Defender Mano Raju <a href="https://twitter.com/ManoRajuPD/status/1549980184761081856?s=20&amp;t=lrHfqFVmkv9bAfGuaBrgrA">thought the “war on drugs” had already restarted</a> earlier this week after the new hard-on-crime District Attorney’s Office filed charges against more than a dozen people who had been cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Raju condemned the charges in what he saw as an attack on people who need treatment, not jail time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Public Defender Mano Raju <a href="https://twitter.com/ManoRajuPD/status/1549980184761081856?s=20&amp;t=lrHfqFVmkv9bAfGuaBrgrA">thought the “war on drugs” had already restarted</a> earlier this week after the new hard-on-crime District Attorney’s Office filed charges against more than a dozen people who had been cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Raju condemned the charges in what he saw as an attack on people who need treatment, not jail time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But the situation turned out to be more complicated than it initially seemed.&nbsp;

But the situation turned out to be more complicated than it initially seemed.&nbsp;

The charges were due to one assistant district attorney who erroneously filed in those 17 cases for no crimes other than possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

The charges were due to one assistant district attorney who erroneously filed in those 17 cases for no crimes other than possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Officials said the mistake was due to a now-fired employee, who directed the prosecutor to seek approval before dismissing standalone misdemeanor charges. When police began their new push, that prosecutor filed standalone charges instead of dismissing the cases as directed amid a vacuum in leadership as the office transitioned from recalled District Attorney Chesa Boudin to Jenkins.

Officials said the mistake was due to a now-fired employee, who directed the prosecutor to seek approval before dismissing standalone misdemeanor charges. When police began their new push, that prosecutor filed standalone charges instead of dismissing the cases as directed amid a vacuum in leadership as the office transitioned from recalled District Attorney Chesa Boudin to Jenkins.

Jenkins said she directed prosecutors to immediately withdraw those charges after finding out about the cases because they ran afoul of office policy.

Jenkins said she directed prosecutors to immediately withdraw those charges after finding out about the cases because they ran afoul of office policy.

“I am focused on holding serious drug dealers—particularly those dealing fentanyl—accountable,” Jenkins said earlier this week, “and not targeting and incarcerating those suffering from addiction.”

“I am focused on holding serious drug dealers—particularly those dealing fentanyl—accountable,” Jenkins said earlier this week, “and not targeting and incarcerating those suffering from addiction.”

Police target drug users in Tenderloin crackdown: ‘We have to disrupt this activity’

San Francisco police may soon have the power to tap into surveillance cameras in real time to investigate crimes and respond to large events—but only for a one-year trial period.

San Francisco police may soon have the power to tap into surveillance cameras in real time to investigate crimes and respond to large events—but only for a one-year trial period.

That’s the upshot of a new compromise between Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin over a hotly contested proposal to expand San Francisco police access to live surveillance cameras.

That’s the upshot of a new compromise between Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin over a hotly contested proposal to expand San Francisco police access to live surveillance cameras.

The deal is the latest twist in a years-long saga over the extent to which police can access camera networks run by business groups around San Francisco, commonly known as community benefit districts.

The deal is the latest twist in a years-long saga over the extent to which police can access camera networks run by business groups around San Francisco, commonly known as community benefit districts.

Typically, police access video from those cameras after a crime has already occured. But Breed wants officers to use those cameras in real time to monitor drug dealers and more effectively respond to large-scale incidents, including mass retail thefts in Union Square.

Typically, police access video from those cameras after a crime has already occured. But Breed wants officers to use those cameras in real time to monitor drug dealers and more effectively respond to large-scale incidents, including mass retail thefts in Union Square.

While <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/newly-appointed-da-brooke-jenkins-backs-proposal-to-expand-live-police-surveillance-our-tone-and-approach-matters/">Breed and her newly appointed district attorney, Brooke Jenkins,</a> support the surveillance push, the proposal <a href="https://www.eff.org/document/opposition-sfpd-proposal-live-surveillance-using-private-cameras">faces heavy opposition</a> from civil liberties groups that have criticized the plans for “dramatically” lowering the standards needed for police to tap into live camera feeds.

While <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/newly-appointed-da-brooke-jenkins-backs-proposal-to-expand-live-police-surveillance-our-tone-and-approach-matters/">Breed and her newly appointed district attorney, Brooke Jenkins,</a> support the surveillance push, the proposal <a href="https://www.eff.org/document/opposition-sfpd-proposal-live-surveillance-using-private-cameras">faces heavy opposition</a> from civil liberties groups that have criticized the plans for “dramatically” lowering the standards needed for police to tap into live camera feeds.

A composite image of San Francisco Mayor London Breed, left, at a press conference in the SoMa district on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 and District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin, right, at City Hall of San Francisco on May 3, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CamerasRules_INLINED.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64035"/><figcaption>A composite image of San Francisco Mayor London Breed, left, at a press conference in the SoMa district on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 and District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin, right, at City Hall of San Francisco on May 3, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Breed previously proposed expanding live police access to the camera networks for 24-hour periods during significant events with public safety concerns, as well as during investigations into ongoing crimes.

Breed previously proposed expanding live police access to the camera networks for 24-hour periods during significant events with public safety concerns, as well as during investigations into ongoing crimes.

The newest iteration of the proposal, negotiated by Breed and Peskin, further restricts that temporary live access. Police would only be allowed to view the cameras live during significant events “for placement of police personnel due to crowd sizes or other issues creating imminent public safety hazards.”&nbsp;

The newest iteration of the proposal, negotiated by Breed and Peskin, further restricts that temporary live access. Police would only be allowed to view the cameras live during significant events “for placement of police personnel due to crowd sizes or other issues creating imminent public safety hazards.”&nbsp;

To use the cameras during an investigation, police would need written approval from a captain or above and “credible information of criminal activity.”

To use the cameras during an investigation, police would need written approval from a captain or above and “credible information of criminal activity.”

Police would also have to submit quarterly reports on their surveillance usage to the Police Commission and Board of Supervisors. And the proposal includes a one-year sunset date, after which police would need to return to the Board of Supervisors to continue accessing live surveillance cameras.

Police would also have to submit quarterly reports on their surveillance usage to the Police Commission and Board of Supervisors. And the proposal includes a one-year sunset date, after which police would need to return to the Board of Supervisors to continue accessing live surveillance cameras.

A Board of Supervisors committee was due to vote on the proposal Monday, but pushed the decision until after the board’s summer recess in September.

A Board of Supervisors committee was due to vote on the proposal Monday, but pushed the decision until after the board’s summer recess in September.

Police can already gain live access to at least one of those camera networks, run by a group called the Union Square Alliance.

Police can already gain live access to at least one of those camera networks, run by a group called the Union Square Alliance.

In 2020, police secured a live feed from the group to monitor the shopping district after protests over the killing of George Floyd ended in looting. The usage spawned a lawsuit from civil liberties groups alleging that the police violated a local privacy law prohibiting city agencies from acquiring new surveillance technologies without prior approval from City Hall.

In 2020, police secured a live feed from the group to monitor the shopping district after protests over the killing of George Floyd ended in looting. The usage spawned a lawsuit from civil liberties groups alleging that the police violated a local privacy law prohibiting city agencies from acquiring new surveillance technologies without prior approval from City Hall.

But the Electronic Frontier Foundation and ACLU of Northern California lost the lawsuit in February, when <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/judge-sides-with-sfpd-in-lawsuit-alleging-cops-spied-on-george-floyd-protesters/">a San Francisco Superior Court judge found that the usage did not violate the law</a> because police used the cameras to live-monitor the 2019 Pride Parade—before the policy went into effect. The EFF and ACLU have since filed an appeal.

But the Electronic Frontier Foundation and ACLU of Northern California lost the lawsuit in February, when <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/judge-sides-with-sfpd-in-lawsuit-alleging-cops-spied-on-george-floyd-protesters/">a San Francisco Superior Court judge found that the usage did not violate the law</a> because police used the cameras to live-monitor the 2019 Pride Parade—before the policy went into effect. The EFF and ACLU have since filed an appeal.

At the committee hearing Monday, Peskin said the proposal seeks to balance the protection of “civil liberties and expectation of privacy with law enforcement&#8217;s ability to have tools that it needs to make San Francisco safe.”

At the committee hearing Monday, Peskin said the proposal seeks to balance the protection of “civil liberties and expectation of privacy with law enforcement's ability to have tools that it needs to make San Francisco safe.”

At the committee hearing Monday, Peskin said the proposal seeks to balance the protection of “civil liberties and expectation of privacy with law enforcement&#8217;s ability to have tools that it needs to make San Francisco safe.”

Police Chief Bill Scott struck a similar chord.

Police Chief Bill Scott struck a similar chord.

Scott said the changes to the policy protect the “constitutional rights to privacy that we all want to safeguard but also put guardrails in place for the responsible use of surveillance technology to address some of the crime issues in our city and protect large-scale public events.”

Scott said the changes to the policy protect the “constitutional rights to privacy that we all want to safeguard but also put guardrails in place for the responsible use of surveillance technology to address some of the crime issues in our city and protect large-scale public events.”

Supervisor Connie Chan seemed amenable to the proposal, calling the changes “very reasonable terms and conditions.”

Supervisor Connie Chan seemed amenable to the proposal, calling the changes “very reasonable terms and conditions.”

Expanded police access to live surveillance could begin as one-year trial in SF

Mike Ege

The Board of Supervisors returned from Summer recess to a light agenda that nonetheless included a few notable items, such as a leftover bit of housekeeping from the Boudin era at the District Attorney’s office, and a contested advertising contract. Meanwhile, some members of the board introduced what promised to be a comprehensive response to the city’s drug crisis. 

The Board of Supervisors returned from Summer recess to a light agenda that nonetheless included a few notable items, such as a leftover bit of housekeeping from the Boudin era at the District Attorney’s office, and a contested advertising contract. Meanwhile, some members of the board introduced what promised to be a comprehensive response to the city’s drug crisis.

As always, the wonks looking for the whole kit and caboodle can check out this week’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag090622_agenda.pdf">short agenda</a>.

As always, the wonks looking for the whole kit and caboodle can check out this week’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag090622_agenda.pdf">short agenda</a>.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carrying-justice">Carrying Justice&nbsp;</h2>

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<h2 id="h-carrying-justice">Carrying Justice&nbsp;</h2>

The board voted unanimously to clear a $47,500 settlement award to Breonna Richard, who was involved in an October 2019 incident that resulted in the criminal trial of San Francisco Police Officer Terrance Stangel.&nbsp;

The board voted unanimously to clear a $47,500 settlement award to Breonna Richard, who was involved in an October 2019 incident that resulted in the criminal trial of San Francisco Police Officer Terrance Stangel.&nbsp;

Richard’s companion, Dacari Spiers, was severely injured when Stangel subdued him with a baton in response to a 911 call reporting a domestic violence incident. Then-District Attorney Chesa Boudin charged Stangel with four felonies, prompting the first-ever trial of a San Francisco Police officer for excessive force on duty.

Richard’s companion, Dacari Spiers, was severely injured when Stangel subdued him with a baton in response to a 911 call reporting a domestic violence incident. Then-District Attorney Chesa Boudin charged Stangel with four felonies, prompting the first-ever trial of a San Francisco Police officer for excessive force on duty.

Stangel was acquitted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-boudin-dealt-blow-as-sf-police-officer-found-not-guilty-in-landmark-excessive-force-case/">of three of the charges</a>; the jury failed to find on a fourth. Allegations of&nbsp; withholding of exculpatory evidence in the case prompted Police Chief Bill Scott to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-police-commission-skewers-chief-scott-for-breaking-reform-agreement-with-da-chesa-boudin/">briefly sever an agreement</a> on investigation of use of force cases. Nevertheless, Speirs was awarded a $700,000 settlement, which Supervisors approved after<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/220207-bos-proxy-war/"> a discussion in closed session</a>, in February.

Stangel was acquitted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-boudin-dealt-blow-as-sf-police-officer-found-not-guilty-in-landmark-excessive-force-case/">of three of the charges</a>; the jury failed to find on a fourth. Allegations of&nbsp; withholding of exculpatory evidence in the case prompted Police Chief Bill Scott to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-police-commission-skewers-chief-scott-for-breaking-reform-agreement-with-da-chesa-boudin/">briefly sever an agreement</a> on investigation of use of force cases. Nevertheless, Speirs was awarded a $700,000 settlement, which Supervisors approved after<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/220207-bos-proxy-war/"> a discussion in closed session</a>, in February.

The board also voted unanimously to retroactively authorize a gift of $250,000 worth of legal services from the University of San Francisco’s Racial Justice Clinic to the DA’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-chesa-boudin-innocence-commission-helps-free-man-free-murder-case/">Innocence Commission</a>.&nbsp;

The board also voted unanimously to retroactively authorize a gift of $250,000 worth of legal services from the University of San Francisco’s Racial Justice Clinic to the DA’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-chesa-boudin-innocence-commission-helps-free-man-free-murder-case/">Innocence Commission</a>.&nbsp;

Boudin created the commission to support the office’s Post-Conviction Unit, which investigates wrongful convictions. Lara Bazelon, the USF law professor in charge of the USF clinic, is also chair of the Innocence Commission. She also participated in the campaign against Boudin’s recall.

Boudin created the commission to support the office’s Post-Conviction Unit, which investigates wrongful convictions. Lara Bazelon, the USF law professor in charge of the USF clinic, is also chair of the Innocence Commission. She also participated in the campaign against Boudin’s recall.

Since Boudin’s departure, the commission’s future has been called into question. Supervisors passed a resolution in July urging current District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sfs-new-da-brooke-jenkins-ex-prosecutor-who-led-chesa-boudin-recall-named-his-successor/">Brooke Jenkins</a> to preserve its work. Jenkins promised to do so, but<a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/firings-rumored-in-first-major-staffing-shakeup-by-da-brooke-jenkins/"> she also fired an attorney that was working with the body</a>.&nbsp;

Since Boudin’s departure, the commission’s future has been called into question. Supervisors passed a resolution in July urging current District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sfs-new-da-brooke-jenkins-ex-prosecutor-who-led-chesa-boudin-recall-named-his-successor/">Brooke Jenkins</a> to preserve its work. Jenkins promised to do so, but<a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/firings-rumored-in-first-major-staffing-shakeup-by-da-brooke-jenkins/"> she also fired an attorney that was working with the body</a>.&nbsp;

Retroactive grant approvals like this come before the board fairly regularly, and other departments also had some on this week&#8217;s agenda. Supervisors occasionally take the opportunity to probe why they’re needed.&nbsp;

Retroactive grant approvals like this come before the board fairly regularly, and other departments also had some on this week's agenda. Supervisors occasionally take the opportunity to probe why they’re needed.&nbsp;

Retroactive grant approvals like this come before the board fairly regularly, and other departments also had some on this week&#8217;s agenda. Supervisors occasionally take the opportunity to probe why they’re needed.&nbsp;

That didn’t happen at this week’s meeting, but resolution sponsor Supervisor Dean Preston did question Tara Anderson, the DA’s policy director, on the status of the program and related issues. Anderson replied that the commission and its work would be continued—but with a “new staffing pattern,” details of which would be provided later.&nbsp;

That didn’t happen at this week’s meeting, but resolution sponsor Supervisor Dean Preston did question Tara Anderson, the DA’s policy director, on the status of the program and related issues. Anderson replied that the commission and its work would be continued—but with a “new staffing pattern,” details of which would be provided later.&nbsp;

Good News for Chinese, Neighborhood Papers

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-news-for-chinese-neighborhood-papers">Good News for Chinese, Neighborhood Papers</h2>

<h2 id="h-good-news-for-chinese-neighborhood-papers">Good News for Chinese, Neighborhood Papers</h2>

Tuesday also closed the book on<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/spat-over-chinese-newspaper-contracts-shines-fresh-light-on-sf-supervisors-history-of-media-meddling/"> a conflict over a contracts to Chinese-language media over outreach advertising.</a>&nbsp;

Tuesday also closed the book on<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/spat-over-chinese-newspaper-contracts-shines-fresh-light-on-sf-supervisors-history-of-media-meddling/"> a conflict over a contracts to Chinese-language media over outreach advertising.</a>&nbsp;

Supervisors unanimously added Chinatown-based Wind Newspaper as the city’s outreach advertising platform to Chinese speakers citywide. The item had generated controversy when Supervisor Connie Chan amended the item to include one of Wind Newspaper’s competitors, Sing Tao Daily, in contracts for outreach to Chinese speakers in certain neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Supervisors unanimously added Chinatown-based Wind Newspaper as the city’s outreach advertising platform to Chinese speakers citywide. The item had generated controversy when Supervisor Connie Chan amended the item to include one of Wind Newspaper’s competitors, Sing Tao Daily, in contracts for outreach to Chinese speakers in certain neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Chan’s inclusion of Sing Tao Daily prompted allegations of “special treatment” by Wind Newspaper publisher Portia Li. Chan’s office countered that Sing Tao better served recent immigrant communities in her district and some other neighborhoods around the city.&nbsp;

Chan’s inclusion of Sing Tao Daily prompted allegations of “special treatment” by Wind Newspaper publisher Portia Li. Chan’s office countered that Sing Tao better served recent immigrant communities in her district and some other neighborhoods around the city.&nbsp;

The controversy prompted a return of the bill to committee, where Supervisor Gordon Mar made another amendment to include World Journal, another competitor, based on similar claims, with Mar noting the papers “have built up their readerships in distinct ways to serve different parts of the community.”&nbsp;

The controversy prompted a return of the bill to committee, where Supervisor Gordon Mar made another amendment to include World Journal, another competitor, based on similar claims, with Mar noting the papers “have built up their readerships in distinct ways to serve different parts of the community.”&nbsp;

Mar’s amendment also adds the Potrero View newspaper for outreach to neighborhoods in the southeastern part of the city.&nbsp;

Mar’s amendment also adds the Potrero View newspaper for outreach to neighborhoods in the southeastern part of the city.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-drugs-and-bad-drugs">Good Drugs and Bad Drugs</h2>

<h2 id="h-good-drugs-and-bad-drugs">Good Drugs and Bad Drugs</h2>

During roll call, Supervisor Matt Dorsey introduced a resolution, co-sponsored by colleagues Rafael Mandelman and Catherine Stefani, urging city departments and commissions to report on what resources they would need to participate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/nobodys-going-to-jail-supes-plan-to-fix-drug-crisis-asks-city-bosses-for-ideas-within-90-days/">in a citywide strategy to reduce overdose deaths and other harms caused by open-air dealing of fentanyl and other drugs.&nbsp;</a>

During roll call, Supervisor Matt Dorsey introduced a resolution, co-sponsored by colleagues Rafael Mandelman and Catherine Stefani, urging city departments and commissions to report on what resources they would need to participate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/nobodys-going-to-jail-supes-plan-to-fix-drug-crisis-asks-city-bosses-for-ideas-within-90-days/">in a citywide strategy to reduce overdose deaths and other harms caused by open-air dealing of fentanyl and other drugs.&nbsp;</a>

Dorsey described the resolution as an initial step in a coordinated policy dubbed “San Francisco Recovers.” The program would combat overdose deaths and street-level drug dealing by incentivizing and supporting recovery, and abating drug markets and associated nuisances. Dorsey acknowledged the work of City Attorney David Chiu to secure $100M in funding for the program from recently won <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-wins-landmark-opioid-trial-against-walgreens/">verdicts and settlements against opioid manufacturers.&nbsp;</a>

Dorsey described the resolution as an initial step in a coordinated policy dubbed “San Francisco Recovers.” The program would combat overdose deaths and street-level drug dealing by incentivizing and supporting recovery, and abating drug markets and associated nuisances. Dorsey acknowledged the work of City Attorney David Chiu to secure $100M in funding for the program from recently won <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-wins-landmark-opioid-trial-against-walgreens/">verdicts and settlements against opioid manufacturers.&nbsp;</a>

Later in the session, the board unanimously passed another resolution sponsored by Preston supporting “entheogenic plant practices,” which appears to be the new way to describe use of organic psychedelics such as Psilocybin mushrooms.&nbsp;

Later in the session, the board unanimously passed another resolution sponsored by Preston supporting “entheogenic plant practices,” which appears to be the new way to describe use of organic psychedelics such as Psilocybin mushrooms.&nbsp;

Many of<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sfs-push-to-decriminalize-psychedelics-could-unlock-a-whole-new-trip-for-underground-merchants/"> the city’s “myco-preneuers” are ambivalent</a> about the legislation, as while it may take the heat off of psychedelics, the resulting commercialization could have unintended consequences similar to those that have occurred in the cannabis market.&nbsp;

Many of<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sfs-push-to-decriminalize-psychedelics-could-unlock-a-whole-new-trip-for-underground-merchants/"> the city’s “myco-preneuers” are ambivalent</a> about the legislation, as while it may take the heat off of psychedelics, the resulting commercialization could have unintended consequences similar to those that have occurred in the cannabis market.&nbsp;

Also during roll call, Mandelman requested a hearing on the state of traffic enforcement in the city, noting that there were 22 traffic fatalities so far this year and that the city had “no discernable plan toward better street safety,” as evidenced by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/with-traffic-enforcement-way-down-sf-residents-are-taking-safety-into-their-own-hands/">a marked decline in traffic enforcement</a>.&nbsp;

Also during roll call, Mandelman requested a hearing on the state of traffic enforcement in the city, noting that there were 22 traffic fatalities so far this year and that the city had “no discernable plan toward better street safety,” as evidenced by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/with-traffic-enforcement-way-down-sf-residents-are-taking-safety-into-their-own-hands/">a marked decline in traffic enforcement</a>.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Agency, which is in charge of managing the city and county’s streets, has relied on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/street-safety-transit-agency-gets-a-start-on-cutting-car-speeds/">passive enforcement and education, combined with reduction in speed limits</a>, in efforts to make traffic safer.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Agency, which is in charge of managing the city and county’s streets, has relied on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/street-safety-transit-agency-gets-a-start-on-cutting-car-speeds/">passive enforcement and education, combined with reduction in speed limits</a>, in efforts to make traffic safer.&nbsp;

Supervisors roundup: Bad drugs, good drugs, and Boudin leftovers

Han Li

Footage of attacks—including some <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/high-profile-attacks-against-asian-americans-in-sf-rarely-lead-to-hate-crime-charges/">high-profile incidents in San Francisco</a>—helped raise awareness about a surge in reported violence and discrimination against people of Asian descent since the pandemic.

Footage of attacks—including some <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/high-profile-attacks-against-asian-americans-in-sf-rarely-lead-to-hate-crime-charges/">high-profile incidents in San Francisco</a>—helped raise awareness about a surge in reported violence and discrimination against people of Asian descent since the pandemic.

Now, as San Francisco mulls whether to expand police access to live security cameras, some local Asian American leaders are calling on the Board of Supervisors to ramp up surveillance in hopes of deterring crimes.

Now, as San Francisco mulls whether to expand police access to live security cameras, some local Asian American leaders are calling on the Board of Supervisors to ramp up surveillance in hopes of deterring crimes.

Lily Ho, who founded the <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/sf-chinatown-remains-resilient-through-pandemic-asian-hate-and-increased-robberies/2903928/">Delta Chinatown Initiative</a>, believes more cameras will make the neighborhood safer by preventing crime or offering visual proof when it happens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lily Ho, who founded the <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/sf-chinatown-remains-resilient-through-pandemic-asian-hate-and-increased-robberies/2903928/">Delta Chinatown Initiative</a>, believes more cameras will make the neighborhood safer by preventing crime or offering visual proof when it happens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“With anti-Asian hate plaguing our community, we rely on security cameras to act as a deterrence,” she said, “and to provide evidence to ensure justice can be served to victims of crime.”

“With anti-Asian hate plaguing our community, we rely on security cameras to act as a deterrence,” she said, “and to provide evidence to ensure justice can be served to victims of crime.”

Camera footage can provide important evidence when “victims and witnesses are too scared to testify,” Ho noted.

Camera footage can provide important evidence when “victims and witnesses are too scared to testify,” Ho noted.

Ho’s nonprofit initiative has received funding to install cameras in the neighborhood—and dozens are already keeping watch over the busiest parts of Chinatown, including major commercial corridors and small alleyways.

Ho’s nonprofit initiative has received funding to install cameras in the neighborhood—and dozens are already keeping watch over the busiest parts of Chinatown, including major commercial corridors and small alleyways.

“We continue to install more,” she added.

“We continue to install more,” she added.

Monday’s <a href="https://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/player/clip/41701?view_id=13&amp;redirect=true">Board of Supervisors meeting</a> brought polarizing opinions on the proposal to grant the San Francisco Police Department access to live-monitor private security cameras. On one hand, opponents raised concerns about government overreach and erosion of privacy.

Monday’s <a href="https://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/player/clip/41701?view_id=13&amp;redirect=true">Board of Supervisors meeting</a> brought polarizing opinions on the proposal to grant the San Francisco Police Department access to live-monitor private security cameras. On one hand, opponents raised concerns about government overreach and erosion of privacy.

Asian Law Caucus, a civil rights advocacy nonprofit, called into the meeting and expressed concern about the cameras making “activists, immigrants, and communities of color” vulnerable to discrimination by law enforcement. They <a href="https://www.aclunc.org/sites/default/files/2022.07.8_SFPD_cam_policy_coalition_letter.pdf">co-signed a letter</a> with multiple groups strongly opposing the law.

Asian Law Caucus, a civil rights advocacy nonprofit, called into the meeting and expressed concern about the cameras making “activists, immigrants, and communities of color” vulnerable to discrimination by law enforcement. They <a href="https://www.aclunc.org/sites/default/files/2022.07.8_SFPD_cam_policy_coalition_letter.pdf">co-signed a letter</a> with multiple groups strongly opposing the law.

However, proponents touted real-time camera surveillance as a way to prevent and solve crimes. 

However, proponents touted real-time camera surveillance as a way to prevent and solve crimes.

Multiple Cantonese speakers called into public comment to voice support for the legislation pitched by Mayor London Breed and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/newly-appointed-da-brooke-jenkins-backs-proposal-to-expand-live-police-surveillance-our-tone-and-approach-matters/">endorsed by Brooke Jenkins</a>, the district attorney she appointed to replace Chesa Boudin.

Multiple Cantonese speakers called into public comment to voice support for the legislation pitched by Mayor London Breed and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/newly-appointed-da-brooke-jenkins-backs-proposal-to-expand-live-police-surveillance-our-tone-and-approach-matters/">endorsed by Brooke Jenkins</a>, the district attorney she appointed to replace Chesa Boudin.

“Many of these crimes were not reported because of language barriers and the lack of surveillance cameras to document the assaults and even homicides,” said Marlene Tran, a longtime public safety activist in Visitacion Valley and a Stop Crime San Francisco board member.

“Many of these crimes were not reported because of language barriers and the lack of surveillance cameras to document the assaults and even homicides,” said Marlene Tran, a longtime public safety activist in Visitacion Valley and a Stop Crime San Francisco board member.

Tran also criticized City Hall for not providing interpretation services for Cantonese speakers who dialed into the meeting to support the bill. A board clerk explained that no interpretation request was made beforehand.

Tran also criticized City Hall for not providing interpretation services for Cantonese speakers who dialed into the meeting to support the bill. A board clerk explained that no interpretation request was made beforehand.

Though Ho supports adding more cameras, she said she’s not fully on board with granting SFPD access to real-time monitoring. But she’s keeping an open mind, she said, and plans to discuss the matter with her team members after the law is settled.&nbsp;

Though Ho supports adding more cameras, she said she’s not fully on board with granting SFPD access to real-time monitoring. But she’s keeping an open mind, she said, and plans to discuss the matter with her team members after the law is settled.&nbsp;

Supervisor Gordon Mar holds a press conference in the Taraval Police Station community room to address safety concerns and an initiative to supply Ring doorbells to elderly residents for surveillance purposes, on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SurveillienceCamera_FEATURED00.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63194"/><figcaption>Supervisor Gordon Mar holds a press conference in the Taraval Police Station community room to address safety concerns and an initiative to supply Ring Doorbells to elderly residents for surveillance purposes, on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

On Tuesday, Supervisor Gordon Mar also highlighted the importance of the surveillance cameras by convening a press conference to announce more funding for the Ring Doorbell surveillance cameras for Sunset residents.

On Tuesday, Supervisor Gordon Mar also highlighted the importance of the surveillance cameras by convening a press conference to announce more funding for the Ring Doorbell surveillance cameras for Sunset residents.

The program, which provides Ring cameras free of charge to Mar’s constituents, has been “by far the most popular new safety program that I’ve helped support,” he said.&nbsp;

The program, which provides Ring cameras free of charge to Mar’s constituents, has been “by far the most popular new safety program that I’ve helped support,” he said.&nbsp;

Ring Doorbell has partnered with local nonprofits to help install the cameras for residents. Mar has allocated a $35,000 grant in this year’s budget from his own office’s addback to buy 120 Ring surveillance cameras for Sunset residents.

Ring Doorbell has partnered with local nonprofits to help install the cameras for residents. Mar has allocated a $35,000 grant in this year’s budget from his own office’s addback to buy 120 Ring surveillance cameras for Sunset residents.

Mar also revealed his intent to support the mayor’s proposal of police live surveillance, saying it’s helpful to use technology tools to address crime, but asking SFPD to ensure that they would not “step over the line.”

Mar also revealed his intent to support the mayor’s proposal of police live surveillance, saying it’s helpful to use technology tools to address crime, but asking SFPD to ensure that they would not “step over the line.”

Viral videos of attacks amplified the ‘Stop Asian Hate’ movement. Now, Chinese community leaders want more cameras

San Francisco’s public school board will decide Tuesday whether to <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/goto?open&amp;id=CGQL2B5357B0">formally admonish</a> one of its commissioners over her remarks stereotyping Black and Latino communities.

San Francisco’s public school board will decide Tuesday whether to <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/goto?open&amp;id=CGQL2B5357B0">formally admonish</a> one of its commissioners over her remarks stereotyping Black and Latino communities.

Board members will vote on Ann Hsu’s censure—which would be largely a symbolic gesture—at a special meeting Tuesday night. Hsu is expected to attend in what would be her first board appearance since the controversy unfolded a little more than two weeks ago.

Board members will vote on Ann Hsu’s censure—which would be largely a symbolic gesture—at a special meeting Tuesday night. Hsu is expected to attend in what would be her first board appearance since the controversy unfolded a little more than two weeks ago.

In a prepared statement, SFUSD leaders said Hsu’s comments “undermine and run counter to” the board’s values and are “hurtful and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.”&nbsp;

In a prepared statement, SFUSD leaders said Hsu’s comments “undermine and run counter to” the board’s values and are “hurtful and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a joint letter with more than 300 signatures from Hsu’s supporters asked that the school board member—who was appointed earlier this year by Mayor London Breed—stay in office. The statement pushes back against calls from a number of public officials who have demanded that Hsu step down.

Meanwhile, a joint letter with more than 300 signatures from Hsu’s supporters asked that the school board member—who was appointed earlier this year by Mayor London Breed—stay in office. The statement pushes back against calls from a number of public officials who have demanded that Hsu step down.

https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Hsu-community-letter-for-Concerned-San-Franciscans-Final3.pdf

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The<a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/racially-insensitive-school-board-member-under-fire-over-comments-about-lack-of-family-support-for-struggling-students/"> controversy about Hsu</a> centers on her answer to <a href="https://secureservercdn.net/45.40.152.202/o40.3f1.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FORMATTED-Ann-Hsu-English.pdf">a candidate questionnaire</a> in which she said she sees one of the biggest challenges for SFUSD as the “lack of family support for those students” in the “Black and brown” community.

The<a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/racially-insensitive-school-board-member-under-fire-over-comments-about-lack-of-family-support-for-struggling-students/"> controversy about Hsu</a> centers on her answer to <a href="https://secureservercdn.net/45.40.152.202/o40.3f1.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FORMATTED-Ann-Hsu-English.pdf">a candidate questionnaire</a> in which she said she sees one of the biggest challenges for SFUSD as the “lack of family support for those students” in the “Black and brown” community.

In her supporters’ joint letter, the signatories said they know Hsu as a person of integrity and believe she said what she did without malice.

In her supporters’ joint letter, the signatories said they know Hsu as a person of integrity and believe she said what she did without malice.

“We believe driving Ann from office would be a disproportionate consequence, unfair to those who are counting on her to make San Francisco public schools better,” read the letter signed by former supervisor Tony Hall, Matt Gonzalez and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sfs-asian-community-divided-on-whether-school-leader-should-resign-over-offensive-comments/">many Asian American community members</a>.

“We believe driving Ann from office would be a disproportionate consequence, unfair to those who are counting on her to make San Francisco public schools better,” read the letter signed by former supervisor Tony Hall, Matt Gonzalez and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sfs-asian-community-divided-on-whether-school-leader-should-resign-over-offensive-comments/">many Asian American community members</a>.

Search Results for: brooke jenkins

Police target drug users in Tenderloin crackdown: ‘We have to disrupt this activity’

Expanded police access to live surveillance could begin as one-year trial in SF

Supervisors roundup: Bad drugs, good drugs, and Boudin leftovers

Viral videos of attacks amplified the ‘Stop Asian Hate’ movement. Now, Chinese community leaders want more cameras

Supporters rally behind Ann Hsu as SF school leaders prepare to formally admonish her