Bay Area

Westside Residents and Business Owners Rally to Support of Mayor Breed’s Public Safety Budget

Westside residents and small business owners rallied Tuesday in support of Mayor London Breed’s public safety budget proposal that is currently before the Board of Supervisors, which is in final budget deliberations over the next few days. The Mayor’s Budget focuses on key areas of public safety, including building back police staffing, expanding alternatives to policing, and shutting down open-air drug markets.

Published

3 years ago

July 5, 2023

Oakland Post

(Pictured left to right:) San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Joel Engardio (who represents the Sunset neighborhoods of District 4) and Police Chief Bill Scott.

Public safety investments are part of the City’s recovery efforts, including in westside neighborhoods where residents face safety challenges around residential, commercial, and vehicular break-ins. The Sunset District also has seen the most catalytic converter thefts in the City.

Westside community members called for the approval of funding focused on rebuilding police staffing and tackling the City’s public safety challenge

Mayor’s Office of Communications

“Our residents and small businesses and neighborhoods across the City, including the Westside, are calling for more support for public safety which is why is critical for my public safety proposal to pass,” said Breed. “We must invest in public safety initiatives, including building back our police department staffing, expanding police alternatives, and holding people accountable by disrupting open-air drug sales in the City.”

“Sunset residents experience the most catalytic converter thefts in the city and our police station has one of the greatest shortage of officers. We need to invest in enough police officers for a city our size, so every neighborhood has the protection it deserves. We should also invest in policing alternatives that can let officers focus on serious crimes,” said Supervisor Joel Engardio, who represents the Sunset neighborhoods of District 4.

“A healthy and functioning city cannot allow an open drug market. No resident should have to pass through misery and mayhem on their way to work or school,” Engardio continued. “That’s why it’s important to fund the coordination of local, state, and federal public safety agencies to end the dealing of deadly fentanyl and provide users with life-saving treatment.”

At the rally, residents and small businesses, in addition to calling out the need for public safety citywide, focused on neighborhood issues like residential, commercial and vehicular break-ins.

The Mayor’s Budget was introduced to the Board of Supervisors on June 1. Currently, the Board is holding hearings in the Budget and Finance Committee which is set to pass a final budget this week.

Building Back Our Police Force

San Francisco has seen an increase in applications for the Police Department over the last six months, with levels reaching interest not seen since 2018. This is welcomed news after recent struggles to fill Academy classes. To take advantage of this growing interest in SFPD, the Mayor’s Budget:

Funds 220 new officers over the next two years, with a goal of reaching 1,800 sworn officers this year. This is part of a multi-year strategy to reach full staffing in the next five years.
Supports the recently approved contract to make San Francisco the highest paid starting salary for officers in the Bay Area.
Sets dynamic Academy class goals so that the Department is ready to start classes as they fill.
Supports SFPD recruitment efforts to conduct various outreach strategies, improve the application process, and continue to add resources dedicated to recruiting.

“San Francisco is at a turning point. We cannot afford to lose the valuable progress we’ve made in increasing public safety and holding people who commit harm accountable,” said Police Chief Bill Scott. “We’re working hard to build on the success we’ve had in hiring more officers, expanding our civilian ambassadors, and taking deadly drugs off the streets.”

Expanding Alternatives to Policing

San Francisco continues to be a leader in moving non-law enforcement work away from police officers to provide a more appropriate response, and to free up our officers to focus on crime and safety issues.

Expanding civilianization staffing by funding 22 new Police Service Aides, who assist with administrative duties and write and file reports on low-priority incidents.
Continuing call diversion efforts, including funding for the Street Response Teams.
Maintaining the current level of ambassadors in the City, including recent expansions. This includes SFPD Community Ambassadors (retired police officers), Urban Alchemy in the Tenderloin and Mid-Market; Welcome Ambassadors in Downtown and tourist areas; BART attendants in Downtown transit stations, and the Mission Ambassadors.

Closing Down Open-Air Drug Markets

San Francisco has prioritized shutting down open-air drug markets to remove the harm it causes in our neighborhoods and for those struggling with addiction. This has been paired with expanded treatment and services through our Department of Public Health and other outreach programs.

The budget funds the recent expansion of prosecutors in the District Attorney’s Office dedicated to targeting drug dealing and contains funding for a coordinated city effort led by the Department of Emergency Management to shut down the City’s open-air drug markets.

This effort will focus on three key areas: open drug sales, public drug use, and illegal fencing of stolen goods in the drug market areas.

“The mayor’s proposed budget provides much needed resources that will improve our ability to close open-air drug markets, and hold suspected drug dealers accountable,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “I am grateful to the mayor for prioritizing public safety and addressing the most urgent needs facing our communities.”

“We need accountability with compassion if we are going to solve San Francisco’s drug crisis,” said Sheriff Paul Miyamoto. “Between SFPD’s arrests on the street and the SFDA’s prosecutions in the courtroom, the Sheriff’s Office stands right in the middle; whether a person is in jail or supervised out of custody, we have to lead those suffering from addiction into sobriety and rehabilitation. Some people volunteer to get better –others need to be compelled. Our deputies are here to facilitate both.”

As part of this effort:

SFPD, the Sheriff, and the District Attorney will coordinate with state and federal law enforcement partners to identify and arrest drug dealers and traffickers, disrupt the supply chain, and reduce the profitability of this criminal operation;
SFPD and the Sheriff are coordinating to arrest and detain those who pose a danger to themselves and to others. Anyone detained in our jails is supported by Jail Health Services and offered access to voluntary services upon release. At the same time, city health and homelessness outreach workers will continue the proactive outreach in targeted neighborhoods, offering a wide range of public health and homelessness services to those on our streets;
SFPD will enforce against illegal sales of stolen goods and support Public Works’ inspection efforts, confiscation, and other enforcement against vending in violation of our existing lawful street vending program.
“As a longtime volunteer community activist, I applaud Mayor Breed’s upcoming budget to focus on public safety,” said Marlene Tran, Visitation Valley community leader. “Her planned investments in long-term police hiring and maintaining ambassador programs are very sound priorities. Closing down open drug markets will save many lives and increase public safety. In addition, for justice to prevail, more resources for the important work of the District Attorney’s Office to prosecute the wide range of crimes is welcome news.”
“Our organization fully supports these public safety efforts put forth by Mayor Breed,” said Frank Noto and Eric Chang, president and vice president of Stop Crime SF. “We need to address safety issues from all angles, and this includes making sure our police department is adequately staffed, supporting and expanding alternatives to policing, and disrupting the open-air sales of dangerous drugs.”
“The ambassadors who are retired police officers have been so great with engaging our merchants and residents, making sure they feel safe and are connected with resources,” said Bill Barnikel, president of Outer Sunset Merchant Professional Association. “I want to thank Mayor Breed and Supervisor Engardio for making sure that their public safety efforts are consistent with the west side of the City.”

“Safety is a vital priority for the Chinese community. The Sunset Chinese Cultural District and Wah Mei School have been proud to work with Supervisor Engardio on community engagement through a Night Market and other events to bring community together. Events offer an alternative to policing and is one of many solutions to bring joy and foster a sense of community,” said Lily Wong, director of Community Engagement at Wah Mei School and Sunset Chinese Cultural District director.

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Mayor Thao, Rebecca Kaplan Back Resolution Endorsing Barbara Lee’s “Moneyball Act” Legislation

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Oakland Mayor Pushes Charter Overhaul to Clarify Roles in City Government, Increase Accountability and Improve Service Delivery

Under the proposal, the mayor would serve as Oakland’s chief executive, overseeing city departments, implementing policy, proposing the annual budget, and managing day-to-day operations. The measure would also give the mayor veto power over legislation and the budget, though the City Council could override a veto with a two-thirds vote.

Published

6 days ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. File photo.

By Oakland Post Staff

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee is backing a sweeping proposal to restructure Oakland’s government, arguing the changes would make City Hall more accountable and improve the delivery of basic services like public safety, homelessness response, and infrastructure repairs.

The charter reform measure, introduced April 7 and co-sponsored by Oakland City Council President Kevin Jenkins, would ask voters in November to approve a “strong mayor, strong council” system designed to create clearer lines of authority inside city government.

The City Council, meanwhile, would maintain legislative authority by adopting ordinances, approving budgets, conducting oversight hearings, and confirming key mayoral appointments. The proposal would also create an Independent Budget and Legislative Analyst Office to provide nonpartisan fiscal and policy analysis for councilmembers.

“I’ve spent months listening to Oaklanders across every neighborhood about what they expect from their city government,” Lee said. “The Charter Reform Working Group’s engagement made clear that residents want a system where there are no questions about who is responsible for delivering results on public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, and basic services.”

Jenkins said the proposal would strengthen both executive leadership and council oversight.

“I’ve long believed Oakland works best when residents have clear lines of accountability and a government structure that aligns responsibility with results,” Jenkins said.

The proposal follows recommendations from the Mayor’s Charter Reform Working Group, co-facilitated by the League of Women Voters of Oakland and SPUR.

Over five months, the group conducted more than 60 interviews, held 14 public meetings across Oakland, and engaged more than 750 residents while reviewing governance models used in other cities.

“The process of engaging residents across Oakland surfaced the governance clarity Oakland needs,” said Sujata Srivastava of SPUR. “The Charter Reform Working Group has produced a thoughtful set of recommendations that if adopted could strengthen accountability and improve service delivery across city government.”

Polling cited by the mayor’s office suggests voters may be open to the changes. A February 2026 poll by the East Bay Polling Institute found 64% of voters support adopting a strong-mayor system. Separate polling conducted by the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and David Binder Research found support ranging from 61% to 63% among likely voters.

The measure is scheduled to be heard by the City Council Rules Committee on May 21. If approved by the council, it would appear on the November 2026 ballot, where Oakland voters would have the final say.

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Activism

The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Hold Day of Advocacy at the Capitol in Sacramento

A member of the “Divine Nine,” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization was established by 22 women who sought to shift the group’s focus from social activities to public service, academic excellence, and social activism.

Published

6 days ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro) presents a Senate resolution to the Delta Theta Sigma Sorority Farwest Region at the State Capitol on May 4. Photo courtesy of the Senate Rules Committee.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

On May 4, members of the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., convened at the California State Capitol for the organization’s 23rd annual Delta Days in Sacramento.

The two-day advocacy event brings together chapters from across California to engage directly in the legislative process, connect with lawmakers, and advocate for policies impacting Black communities.

Members of the sorority were honored on the Senate floor by Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro), who is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta.

Richardson welcomed the Farwest Region during the presentation of a Senate resolution recognizing outgoing Regional Director Kimberly Usher for her leadership and service.

“In addition to the Far West Region, we are led by a fearless leader, regional director Kimberly Usher. She has now served her full term of what’s allowed,” Richardson said. “We are going to be having our regional conference, but we wanted to give it to her here, officially recognizing her service.”

The resolution was co-authored by Richardson and fellow members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Delta Sigma Theta, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).

Usher has served in the leadership role since 2022.

“We are founded on sisterhood that is deeply rooted in scholarship, service, and social action,” said Weber Pierson, a member of the Gamma Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

“Today, we continue a legacy of empowering communities and upholding the high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards established by our founders over a century ago,” she added.

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Bay Area

Q&A with Steven Bradford: Why He Wants Your Vote for California Insurance Commissioner

Known for his work on issues ranging from energy and public safety to economic development, Bradford has also engaged with insurance policy during his time in the Legislature, serving on the Senate Insurance Committee.

Published

6 days ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Hon. Steve Bradford, candidate for California Insurance Commissioner.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

As California confronts rising insurance costs, market instability, and growing concerns about access and equity, the race for the state’s top insurance regulator is drawing increased attention.

Among the candidates is Steven Bradford, a veteran public servant with more than two decades of experience in government, including eight years in the State Senate and five years in the State Assembly.

Now, he is making his case to voters for why his background and perspective best position him for the role of California’s next insurance commissioner.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Bradford about his campaign experiences, key issues he plans to solve if elected, and his vision for the insurance commissioner role.

For readers who may not be familiar, what does the Insurance Commissioner do, and how would you use that role to address issues impacting communities in California?

The Insurance Commissioner is both a regulator and an administrator. The office oversees the entire insurance market—approving companies to operate, licensing agents and brokers, and reviewing rate increases or decreases.

This role is about oversight and action. The commissioner should be a watchdog, not a bystander, especially in a state like California, which has the third-largest insurance market in the world.

Last year, you shifted your campaign from running for lieutenant governor to the race for insurance commissioner. What spurred that decision?

Insurance impacts every part of people’s lives. You can’t buy a home without it—that contributes to the housing crisis. You can’t legally drive without it—that affects people’s ability to work. And businesses can’t operate without it.

For years, insurance has disproportionately impacted low-income communities and people of color. While everyone is feeling the strain now, those communities have long been hit hardest. That’s why it’s critical that insurance is not just available, but affordable.

What sets you apart from the other candidates in this race?

My record: 26 years of public service. I’ve shown up, stood up, and spoke up for Californians.

A recent Supreme Court decision impacting the Voting Rights Act has raised concerns about representation. What message do you have for voters in California regarding the importance of their vote?

It’s alarming. If people think this doesn’t affect them, they’re mistaken. There’s a real effort to roll back decades of progress and silence voters.

Your vote is your most powerful tool, and we have to use it—every election.

What are you hearing from voters as you campaign across the state?

Affordability and transparency.

People are struggling with rising costs, and many don’t fully understand what their insurance policies cover.

We saw that clearly in places like Altadena and the Palisades—people had insurance but were underinsured. They didn’t realize their coverage wouldn’t meet the cost to rebuild. That’s unacceptable.

We must acknowledge the inequities in the system. The FAIR Plan has roots in discrimination, and today we still see disparities based on ZIP code and income. We need a more competitive and equitable market where consumers have choices.