Public Safety Committee Regular Meeting – May 9, 2024
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee Regular Meeting – May 9, 2024
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors met on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Chair Supervisor Catherine Stephanie presided, with Supervisor Melgar subbing for Vice Chair Joel Ongardio and Supervisor Dorsey present. The committee heard three liquor license applications, a hearing on city handling of sexual assault and harassment allegations, and a hearing on SFPD recruitment, hiring, and retention. All liquor license items were approved unanimously, the sexual assault hearing was filed with planned legislation to move the SHARP office, and the staffing hearing was continued to the call of the chair.
Liquor License Approvals (Items 1–3)
Item 1 – Castro Theatre (429 Castro Street)
- Applicant: APE SF LLC (Another Planet Entertainment) for a Type 90 on-sale general music venue license.
- Police Report: Zero letters of protest/support; high crime area; Mission Station no opposition; ABC liaison recommended approval with noise, loitering, and litter conditions.
- Applicant Statement: Dan Surratt (Vice President) noted the license would replace a patchwork of temporary catering licenses, ensure RBS-certified staff, and support the theater’s restoration. He cited zero overserving incidents at APE’s other venues (Bill Graham Civic and the Independent) over 14–20 years.
- Public Comment: Ralph Hibbs (Castro Community Benefit District treasurer) spoke in favor, stating the license would bring destination events, help reduce retail vacancy from 25% to 15% over 18 months, and benefit local businesses.
- Supervisors: Supervisor Dorsey expressed support for the historic LGBTQ+ venue. Chair Stephanie noted District 8 Supervisor Mandelman’s support.
- Vote: Motion to forward a positive recommendation to the full board passed 3–0 (Melgar, Dorsey, Stephanie ayes; Ongardio excused).
Item 2 – The Lab (2948 16th Street)
- Applicant: The Lab SF for a Type 64 special on-sale general theater license.
- Police Report: Zero letters; high crime area; Mission Station no opposition; same recommended conditions.
- Applicant Statement: Executive Director Andrew Smith explained the nonprofit lab (founded 1984) hosts 50–100 events annually and faces a rent increase from $30,000 to $190,000 per year in six months. The license would provide a revenue stream to continue arts programming.
- Public Comment: None.
- Supervisors: Chair Stephanie noted District 9 Supervisor Ronen’s support.
- Vote: Motion passed 3–0.
Item 3 – Domaine SF (2331 3rd Street)
- Applicant: Domaine SF LLC for a Type 42 on-sale beer and wine license.
- Police Report: Zero letters; low crime area; not high concentration; Bayview Station no opposition; same conditions.
- Applicant Statement: No representative present.
- Public Comment: None.
- Supervisors: Chair Stephanie noted District 10 Supervisor Walton’s support.
- Vote: Motion passed 3–0.
Hearing on City Handling of Sexual Assault and Harassment Allegations (Item 4)
Supervisor Hillary Ronen led the hearing, recalling a 2018 hearing that led to the creation of the Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP). She emphasized the need to refocus SHARP on holding city departments accountable, and announced plans to move SHARP from the Human Rights Commission to the Office of Victim and Witness Rights with stronger confidentiality and reporting requirements.
SFPD Presentation (Captain Alexa O’Brien and Deputy Chief Robert O’Sullivan):
- Stated that one in five women, nearly one in four men, and 81% of women/43% of men experience sexual violence in their lifetime.
- SFPD Special Victims Unit receives approximately 8,700 reports per year, but only about 1,000 are sexual assault cases (forcible rape and others). Investigators dropped from 70 to 32. In 2023, 91 arrests were made (12.8% of reported cases).
- Rape kit turnaround average 39 days; 154 kits in 2023, 61 resulted in foreign DNA profiles, 20 CODIS matches.
- SVU participates in monthly SART meetings, Denim Day events, and has shifted to more trauma-informed questioning (e.g., not asking “what were you wearing?”).
- Supervisor Ronen questioned why only 12.8% of cases result in resolution and why more public awareness campaigns aren’t done. Captain O’Brien acknowledged lack of a campaign but noted improved media engagement.
SHARP Office Presentation (Director Mary Davis and Policy Director Dulce Garcia):
- SHARP has two staff (Kelly Lou Dinsmore and Dulce Garcia) and focuses on prevention and community partnerships, but has not fully executed its legislative mandate to hold city departments accountable.
- Since inception, SHARP received 72 direct complaints (67 complainants, 33 ongoing investigations) and 187 broadly community-informed contacts. Many complainants seek resources, not formal investigation.
- Policy recommendations include a referral card system, rehousing protocols for survivors (working with HSH and DPW), and youth prevention education.
- SHARP established the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Collective in February 2021, meeting monthly with over 30 organizations.
- Director Davis acknowledged shortcomings in follow-up and data collection, and welcomed the planned move to OVWR.
District Attorney’s Office Presentation (Chief of Staff Monifa Willis):
- Filing rate for sexual assault cases rose from 31% in 2020 to 78% in 2023.
- Victim Services connects with survivors within 24 hours, offers needs assessment, Cal VCB compensation, and continues services even if charges are not filed.
- Advocates receive specialized training; the office promotes kit tracking and healthy relationships workshops in schools.
- Recommended cross-training among agencies and earlier involvement of victim advocates.
Public Comments: Eight speakers testified, including survivors, community organizers (El/La Para TransLatinas, Youth Commission, UCSF researcher, etc.), all expressing strong support for SHARP’s community-centered work and urging preservation of its survivor-led approach. Several speakers criticized law enforcement and called for abolitionist alternatives; one teacher described ongoing trauma from an unsolved assault. All emphasized that SHARP’s role is vital for marginalized communities.
Supervisor Melgar: Emphasized need for systemic, measurable recommendations with regular reporting and accountability from all departments.
Chair Stephanie: Supported moving SHARP to OVWR for consolidated victim services and noted the need for public awareness funding.
Outcome: Motion to hear and file the item passed 3–0. Supervisor Ronen will introduce legislation to transfer SHARP and strengthen its mandate.
Hearing on SFPD Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention (Item 5)
Chair Stephanie stressed the critical sworn officer shortage (over 700 positions short) and the need for transparency in recruitment efforts.
SFPD Presentation (Deputy Chief Peter Walsh, with DHR’s David Heepner):
- As of May 1, 2024, total sworn officers: 1,583 (including airport); full-duty patrol officers in 10 district stations: 769.
- Attrition outpaced hiring since 2020: in 2019 net gain of 4 officers; in 2020 net loss of 89; 2021 loss of 111; 2022 loss of 124; 2023 loss of 85. Approximately 70 officers left due to vaccine mandate.
- Projected retirements: 3% at age 55/25 years; but new contract longevity pay may improve retention.
- Hiring process: from application to academy graduation takes 8–9 months. Backgrounds are a bottleneck.
- Recruitment improvements: contract with All-Star for modern branding/targeting; implementation of Smart Recruiter to automate communications and tracking; use of third-party medical vendors (Conscentra) to speed medical checks; training Prop F retired officers and FTOs to assist with backgrounds (35 new background investigators in pipeline); civilianization efforts: budget request for 25 non-sworn crime scene investigators, and pilot for PSAs to respond to cold property crimes.
- Laterals: can be hired and in field training within a month; four laterals hired recently; recruiting at guard/reserve units and Sacramento State (majority women program).
DHR Presentation (David Heepner):
- Custom hiring process for Q2 (police) in Smart Recruiter will improve data and automate stages. Vendor contracts for medical exams reduce wait times. Background tracking via Smart Recruiter will increase transparency.
Supervisor Questions:
- Supervisor Melgar asked about demographic drop-off in hiring; Deputy Walsh noted blind application process but plans to use Smart Recruiter to identify disparities. She also highlighted 30x30 initiative (30% women by 2030) and need for a dedicated project manager.
- Supervisor Dorsey expressed gratitude and hope for continued hearings. He noted confusion over sworn staffing numbers and requested consistent reporting.
- Chair Stephanie emphasized focus on targeted recruitment and laterals, noting many funded vacancies (approximately 300+). She asked for legislative help; Deputy Walsh asked the board to consider the long lead time and avoid short-term cuts to recruitment funding.
Public Comment: None.
Outcome: Motion to continue the item to the call of the chair passed 2–0 (Melgar and Stephanie ayes; Dorsey excused, Ongardio excused). Chair Stephanie will schedule a follow-up hearing.
Key Outcomes
- Liquor licenses: All three approved unanimously to the full board with positive recommendations.
- Sexual Assault/Harassment Hearing: Filed. Supervisor Ronen to introduce legislation transferring SHARP to Office of Victim and Witness Rights with enhanced confidentiality, reporting, and accountability.
- SFPD Staffing Hearing: Continued to call of chair for future updates. Emphasis on investing in recruitment technology, laterals, and 30x30.
Meeting Transcript
The meeting will come to order. Welcome to the May 9th, 2024 regular meeting of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee. I'm Supervisor Catherine Stephanie, Chair of the Committee. And to my right, we are joined by Supervisor Melgar, who will be subbing in today for our Vice Chair Joel Ongardio. And to my left is Supervisor Dorsey. The clerk is Miss Monique Creighton, and I'd also like to thank Seuss Enos at SFGov TV for staffing this meeting. Madam Clerk, do we have any announcements? Yes, and please make sure to silence all cell phones and electronic devices. Documents to be included as part of the file should be submitted to the clerk. Public comment will be taken on each item on this agenda. When your item of interest comes up in public comment is called, please line up to speak on your right. Alternatively, you may submit public comment in writing in either of the following ways. First, you may email them to myself, the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee clerk at M O N IQ UE. C R A Y T O N at S F G O V dot org, or you may send your written comments via U.S. Postal Service to our office in City Hall, one Dr. Colton B Goodlit Place, Room 244, San Francisco, California 94102. If you submit public comment in writing, it will be forwarded to the supervisors and also included as part of the official file on which you are commenting. Finally, items acted upon today are expected to appear on the Board of Supervisors Agenda of May 21st, 2024, unless otherwise stated. Thank you, Madam Clerk. And before we begin today's meeting, I'd like to make a motion to excuse Vice Chair and Guardio. And on the motion to excuse Vice Chair and Guardio. Member Melgar. Member Melgar I, um, Member Dorsey, Member Dorsey I, and Chair Stephanie. Aye. Chair Stephanie I. I have three ayes. Thank you. Will you please call the first item? Yes, the first item is a hearing to consider that the issuance of a type 90 on sale general music venue liquor license to APE SF L L C to do business as the Castro Theater located at 429 Castro Street will serve the public convenience or necessity of the city and county of San Francisco. Thank you, and I'd like to welcome Officer Jonas from the SFPD ABC licensing unit. Thank you. Good morning, Supervisors. Uh you have before you a public convenience and necessity report for another planet entertainment SF as the Castro Theater. They've applied for a Type 90 license, and if approved, this would allow them to operate an on-sale general music venue at 429 Castro Street. There are zero letters of protest, zero letters of support. They are located in plot 418A, which is considered a high crime area. They are in Census Tract 206.01, which is considered a high concentration area. Mission Station has no opposition. And the ABC liaison unit's recommendation is approval with the following conditions. Number one, except as provided in condition two, no noise shall be audible beyond the area under the control of the licensee. Number two, petitioner shall actively monitor the area under their control in an effort to prevent the loitering of persons on any property adjacent to the licensed premise as depicted on ABC 253. And finally, the petitioner shall be responsible for maintaining free of litter the area adjacent to the premises over which they have control as depicted on ABC 253. Thank you, Officer. I don't see any names on the roster. Do we have any representatives of the applicant present that would like to speak? Come on up. Good morning, supervisors. My name is Dan Surratt. I'm vice president of business affairs at another planet entertainment. And I just want to thank you for your time this morning to discuss the long overdue placement of a liquor license at the Castro Theater.
openpublica.com