Hi everybody
Lots and LOTS of quick-changing developments happened this week - including shakeups among police commissioners and a new effort to reform police oversight altogether! I will keep you updated on how you can be involved.
Please reach out with any questions or comments!
Rajni
UPDATE - HOW YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE
Flock contract approved by Alameda County Supervisors
New ballot measure proposed for police oversight reform
Councilmember Ken Houston has proposed a ballot measure to Council to reform the police commission - which includes simplifying its appointment structure, and removing its power to hire and fire the Police Chief. This item will be heard in Council at May 7th at 10:30am. Stay tuned for updates!
Police commissioner appointments
Last night the Police Commission voted to appoint Alternate Commissioner Omar Farmer as a full commissioner to fill the vacancy left by former commissioner Wilson Riles - and did so without following the legal requirements from the City Attorney (whose opinion was a direct result of your advocacy). They stated that they do not have to follow the City Attorney’s opinion because they have their own legal counsel.
The Selection Panel will select four new commissioners - to replace the holdover positions twice-rejected by Council as well as two new vacancies. Selections will be made by the end of May (they have over 50 applications so far!). Apply here by April 30th.
Measure NN commission will edit its plan
OPSPOC, the Measure NN commission, received your emails and will change multiple parts of its Community Violence Reduction Plan - thank you! Their final plan will be sent to Council next month.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT - CITY AUDITOR
Our City Auditor, Michael Houston, does a great job investigating and highlighting ways the City can improve, including police oversight, collection of business tax revenue, and illegal dumping. Their 911 reponse time report has won a national award.
Sign up for their newsletter here - and improve accountability by urging the City to follow the Auditors’ recommendations.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 5th, 3:30pm, Council Chambers City Hall
Topics include appointment of Doug Wong to the Police Commission, and OPD’s contracts for cell-phone technology and crime-database lookup. All of these items have generated controversy in committee - stay tuned for ways to be involved!
Rules Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 7th, 10:30am, Council Chambers City Hall
Council will formally discuss a proposal for charter reform of the Police Commission. More updates to come!
Case Management Conference (NSA)
Wednesday, May 27, 3:30pm, 450 Golden Gate Ave, SF
This is the federal court hearing regarding federal oversight of OPD. Hear from the Mayor, City Attorney, OPD, and City Administrator as they explain the City’s progress towards full compliance. Get in touch to carpool (we’ll take BART).