Hearing reveals lack of accountability among SF SAFE board amid funding disputes

December 05, 2024 | San Francisco County, California

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Hearing reveals lack of accountability among SF SAFE board amid funding disputes

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, officials expressed frustration over the lack of accountability and progress regarding the payment of individuals involved in community safety initiatives. The discussions centered on the ongoing issues with the SF SAFE program, particularly concerning the absence of key figures, including Mr. Lawson and Mr. Ye, who have not provided clarity on the organization's directors and officers liability policy.

Supervisor Raza Melgar highlighted the disappointment that this was the third hearing on the matter without any proposed solutions for compensating those owed payments. While the amounts in question may not significantly impact the overall city budget, they represent a substantial portion of annual income for the affected individuals. The supervisor emphasized the need for an interim plan to ensure these individuals receive their payments while awaiting potential reimbursements from lawsuits or insurance claims.

The meeting also addressed the challenges posed by pending criminal investigations and the reluctance of certain witnesses to appear before the committee. Deputy City Attorney Bridal Ressy noted that the witnesses' counsel has raised concerns about how their testimony might affect ongoing criminal proceedings. This has led to a stalemate, with the committee considering enforcement actions to compel testimony.

Additionally, the meeting touched on inconsistencies in statements made by the SF SAFE board regarding financial oversight and spending practices. Concerns were raised about the board's knowledge of financial irregularities, with evidence suggesting that previous warnings from accountants about spending controls were ignored.

As the meeting concluded, officials acknowledged the need for further discussions and potential legal actions to ensure accountability and transparency within the SF SAFE program. The ongoing situation underscores the complexities of managing community safety initiatives amid financial and legal challenges, leaving many questions unanswered as the city seeks to navigate these issues.

Converted from San Francisco County - Video Open Video Only in Windows Media Player - Jul 04, 2025 meeting on December 05, 2024
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