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Board approves first reading of Bernal Heights memorial for Alex Nieto, 9–1
Summary
On a 9–1 vote the board passed an ordinance on first reading directing Recreation and Park to install a memorial to Alex Nieto in Bernal Heights Park; supporters said it would aid community healing, while at least one supervisor opposed the measure citing concerns about message balance for public safety personnel.
The Board of Supervisors passed, on first reading, an ordinance directing the Recreation and Park Department to install a memorial to Alex Nieto at Bernal Heights Park. The measure passed 9–1, with Supervisor Farrell voting no.
Supporters described the memorial as a step toward community healing following the 2014 shooting that killed Nieto on Bernal Hill. Supervisor Avalos said the site was ‘‘the one place where Alex Nieto felt safe’’ and that a public memorial would acknowledge community pain and promote dialogue about use‑of‑force and policing policy. Supervisor Campos said the memorial would recognize the family’s loss and mark the city’s recent sequence of police‑involved deaths.
Supervisor Farrell said he could not support the ordinance because of concerns about how the memorial would be perceived by public‑safety personnel and cited a desire to ensure the city recognizes fallen officers as well. The board directed that the memorial design and text will go through the Arts Commission and associated public review; the ordinance waives permit and inspection fees for installation and affirms the Planning Department’s CEQA finding.
The ordinance passed on first reading and will return for final adoption after the required second reading and Arts Commission process.
