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Board committee hears hours of testimony on proposal to stop Blue Angels flyovers of populated areas; motion to table passes
Summary
Supervisor Chris Daley's resolution asking the city to halt Blue Angels flyovers of populated areas drew hours of public testimony for and against the performance, with speakers citing safety, PTSD impacts and economic benefits. After debate the committee voted to table the resolution (roll call: Aliolapierre aye; Daley no; Ellsburn aye).
Supervisor Chris Daley introduced a resolution asking the City and County of San Francisco to seek a permanent halt to Blue Angels flyovers over populated areas, citing a fatal April crash elsewhere and San Francisco's precautionary principle in its environment code (section 101). Daley framed the item as a safety and public-health measure and invited public testimony.
The committee then heard more than two hours of public comment from dozens of San Franciscans. Supporters of the resolution emphasized safety risks and the effect of loud jet flyovers on veterans and immigrants with trauma. "It rattled him so badly he became... in tears," testified Ron Schmidt, describing a veteran he brought to class. Speakers cited the Beaufort, South Carolina crash and argued that a densely populated city increases the ground risk.
Opponents stressed Fleet Week's economic role and veteran outreach, and questioned whether the Board could change federal flight operations. Patricia Breslin of the Hotel Council said Fleet Week "generates hotel stays and sends individuals, tourists, residents alike to our various businesses," and the Port Commission expressed support for the air show but said it would support moving flights over water.
During debate, Daley offered an amendment to clarify the resolution would halt flyovers of populated areas only. Colleagues pressed for expert testimony and economic analysis before deciding. Supervisor (transcript: Alley appear) moved to table the item; the clerk called the roll on tabling. Supervisors Aliolapierre and Ellsburn voted Aye; Supervisor Daley voted No. The motion to table passed and the item was sent to the table; several supervisors indicated they might pull the item back to the full Board for further action.
The committee record shows substantial community disagreement: public-safety and trauma advocates urged a restriction on low-altitude overflights of neighborhoods, while business and veteran groups warned a ban could reduce Fleet Week's economic benefits and community engagement with veterans. The committee deferred further action pending additional analysis and potential full-board consideration.
