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Peskin calls for investigations into SF Safe, Human Rights Commission as supervisors propose protections for legacy businesses
Summary
Board President Peskin urged audits and hearings into alleged embezzlement at SF Safe and conflicts at the Human Rights Commission; supervisors also introduced interim zoning controls to protect legacy neighborhood businesses and announced hearings on budget reserves and housing‑authority oversight.
President Peskin used his remarks Sept. 17 to call for immediate board oversight after recent reporting and audits tied to the SF Safe program and the Human Rights Commission. He asked the board’s Government Audit & Oversight Committee, the controller, the city attorney and, if necessary, law enforcement to investigate alleged misappropriation and conflict-of-interest issues.
"The oversight of the program that led to the arrest, was an abject failure," Peskin said, describing audit findings that led to felony charges and an arrest connected with SF Safe. He asked that the mayor appear before the board and that the controller and city attorney provide updates on actions taken following audit recommendations.
Separately, Peskin announced interim zoning controls designed to protect legacy neighborhood businesses from displacement, saying they would require conditional-use authorization to replace a legacy business and would extend protections citywide similar to existing rules in North Beach and the Mission.
Other supervisors amplified the oversight and accountability theme. Supervisor Walton said the Housing Authority and property manager Eugene Berger had "been completely derelict in its duties" and announced she will schedule a Rules Committee hearing into complaints about fraudulent leasing practices and evictions affecting public‑housing tenants.
Supervisor Safai added that the city has seen a string of ethical allegations and said the board should seek direct answers from the mayor's office and relevant departments. Several supervisors joined motions to refer matters to committee for hearings and analysis.
What happens next: Peskin requested formal hearings with assistance from the budget and legislative analyst, controller and city attorney; supervisors announced related committee referrals and upcoming hearings.
