JROTC Resolution Passes 8-1 as Board Approves $1.15 Billion in Home Care Contracts

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors cleared a packed agenda May 5, locking in over $1 billion in safety-net spending on in-home care, finalizing multi-year police and fire labor contracts, and wading into a pointed debate over the Board's role in directing school district resources. A graffiti enforcement hearing brought a parade of frustrated property owners to the podium, while new legislation targeting nitrous oxide sales and the seismically hazardous Hall of Justice signaled fights ahead.

• JROTC support resolution passes 8-1 after Supervisor Walton challenges cost claims and questions pressuring a budget-strapped school district

• $1.15 billion in in-home care contracts approved for seniors and people with disabilities through 2031

• Property owners testify about futile graffiti removal cycle, winning fee waivers for seven after blight assessment hearing

• Dorsey delays drug-free supportive housing vote one week to negotiate with SF Marin Medical Society

• Sauter introduces ban on retail nitrous oxide sales, citing 578% increase in related deaths

• Dorsey calls for relocating Hall of Justice to Market Street corridor, naming SF Centre and federal properties as possible sites

Board Backs JROTC 8-1, But Budget Tensions Surface

The Board adopted a resolution urging San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) to preserve its Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program as currently constituted — but the debate exposed a sharp divide over whether supervisors should be directing resources at a district staring down budget deficits.

Why it matters: JROTC has operated in San Francisco schools for over 90 years and currently serves more than 900 students at six high schools: Balboa, Galileo, Lincoln, Lowell, Mission and Washington. The program teaches leadership, first aid, conflict management and financial literacy, and does not recruit cadets into the military.

Where things stand: Supervisor Alan Wong, District 4 introduced the resolution, emphasizing dramatic enrollment growth.

"Enrollment has grown from 350 students three years ago to over 900 today. That growth is happening because the students and families who make this choice find real value in it," he said.

Over 100 current JROTC cadets, parents and supporters wrote to the Board in support.

The other side: Supervisor Shamann Walton, District 10, pushed back on the resolution's cost claims.

"It is not true that the cost is shared equally by the school district and the federal government," Walton said. "The school district pays 100% of the benefits for that position and 100% for all equipment."

Supervisor Connie Chan, District 1, proposed a compromise amendment adding language to encourage preservation "when SFUSD no longer faces budget deficits," but Wong declined, saying the change would undermine the resolution's intent.

Walton cast the lone dissent.

"I don't feel comfortable urging the district to preserve any program that is not specifically academic when they say their focus right now is to make sure that the 40-plus thousand students receive a quality education," he said.

Decisions: The resolution passed 8-1 (For: Chan, Sherrill, Sauter, Wong, Dorsey, Melgar, Mandelman, Chen; Against: Walton; Absent: Fielder, Mahmood). The vote signals broad Board support for the program but leaves the underlying question — who pays and at what cost to academics — squarely in SFUSD's lap.

Board Approves $1.15 Billion in Home Care Contracts

Why it matters: The largest dollar items on the agenda were two in-home supportive services (IHSS) agreements that together approach $1.15 billion — funding care for thousands of the city's most vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities.

The Board approved an amended contract with HomeBridge Inc. for contract-mode IHSS with a not-to-exceed amount of approximately $158.4 million, and a new five-year agreement with the SF IHSS Public Authority for independent-provider mode services totaling approximately $991.3 million, covering July 2026 through June 2031.

Both items passed without discussion.

Graffiti Fines Spark Frustration at Blight Hearing

A public hearing on blighted property assessment costs became an emotional forum for property owners trapped in a cycle of removing graffiti only to see it reappear within hours.

The basics: San Francisco Public Works issued 3,298 graffiti notices of violation since May 2025. Of those, 110 properties — just 3% — failed to abate in time and were assessed blight fees. Of 82 unpaid invoices totaling $32,192, only 20 had been paid ($7,900 recovered), and four were waived before the hearing.

Where things stand: Property owners from Chinatown, the Mission, Buena Vista, and elsewhere testified about the futility of compliance. Alan Kwong, representing the Yee Ying Foundation, described graffiti reappearing immediately after repainting at their 19th and Taraval building. Salvador, who has owned property at 2987–2995 24th Street since 1975, said graffiti returns overnight after each paint job; he was offered a city grant but couldn't meet the police report requirements. Nicosalema, owner of a property near a skate park at 15 Debose Avenue, said she installed lighting on three buildings to try to deter vandalism.

John described abating graffiti at 969 Buena Vista Avenue West, a property whose neglectful owner also has water and trash liens. Juana Thomas, Property Manager at Mercy Housing, said a building mural at 131 Sixth Street was graffitied beyond repair and has been painted over.

Decisions: After public comment, Public Works staff Woojoo Chung met with property owners outside the chamber and agreed to waive fines for seven additional individuals, striking 10 addresses from the final list. The amended report — 48 remaining invoices totaling approximately $22,712 — was approved unanimously ((For: Chan, Sherrill, Sauter, Wong, Dorsey, Walton, Melgar, Mandelman, Chen; Absent: Fielder, Mahmood). Those unpaid assessments will be placed as liens on property tax bills.

What's next: The hearing highlighted a persistent gap between code enforcement obligations and the reality of chronic vandalism, particularly in high-traffic neighborhoods. Property owners who received waivers still face future cycles of graffiti and potential re-assessment.

Dorsey Delays Drug-Free Housing Vote to Seek Compromise

Supervisor Matt Dorsey, District 6, moved to continue his drug-free permanent supportive housing ordinance for one week, citing ongoing negotiations with the recovery community and the San Francisco Marin Medical Society.

Why it matters: The ordinance would amend the Administrative Code to establish a city policy expanding drug-free site-based permanent supportive housing, bar evictions based solely on drug use, and require the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to survey residents about their preference for drug-tolerant or drug-free environments.

"I am encouraged by conversations I've had with recovery community allies in the medical community who believe that there is still common ground to find with the San Francisco Marin Medical Society," Dorsey said.

He referenced past collaborations with the Medical Society on sugary beverage health warnings, defeating Juul Labs' 2019 effort on tobacco control, and expanding buprenorphine and Narcan access.

What's next: The ordinance is expected to return to the Board at the next meeting. The one-week continuance gives Dorsey time to negotiate, but the legislation remains one of the more polarizing homelessness policy items on the Board's docket.

Sauter Targets Youth-Marketed Nitrous Oxide With Retail Ban

Supervisor Danny Sauter, District 3 introduced legislation to ban the retail sale of nitrous oxide — commonly sold as "whippets" under brand names like Galaxy Gas, Miami Magic and Cosmic Gas.

"This shows a clear pattern of manufacturers following the playbook of Big Tobacco and vape, marketing dangerous products to youth and vulnerable populations," Sauter said.

Why it matters: Sauter cited a University of Mississippi study showing a 578% increase in nitrous oxide deaths between 2010 and 2023, and San Diego County data showing 18 DUI crashes linked to nitrous oxide in a single year. A 2023 UK ban cut young adult usage by approximately 60%. The legislation allows exceptions for medical, catering and research uses. Co-sponsors are Supervisors Wong, Sherrill and Melgar, with support from the San Francisco Marin Medical Society.

What's next: The legislation will be assigned to committee.

Dorsey Pushes Hall of Justice Relocation to Market Street

Supervisor Matt Dorsey called for a hearing to explore relocating San Francisco's Hall of Justice to the Market Street corridor — a move he framed as both a seismic safety imperative and a downtown revitalization strategy.

"This mid-20th century behemoth was first identified as a serious seismic hazard in the Agnos administration and then listed for demolition in the Jordan administration," Dorsey said. "We have tempted fate far too long for too many years to allow its closure and relocation to languish further."

The current capital plan estimates $417 million for rebuild or replacement. Dorsey cited potential locations including the San Francisco Center, 5M, the Old Mint, the Whitcomb Hotel, the Twitter Building, 1 South Van Ness and 1455 Market — noting the emporium side of SF Center once housed the California Supreme Court 120 years ago. He also suggested the Police Academy could benefit from a Market Street relocation and flagged possible acquisition of federal properties identified by the Trump administration for sale, including 50 UN Plaza and the Speaker Nancy Pelosi Federal Building.

What's next: The hearing request will be scheduled before committee.

AAPI Heritage Month Honors Span Kung Fu Masters to Plaza Dancers

The Board's 2:30 p.m. special order kicked off AAPI Heritage Month with a series of commendations spanning cultural preservation, community organizing and small business.

APA Heritage Foundation president Claudine Chang described over 100 programs planned for May under the theme "Elevating Cultures," including dragon boat paddling at Lake Merced, a Cantonese opera sing-along and a youth changemakers program. San Francisco Arts Commission Co-chair Al Perez promoted the Chow Fun cultural culinary festival across the Excelsior, Ocean Avenue, Geneva Avenue, Visitation Valley and Portola neighborhoods, with 71 participating merchants.

Supervisor Chyanne Chen honored the Yau Kung Moon Kung Fu Sport Association and announced a resolution declaring May 15, 2026 as Yao Gong Mun Day. The organization's three masters — Susan Yee, Richard Ow and Norman Lau — were recognized for over 50 years of lion dance and martial arts in San Francisco. Supervisor Connie Chan honored Dane Lee for decades of Chinatown community leadership with Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association.

Supervisor Alan Wong commended Amy Kai and Lisa Zhu for their contributions to plaza dancing and Chinese folk dance, with a grand performance event scheduled for May 9. Supervisor Matt Dorsey honored Bini's Kitchen during Small Business Week.

Supervisor Sherrill recognized neighborhood organizer Leslie King of the Avila Street Corridor Neighborhood Association, and Supervisor Danny Sauter commended pedestrian safety advocate Harrison Anderson, who walked 50 miles across San Francisco after a toddler was killed in Mission Bay.

"Your action generated thousands in donations for Safe Street Advocacy with Walk SF and caught headlines across the Bay Area," Sauter said.

Minor Items

• Five lawsuit settlements totaling approximately $214,667 approved on consent, including settlements with Alison Jordan Llamas ($30,000), Craig Smith ($75,000), San Mateo DA ($69,000) and Ladies & Gentlemen Inc. ($40,600).

• $6.25 million DOJ COPS grant finalized to fund 50 new SFPD officer positions through September 2030.

• Four-year labor contracts approved for SFPOA and Firefighters Local 798 Units 1 and 2, effective July 2026 through June 2030.

• Transit-oriented housing ordinance passed on final reading, implementing San Francisco's alternative to state SB 79 — allowing more residential density near transit while permanently protecting industrial employment hubs.

• Curbside EV charging station permit program established through SFMTA.

• $1.5 million appropriation from the General Reserve for Public Defender salary costs.

• $408,021 NIH grant increase accepted for adolescent HIV/AIDS research.

• $50,000 state grant accepted for ADA restroom improvements.

• Temporary street closure rules updated for downtown events and community benefit districts.

• Helen Waukazoo Way commemorative street designation approved on Julian Avenue, honoring the founder of Friendship House.

• Bill Walsh Way renamed to Giants Drive at Candlestick Point.

• Liquor license approved for The Mellow SF at 1401 Haight Street.

• Howard Street sidewalk closure approved for Dreamforce 2026.

• AAPI Heritage Month, Star Wars Day (May 4) and Jewish American Heritage Month/SF Jewish Week (May 9–16) resolutions adopted.

• Board condemned ICE actions at SFO, urging continued sanctuary city compliance and congressional TSA funding.

• During general public comment, advocates urged a ban on plastic cigarette filters, citing 22,000 volunteers, 29 neighborhood association endorsements and 5,500 petition signatures. Bob Hall of Keep Crocker Real requested an Article 10 landmark nomination for Crocker Amazon Playground, a WPA-era New Deal landscape, opposing a demolition plan by Rec & Park and SF Giants LLC.

• Meeting adjourned in memory of labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr., Gap co-founder Doris Fisher and Sunset resident Jim Garcia Jr.