Kevin Benedicto

I’ve worked with Paul Yep since 2016 on a variety of public safety and policing issues, and I look forward to working with him as Interim Police Chief.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Thank you @DanielLurie for gathering over fifty AANHPI commissioners, department heads, and city officials in a show of unity and strength. It is an honor to serve the people of San Francisco.

But there is still more work to be done. I am committed to finding a Chief of Police who is ready to build on this progress.

SFPD’s progress is proof that evidence-based, effective reforms can build trust and keep both communities and officers safe.

I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow members of the Police Commission, Mayor Lurie, the Board of Supervisors, and most importantly the community to conduct a national search for a new SFPD Chief.

Even when we did not agree, he was always willing to work together towards our shared goal of making SFPD the best department it could be. I am grateful for his partnership and wish him best in his future endeavors.

I have always considered Chief Scott a trusted partner in efforts to increase transparency, accountability, and fairness in SFPD. In particular, I am very proud of the work we did together on SFPD policies on use of force and on combatting racially biased traffic stops.

I first met @SFPDChief eight years ago when he was just appointed, and I was working as a pro bono attorney on criminal justice reform issues. I have worked closely with him over the last eight years, including as a member of the Police Commission for these last three years.

Closing out Black History Month celebrating with and being inspired by community!

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped organize and distribute free groceries to seniors at the @SelfHelpElderly Chi Sing Community Center. A great service event organized by the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area Community Service Committee!

It was an honor to gather with community in Chinatown in celebration of Paul Yep’s appointment as Chief of Public Safety to Mayor Daniel Lurie. I look forward to working together to keep our city safe and ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in SFPD.

@JoelEngardio I was one of the scorers for the final round, truly incredible performances by both teams. Lincoln will make us so proud at the state competition.

As the saying goes, the kids are alright — especially in San Francisco’s Sunset district. The mock trial team at Lincoln High School are exuberant because they just won their first-ever citywide championship. Two other Sunset high schools (Lowell and St. Ignatius) made it to the finals. The Lincoln defense team appeared in the federal courthouse before United States District Court Judge William Orrick and faced off against last year’s winner, St. Ignatius. The trial was about the kidnapping of a political candidate during a heated election. Amanda Osowski is a lawyer who volunteers to coach the mock trial team. Amanda has been coaching for eight years and this is the first time Lincoln made it to the finals. Then they won the whole thing. “Everyone was screaming and crying,” Coach Amanda says of the big win. “The kids had their eyes on the prize from the beginning of the year. They really stepped up their practice this year.” Now, the Lincoln students get to compete for the state championship in Los Angeles from March 14 to 16. The Lincoln students are dedicated, practicing three hours after school from 4pm to 7pm once a week all year plus practices on weekends closer to competitions. There are also Zoom office hours with the coaches that kids attend in addition to practices. Amanda co-coaches with Jesse Lanier. This is Jesse's second year coaching the team. “We do whatever we can to make sure this is a positive experience for the kids,” says Coach Jesse. “The team motto is ‘locked in’ and the kids are very much locked in. They have a lot of drive and talent.” Amanda and Jesse say they are lucky that Lincoln is led by Principal Sharimar Balisi, who provides all the support they need. They’re also lucky to share the coaching responsibilities because it’s often difficult for school teams to find attorney coaches given the demands most lawyers have with their day jobs. Coach Amanda says the extra work is worth it. She loves giving back and gets a lot from the students in return. “These kids are so friendly, funny and down-to-earth. And they’re super hard-working. The team culture was what contributed to our victory,” Coach Amanda says. “Lincoln’s school spirit is very intense. The students have a strong sense of school pride.” Pictured: Folded arms — Clarisse Kim (left), Ivy Perkins, Aerin Song Hugs — Clarisse Kim (foreground) and Jack Simon (background) Photos by student Max Powers

As the son of immigrants who fled a corrupt and repressive regime to give their children a chance at a better life, it was an honor to speak in support of this resolution defending birthright citizenship. youtu.be/Pg8LPExyFVA?si…

@Richard09072671 @jd94110 @SFPD @sfchronicle @MaxMCO Seatbelt infraction laws are not one of the deprioritized stops under SFPD policy, as they can have a significant public safety benefit. Also, all laws are still enforceable under DGO 9.07, it does not change or modify the legality of any state or local law. Thanks for sharing.

@jd94110 @SFPD @sfchronicle @MaxMCO @KevinMBenedicto

Dear SFPD Police Commission- please read this & consider allowing @SFPD to enforce laws: Seat belt infraction leads to arrest of Bay Area man suspected in 2021 deadly shooting sfchronicle.com/crime/article/… via @sfchronicle

Jim’s colleagues, his friends, and his family have fought and continue to fight to honor his heroic sacrifice. It was an honor to meet them and thank them.

In particular his brother Lee worked with lawmakers after Jim’s death to help pass legislation that limited access to weapons and tools of war like assault weapons and body armor. (3/4)

Tonight I had the privilege to attend the 30th annual commemoration of the death of @SFPD Officer James Guellf, who was killed in the line of duty on November 14, 1994 in a gun battle with a heavily armed and armored suspect. (1/4)