REPORT
March 7, 2025 Meeting Minutes
The Sheriff’s Oversight Board of the City and County of San Francisco met in regular session on Friday, March 7, 2025, with President Julie D. Soo presiding.
President Soo called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m.
President Soo extended a warm welcome to new board member Estela Ortiz, who provided a short introduction about her background. Additionally, President Soo graciously welcomed Christina Fletes, the Deputy City Attorney.
ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
On the call of the roll. Board Members Afuhaamango, Ortiz, Palmer, and Soo, were noted present. Member Carrión arrived at 2:13 p.m.
A quorum of the Board was present.
Dan Leung, Board Secretary, announced that Vice President Brookter and Member Nguyen’s terms expired March 1, 2025, and they would not be seeking reappointment. Their seats remain vacant pending reappointment by the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors.
Board Secretary Leung presented the ancestral homeland acknowledgement of the Ramaytush Ohlone, who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula.
President Soo led the Board Members and the audience in the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Board Secretary Leung further thanked SFGovTV for recording and televising the meeting on Cable Channel 26, and welcomed members of the public to attend board meetings and provide public comment in-person, by email at sdob@sfgov.org, or by US Postal mail addressed to the Office of the Inspector General, 1 South Van Ness Ave, 8th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103; and noted that in person comment was limited to 2 minutes with General Public Comment taken at the end of the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
There were no discussion or requests for corrections from any Board Members on the March 7, 2025, Regular Board Meeting Minutes.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Thierry Fill stated that advocating for truth is essential for the advancement of science, emphasizing the necessity of cultivating food within correctional facilities.
Member Palmer, seconded by Member Afuhaamango, moved to approve the March 7, 2025 Regular Board Meeting Minutes, as presented. The motion carried the following vote following public comment:
Ayes: Afuhaamango, Ortiz, Palmer, Soo
Nays: None
APPROVED.
PROCEDURES FOR RECRUITMENT OF AN INSPECTOR GENERAL
Ben Richey from the Department of Human Resources gave a presentation on the procedures and expenses with engaging a recruitment firm to attract applicants for the position of a new inspector general.
Members Carrión, Soo, and Afuhaamango engaged in discussion. The Deputy City Attorney provided an answer to one of the inquiries directed at her.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Thierry Fill stated that it is already suspect before you start and that you will have a certain number of candidates, a dozen or so and the best will be by drawing.
Member Carrión, seconded by Member Afuhaamango, moved to have DHR engage a recruitment firm to seek candidates for the position of inspector general. The motion carried the following vote after public comment:
Ayes: Afuhaamango, Carrión, Ortiz, Palmer, Soo
Nays: None
APPROVED.
PRESENTATION BY DAMIEN POSEY
Damien Posey, a distinguished community leader and motivational speaker, recounted his experience of discovering inspiration while incarcerated in federal prison. He also discussed his active participation in various community organizations and the establishment and mission of his organization, Us 4 Us. Mr. Posey recognized some of the members of Us 4 Us who were in attendance.
Members Soo, Palmer, Carrión, Ortiz, and Afuhaamango engaged in discussion.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Thierry Fill emphasized that one's origins are irrelevant; what truly matters is one's actions and future aspirations. It is essential to cultivate food. Avoid succumbing to pitfalls and being exploited. Maintain self-discipline.
BOARD MEMBER REPORT
Board Member Palmer delivered a presentation regarding the meals provided in correctional facilities and explored alternative food sources aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals.
Members Soo and Afuhaamango engaged in discussion.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Damien Posey agreed with the findings of the report, noting that during his time in prison, he explored vegan options but was limited to unpalatable choices such as tofu, peanut butter, and cheese, which ultimately led to health complications. He emphasized that individuals in incarceration should still have access to fundamental human necessities.
Thierry Fill requested that Mr. Posey eliminate the QR code. He further alleged that the food has been contaminated to enable pharmacies to profit significantly. According to him, the food is treated with nanoparticles containing aluminum. It is advisable to cultivate your own food.
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT OVERSIGHT BOARD 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
President Soo initiated discussion on the annual report and expressed appreciation to Member Afuhaamango for assuming responsibility for the drafting and presentation of the report.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
There was no public comment.
Member Carrión, seconded by Member Palmer, moved to accept the SDOB 2024 Annual Report as presented pending any minor typographical or grammatical corrections. The motion carried the following vote after public comment:
Ayes: Afuhaamango, Carrión, Ortiz, Palmer, Soo
Nays: None
APPROVED.
EVALUATION OF AMENDMENT TO SDOB RULES OF ORDER
President Soo initiated discussion on the amendment to SDOB Rules of Order.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Thierry Fill said he had no public comment because he didn’t know who the bill was for.
Member Carrion, seconded by Member Palmer, moved to approve a 2nd amendment to the SDOB Rules of Order removing the line “All items must be submitted before the close of business at least twenty-one (21) days preceding a regular Board meeting.” from Rule 1.14(a). The motion carried the following vote after public comment:
Ayes: Afuhaamango, Carrion, Ortiz, Palmer, Soo
Nays: None
APPROVED.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
President Soo initiated discussion on future agenda items which may include:
- Presentation on jail health by Dr. Lisa Pratt; and Dr. Hillary Kunins, who heads up the SF Mental Health initiative.
- Women’s groups working with incarcerated woman
- Head of Chinese Affirmative Action in LA doing outreach in Southern California which was nationally recognized.
- Presentation from Eddie Zheng
- Films at community meetings
- Presentation by Board Member Ortiz on the work she does.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Thierry Fill said to have local farmers teach the inmates how to grow food.
President Soo wished everyone a Happy Ramadan and reminded the board and public that this is the month of the United States vs. Wong Kim Ark case regarding birthright citizenship.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Thierry Fill said to stand up for science but stand up for truth first. Address the problem of weather manipulation of food poisoning; and that he will see us in a few months.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business and no objection from any Member, the Board adjourned at the hour of 4:11 p.m.
N.B. The Minutes of this meeting set forth all actions taken by the Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board on the matters stated.
Approved by the Sheriff's Department Oversight Board on June 6, 2025.
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Dan Leung, Board Secretary
Full video recording may be accessed at: sfgov.tv