Jesus Yáñez

My experience as a Californian immigrant of Mexican descent, a historically disproportionately represented group in the Criminal Justice System, has given me an invaluable perspective which will contribute to the Commission's efforts to improve the relationship between San Francisco's LatinX constituents and our SFPD. I've devoted over 25 years of my life to working with Systems-involved youth and families in the Social Services sector overseeing harm reduction, clinical counseling, education, advocacy, training, capacity-building, and developing violence prevention programs in the interest of creating a healthier community for everyone. Living near the 16th street corridor, next to Community Mental Health and homeless services programs on Capp Street, I have a firsthand view of some of SF's most vulnerable individuals and the recurring interactions they have with SFPD and our First responders. I've seen heartwarming interactions but also situations that have escalated unnecessarily, further informing my views on effective policing. I am particularly invested in ensuring that our SFPD officers receive the proper training to provide effective support to our residents with disabilities.