Public safety as a political issue

But the concern is countywide and appears to be prompted by a number of factors: Increased retail theft, auto break-ins and porch piracy; the ongoing media reports about these problems in San Francisco and Oakland; and the high-profile presence of the homeless individuals and prominent encampments, which contribute to unease among many residents.

This makes all the more urgent the substantial vacancies in local police departments. The 100 vacancies in the Sheriff’s Office have been widely noted by Sheriff Christina Corpus. But all the local departments struggle to maintain the ranks.

DISPUTATIOUS DALY CITY: It is hard to determine precisely whether the latest intramural fighting at the Daly City Council is sadly comical or comically sad. Or just sad.

It would take too much space to catalogue all the ways the City Council has opted to fight with one another, but it culminated in a vote this week to censure Councilmember Pamela DiGiovanni and refer her conduct to the state Fair Political Practices Commission. The councilmembers who are targeting her — Juslyn Manalo, Rod Gaus-Magbual and Ray Buenaventura (soon to leave for a job outside the county) seem obsessed with DiGiovanni to the exclusion of something more important to their residents, which would be just about anything else at this point.

The censure vote came after the completion of a six-month investigation by an outside consultant into accusations DiGiovanni, among other things, misused city copiers and a vehicle and, heavens, repeatedly greeted an unnamed person with “Hey Girl,” and then took too long to stop. The city manager did not return a phone call to find out how much the investigation cost, but I am guessing more than $100,000. The result was a report that is 96 pages, with 16 attachments that detailed 19 DiGiovanni “issues.”

It all sounds serious, but it is not. In fact, it is petty and here’s how you know: The council reorganized in anticipation of Buenaventura’s departure and voted 3-2 to elect Manalo mayor. But when it was time to take a new picture of the council for the council website page, the majority uninvited DiGiovanni and her lone ally, Glenn Sylvester.

NOTE TYPE NOTES: The Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County has sponsored its own online petition calling on Millbrae to withdraw the lawsuit it filed challenging the county’s effort to convert a La Quinta Inn to long-term housing for formerly homeless seniors and families. It says the lawsuit is based on “a racist 73-year-old law” that nonetheless remains on the books. … State Sen. Josh Becker happily trumpeted his election as chair of the Bay Area state legislative caucus, but the honor may be short-lived. As the rest of the region pushes for a merger of transportation agencies, including BART and Caltrain, Becker’s own hometown elected officials are mounting resistance to the effort. This puts him squarely in the hot seat. … Writing for public consumption can lead to verbal jags, and I got on one recently, using the word “key” three times in the space of about 15 words. Kurt Vonnegut would call this an “existential hiccup.”

BE LIKE DON: As I prepare to wade through the mail, ads and social media postings that will bring the March 5 primary to a crescendo, I have been contemplating the best way to assess the candidates. I reached this conclusion: Who will Be Like Don.

That would be Don Horsley, the former San Mateo County sheriff and supervisor who died just about two months ago.

As a politician and elected official, he was a rarity — someone comfortable with himself who had no overriding need to gain attention or power. He went everywhere and talked with everyone. He liked people, he believed in government, he believed in public service and he showed up. And, for someone who spent much of his life in government, he was innovative and sought collaborate, creative initiatives to the problems people face.

There are dozens and dozens of people running for office right now at every level. More will be running when the city council elections roll onto the ballot in November.

Do these candidates know why they want the job? Do they know themselves? Do they have fresh ideas? Will they embrace the public and seek input?

Will they Be Like Don?

Mark Simon is a veteran journalist, whose career included 15 years as an executive at SamTrans and Caltrain. He can be reached at marksimon@smdailyjournal.com.