How S.F. billionaire’s $1 million gift to police department could be better spent

By Tran Nguyen| SF Chronicle | June 16, 2024

Regarding “S.F. billionaire sets up charity to send $1 million gift to police department” (Crime, SFChronicle.com, June 11): Chris Larsen’s $1 million donation to the San Francisco Police Department highlights a disturbing reality: Our public safety can be bought. 

Billionaires like Larsen are funneling money into the police for “officer wellness” and community engagement. Meanwhile, our schools are suffering from budget deficits and our teachers struggle with unlivable wages. 

Our public schools are in crisis. Just six months ago, it was reported that San Francisco’s public schools are facing a $420 million deficit. Yet, we find it acceptable to funnel $1 million into the police department for ice baths and barbecue trailers. 

Letting the wealthy influence public safety sets a dangerous precedent. This insults rent-burdened educators who are deserving of wellness support. 

Investing in education has been proven to reduce crime. A truly safe San Francisco is one where everyone has equal access to quality education and opportunities.

We know that a safe city isn’t one with the most policing; it is one with abundant resources, where everyone can live and have access to the wealth that San Francisco has to offer.