San Francisco Supervisor Postpones Resignation Amid Personal Health Challenge

Jackie Fielder, a prominent progressive figure among San Francisco’s supervisors, has reversed her decision to resign from her position. This announcement was made by her team on Sunday, following her recent hospitalization due to a “mental health condition” she is currently addressing.

Fielder was admitted to the hospital last Friday amid what her office described as an “acute personal health crisis.” Initially, she had informed city officials of her plan to take a leave of absence. However, a statement posted on social media by her office indicated that she would determine her future actions once she has fully recovered.

“Supervisor Jackie Fielder is dealing with a mental health condition and requires time and space to recuperate before making any significant decisions,” the statement conveyed. “Her priority is to achieve stable health, allowing her to consider her options in a thoughtful and responsible manner.”

Signed by three of her aides, the statement provided limited information about her condition and requested privacy as she continues her recovery process.

This health issue arises as Fielder confronts allegations that, if substantiated, could lead to her removal from her supervisory role.

The allegations are related to an investigation by the city attorney into an alleged leak, which, as reported by The San Francisco Standard, has caused significant upheaval within Fielder’s office.

On Thursday, a day before Fielder checked into the hospital, The Voice of San Francisco reported the progressive supervisor was “lying low” over a leaked confidential report from the city attorney’s office regarding plans for a sobering center, where homeless people high on drugs can receive treatment without punishment but face arrest if they decide to leave.

Fielder and Supervisor Connie Chan discussed the memo on Feb. 10, and the news website Mission Local published a story the same day according to The Voice of San Francisco. 

A memo obtained by news website Mission Local shows the City Attorney’s Office warned elected officials that the mayor’s proposal for the South of Market area — located near the city’s downtown core — could violate state laws and presents a “very high legal risk.”

The plan passed on a 9-2 vote and Fielder was one of only two supervisors to oppose it.

If Fielder is identified as the person who leaked the memo, she could be in violation of a series of state and local laws — including San Francisco’s Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code and City Charter, as well as California’s Penal and Evidence Codes — that would most likely result in her removal from office, according to The Voice of San Francisco. 

However, as it currently stands, the investigation does not appear to have pinpointed Fielder as a culprit. 

If the Latina and indigenous Democratic Socialist were to resign, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie would appoint a replacement that would likely just be a placeholder given that District 9, which includes the Mission District, is historically one of the most progressive voting blocs in the city. 

In the meantime, District 9 leaders are throwing their support behind Fielder, hoping she returns to office.

“We definitely do not want anyone else, because it’s going to be someone we will not agree with,” Tracy Gallardo Brown, an executive committee member of the Latino Task Force and lifetime Mission District resident told Mission Local. 

The Board of Supervisors clerk has not received a formal notice of resignation, the paper reported. 

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