Jeff Adachi - our elected Public Defender -
he will be missed -but never, ever forgotten -
he left a legacy.
Jeff Adachi and his family experienced first hand the worst type of " discrimination " - his family lost it all - their dignity, their home and more - arrested and sent to a camp - to be " incarcerated " - for one simple reason - he and his family - were of Japanese ancestry.
Repercussions as a result of our Nation War with Japan and Germany during World War II.
At SF City Hall under the famous Rotunda -
the KKK took their oath -
and tarnished the area for all eternity -
we must never forget such ceremonies.
Today - in the United States of America - in large measure - people of color are treated much the same - discriminated all over the Nation - but more here in San Francisco.
Nothing much has changed from a time when the KKK took their oath under the rotunda - at San Francisco's City Hall.
Frederick Douglas -
he stood tall and represented -
much like Jeff Adachi.
Today we remember them all - and what is more we honor them - because all of them left a legacy.
My good friend Jeff Adachi was unique he had his own way of discerning - you could not for a second - say something important - without him - thinking hard - discerning - more being cautious about the issue at hand.
Then like a lighting rod - say something important and pertinent - that would be etched on your mind.
Jeff Adachi's heart was in the right place - his sharp mind - his ability to empathize and have compassion - allowed him to help all.
Never - mind what the issue was - and this ability sent shills in places and to the heart of those that - broke the law, defied decency - especially those that took advantage of the poor and those that could not defend themselves.
The First People of San Francisco -
the Muwekma Ohlone - I represent them in San Francisco -
we send our condolences and appreciate
all that you Jeff Adachi have done for so many -
honoring the ancestors and standing for universal values
more justice and fair play.
This land we call San Francisco - all of it - every square inch belongs to the Muwekma Ohlone. You would not known it from the barking Mayor London Breed, the many others that treat our poor, our indigent with disdain.
Too many people of color more Black are sent to jail - man for petty crimes - many are charged and given jail time - because of the color of their skin.
A Black person may be caught stealing some stuff worth $5 dollars - one may be present to witness such an act.
When the SF Police Officers come to the scene - many a time - several charges will be added to the initial petty crime - a judge without second thought - looking at the victim as a "thug" and those that used to defend the victims - agreeing to large prison time.
Jeff Adachi and his team of lawyers changed all that - gave the victim voice - soon entire neighborhood knew about Jeff Adachi and his team of lawyers.
My good friend Matt Gonzales -
others like Francisco Ugarte -
are poised to carry on the good work -
we must support them all - help them carry on
the good work - God Bless them all.
More other States and the Nation - have noticed Jeff Adachi's work - his models implemented - Jeff Adachi's legacy will leave forever.
We back Matt Gonzales who will take charge of the situation at hand. We will be watching Room 200 at SF City Hall like a H A W K .
San Francisco's Public Defender is elected - and this fact and more - makes all the difference.
Jeff Adachi was the Public Defender - but you would not know that when you met him.
Jeff Adachi - was unassuming - he acted more as a person who could help you - and was ready to listen to you and all the hurdles that came in the way of the victim.
Then is his own particular manner - he reassured one - that all would be well.
The victim would be represented as best the SF Public Defender could - Jeff Adachi and his team.
This was repeated thousands of times - and most of the time - with results that were astounding.
Power to the People
the people united will never, ever be defeated.
the people united will never, ever be defeated.
The Rogue SF Police Office hated Jeff Adachi - and even in death - they tried to make an issue and were caught red handed.
It is the same with some politicians including Mayor London Breed - Suzy Loftus and others - talking the talk but failing to walk the walk.
I was there for the Memorial Service held outside the SF Public Defenders' Office - thousands gathered - speaker after speaker spoke from the heart.
The sentiments all had a common theme - Jeff Adachi was the man of the hour and gave his best. Jeff Adachi and his team of lawyers at the Public Defenders' Office.
Jeff Adachi will be missed but never ever forgotten - he has left a legacy on which others must build - it is easy to talk the talk but something else to walk the walk.
The many concepts linked to Restorative Justice Model, Clean Slate, the needed changes linked to Bail Bond and the on going ruckus, incarcerating human beings in jails that are NOT clean and decent and should be clean and environmentally friendly.
Treating those charged women and men with decency - getting rid of the age old mentality - treating one that has committed a crime with utter disdain - talking about rehabilitation but acting the opposite.
Yet with the same breath talking about rehabilitation and some vague language that comes with that thinking - which means nothing at all.
I have gone to 850 Bryant - the Hall of Justice - many times - to help one in need.
I have seen first hand - how someone who has been there for a few days - traumatized.
More a person - woman or man - that has fallen prey to some mistake - sometimes minor - but lands in jail because of the color of their skin - for years.
Jeff Adachi and his coworkers always think outside the box - and have created models that work.
Practiced, tried and imitated by other agencies that are amazed how San Francisco manages to come out with such innovative models that work.
Jeff Adachi's team of lawyers be it on immigration, domestic violence, juvenile incarceration, education in the jails.
BMagic and the work in the community linked to children and youth - on all meaningful levels.
Jeff's yearly conferences on justice and fair play and more - held at the Main Library on Grove Street in San Francisco - shed light where there was utter and abject - darkness.
City Hall will try to rob us all of what we think and feel about Jeff Adachi - true sentiments that were expressed at the Memorial Service held outside the Public Defenders' Office - by true friends and supporters of Jeff Adachi.
Then there was a march after the Memorial Service to City Hall.
The meaningful " People's March " without much fanfare and in keeping with the values that Jeff Adachi fought for and more his tenacity and fortitude - that we all will remember. Aho.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR
PUBLIC DEFENDER JEFF ADACHI ANNOUNCED
Public memorial service to celebrate the life
of Public Defender will take place
on Monday, March 4, at 11 am at
San Francisco City Hall
The service will be open to the public.
Rest in Peace
Jeff Adachi - our Elected Public Defender.
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