San Francisco’s Jackie Fielder Plans to Stay On

Jackie Fielder, a prominent progressive coach from San Francisco, has confirmed that she will not resign. A statement from her aides on Sunday addressed her current situation, noting a “mental health condition” that resulted in her hospitalization late last week.

Fielder was admitted to the hospital on Friday, which her office described as an “acute personal health crisis.” She initially indicated to city officials that she would take a leave of absence. However, a recent social media post from her office indicates she intends to evaluate her future steps after she recovers.

“Coach Jackie Fielder is currently experiencing a mental health condition and needs time and space to recover before making any major decisions,” the statement said, expressing her desire to regain stable health and thoughtfully consider her options. The message, signed by three of her close aides, requests privacy as she focuses on her recovery.

This health issue arises as Fielder faces allegations of potential misconduct, which, if substantiated, could lead to her removal from office.

Reports indicate that these concerns stem from an investigation by the city attorney into a supposed breach of confidentiality. Fielder’s office is reportedly in “turmoil.” On the day before her hospital admission, it was suggested that she had been misled regarding a leaked memo about a sobriety center for drug-addicted homeless individuals, where treatment would be offered, but leaving the center would result in arrest.

On February 10, discussions about the memo had taken place between Fielder and Supervisor Connie Chan. This memo warned elected officials about the high legal risks associated with the mayor’s proposal for a sobriety center in the South of Market district, near downtown. Despite these warnings, the proposal passed with a 9-2 vote, with Fielder being one of the two supervisors in opposition.

If Fielder is identified as the source of the leaked memo, she could be in violation of several laws, which could lead to her removal. However, there is no indication yet that the investigation has pinpointed her as the culprit.

Should she decide to resign, it’s expected that Mayor Daniel Lurie would appoint a successor, but likely just a placeholder, given the district’s strong progressive voting history.

In the meantime, District 9 leaders are expressing their support for Fielder’s return. “We definitely don’t want anyone else because that would be someone we don’t agree with,” noted Tracy Gallardo Brown, a member of the organization’s executive committee, highlighting the community’s desire for continuity in leadership.

The secretary of the supervisory board has not received any formal notice of resignation from Fielder, suggesting that her position may not be in immediate jeopardy.