S.F. DA and public defender agree on one thing Dont cut free legal aid

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and Public Defender Manohar Raju in San Francisco have issued letters to Mayor Daniel Lurie, advocating against proposed cuts to civil legal services funding amounting to $4. 2 million. Both officials, typically at odds, highlighted the importance of nonprofits like Open Door Legal in ensuring community safety and housing stability. Jenkins praised the nonprofit's strong partnership with her office, which she believes enhances public safety efforts. Raju emphasized that services like fighting unlawful evictions are essential in keeping residents safe and housed.

The proposed cuts would eliminate funding for seven legal aid nonprofits, although assistance for immigration and domestic violence cases will continue. Open Door Legal's director, Adrian Tirtanadi, argues that civil legal services ultimately save the city money by preventing homelessness. He has been on a hunger strike for over a week to protest the funding cuts, and local churches have joined in solidarity. The final budget decision will be made by the Board of Supervisors next week, with eight of the eleven supervisors reportedly supporting the preservation of civil legal aid.