DBI begins candidate interviews as pandemic protocols ease and inspector allegations arise

The recent meeting of the San Francisco City Commission focused on several key issues, including staffing updates and responses to recent allegations involving a former city inspector.

During the meeting, it was announced that the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) is in the process of interviewing approximately 11 candidates for inspection services positions. The department aims to fill these roles soon, as they are urgently needed to support the city's operations. The timeline for hiring is expected to narrow down candidates in the coming weeks, with hopes of onboarding new staff shortly thereafter.

Additionally, the commission discussed the city's ongoing adjustments to pandemic protocols. As San Francisco continues to reopen, the DBI plans to expand in-person services, targeting July 1 as a key date for increasing public interactions. The department is committed to following health officer recommendations to ensure safety during this transition.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing allegations against former senior inspector Bernie Curran, who has been accused of accepting a loan from a developer. The director of DBI confirmed that Curran is no longer employed by the city and emphasized ongoing efforts to reform the department. A team is being assembled to audit the projects overseen by Curran to ensure compliance and accountability.

The commission expressed a desire to learn from this incident, seeking recommendations on policy improvements to prevent similar issues in the future. The commitment to transparency and reform was a recurring theme, highlighting the department's focus on accountability and integrity in its operations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's proactive approach to staffing and safety while addressing serious allegations that have raised concerns about oversight within the department. The next steps will involve both the hiring of new staff and a thorough review of past projects to restore public trust.