Board committee backs Public Defender's MAGIC community programs, forwards resolution to full Board

The Government Audit and Oversight Committee voted Jan. 20 to recommend a resolution that formally authorizes and expresses the Board's support for the Public Defender's MAGIC programs—BeMAGIC (Bayview Hunters Point) and MoMAGIC (Fillmore/Western Addition).

Why it matters: The MAGIC programs, established under the office of the Public Defender and community partners, aim to prevent youth involvement in the criminal legal system by coordinating services, convening community-based organizations and delivering direct supports such as back-to-school giveaways and literacy programs.

What presenters said: Public Defender Manoj Raju described MAGIC's founding under the late Jeff Adachi and said the programs follow a collective-impact model, working with more than 90 community partners to deliver services to children and families. Directors Lisonbee Lacoste (BeMAGIC) and Britney Ford (MoMAGIC) described summer backpack giveaways, community convenings and pandemic-era pivots to deliver resources.

Community support: Dozens of callers representing nonprofits, early-learning centers and community groups told the committee the programs have been essential during the pandemic and urged supervisors to support the resolution. Cheryl Davis of the Human Rights Commission and leaders from local CBOs described long-term partnership with MAGIC staff and applauded the Board's formal recognition.

Vote and next step: The committee voted unanimously to forward the resolution to the full Board with a recommendation; supervisors said they expect the Board to consider the matter at its next meeting.

Ending note: Committee members emphasized the programs' preventive focus and described the resolution as a step toward sustaining community-based supports that combine legal advocacy with services for youth and families.