Dylan Yep claims Jenkins fired him because he supported recalled prosecutor Chesa Boudin and Defund SFPD Now
by Sonya Z. Mehta
Oct. 27, 2022 – On Thursday morning, Dylan Yep, a San Francisco resident and former data analyst in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office, filed a claim against the City of San Francisco for firing him in retaliation for his political activity protesting against the appointment of Suzy Loftus as interim DA, supporting Chesa Boudin, the recalled District Attorney and advocating to defund the police.
In October 2019, Yep protested Mayor London Breed’s appointment of Loftus. The protest forced the mayor to change venues. Police prevented protestors from entering. However, Yep was able to enter the building and confront Mayor Breed as she spoke to reporters. Security escorted Yep off the stage. This event was all over the news, which published Yep’s name and image.
Also in 2019, Yep publicly campaigned for Boudin for DA and was a member of his small campaign staff. On Jan. 13, 2021, DA Boudin hired Yep to analyze data regarding racial disparities in the criminal legal system, in order to implement reforms. Throughout 2020, Yep organized with Defund SFPD Now and met with mayor’s aides and City supervisors. City Hall knew him well as an advocate for racial justice.
On July 7, 2022, Mayor Breed appointed Ms. Brooke Jenkins as the new District Attorney after an election recalling Boudin. Billionaire Republican William Oberndorf funded the recall and was a Board member with Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, which paid Ms. Jenkins more than $100,000 to be a central spokesperson for the recall of Boudin. Mayor Breed strongly criticized Boudin during the recall.
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On July 15, 2022, DA Jenkins terminated Yep, with no reason provided. Jenkins fired 15 people that day, but Yep was one of only two non-managers. Notably, both the non-managers were highly visible supporters of Mr. Boudin. Yep had excellent performance reviews and no discipline.
“I am extremely disappointed that DA Jenkins chose to violate the law and retaliate against me for engaging in protected political activity. More than that, I mourn for our city, which must endure the ‘leadership’ of yet another city official who thinks they are above the law,” said Yep.
Attorney Sonya Z. Mehta (she/her) at Siegel, Yee, Brunner & Mehta, represents Yep. Reach her by phone at 510-839-1200 or email SonyaMehta@siegelyee.com.
