The Mission Reacts to Charges Against Mirkarimi

Mission residents had little tolerance for the possibility of domestic violence, and few of those interviewed by Mission Loc@l had much sympathy for San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi, who is facing three misdemeanor domestic violence charges.

“It seems like someone who would abuse their family would also abuse their authorities,” said David Smith, a student at City College of San Francisco. “Work on yourself before you are in a position to ‘protect people.’”

Smith said Mirkarimi should step down. The San Francisco Chronicle reported today that Mayor Ed Lee met with Mirkarimi on Tuesday and that the sheriff “did not intend to take a leave of absence as he defends himself against misdemeanor domestic violence and related charges.”

The charges against the newly elected sheriff stem from an incident on New Year’s Eve involving Mirkarimi and his wife, Eliana Lopez.

Although Lopez has declined to press charges or cooperate with police, she allowed a neighbor, Ivory Madison, to videotape her after the alleged abuse occurred. The tape shows Lopez crying and pointing to bruises allegedly inflicted by her husband.

Madison contacted the police. In the last few days, Mirkarimi’s ex-girlfriend, Christina Flores, has come forward to accuse Mirkarimi of abusing her. Mirkarimi has denied all charges.

Lopez continues to defend her husband, and for some in the Mission, this was enough. A barista at Muddy Waters café on 24th Street said, “If his wife says he’s a nice guy, we should let the story go.”

But others wanted more evidence.

Counselor Roberto Alfaro of Mission Council, a nonprofit drug and alcohol counseling service, said it is common for women to defend their men. He calls it the Stockholm syndrome, in which victims of abuse become attached to their abuser and ultimately defend them.

But Alfaro added that it is still not clear if the charges have merit, and that it’s entirely possible that the incident has been blown out of proportion.

Not So Qualified for Sheriff

“His actions are incompatible with being the sheriff,” said Christy Colcord, a Lost Weekend employee, adding that domestic violence is “universally abhorred.”

Yuko Takamatsu, a waitress at the Crepe House, agreed. “He’s not a waitress like me,” she said, cleaning her hands on her apron. “He’s a sheriff and he works for the people.”

Colcord said it is unlikely that Mirkarimi’s liberal supporters will be patient. “Mirkarimi has a vanguard of progressive voters in the city” that supports women’s rights, she said.

“I can’t imagine [his supporters] will flock to him with those charges,” added John W., an employee at Dog Eared Books. “If it’s true, he’s a big old stink,” said Tobin Shreeve, a Free Wheel employee.

Colcord, raised the question of possible political motivations behind the charges — one that Mirkarimi’s wife has also raised. “I’m sure the political rivals are thrilled about what’s going on,” she said.

Added Dan, who also declined to give his full name: “There is a strong agenda behind this. Politics fuels it.”

Colcord said that because Mirkarimi’s wife is on his side, it’s not a straightforward story. “If she has to speak under oath,” said Colcord. “I imagine it will become more clear.”