Protestors hound Jew after hearing

By Emmett Berg

August 20, 2007

The lawyer for Supervisor Ed Jew told a judge today that his client would stand by his original plea of not guilty to allegations that Jew lied about living in San Francisco in order to win elected office.

The supervisor did not speak during this morning's arraignment hearing in San Francisco Superior Court and left afterward without commenting publicly.

Prosecutors claim in nine felony charges that Jew falsely claimed residency in San Francisco and lied on official documents leading up to his successful bid for a seat on the Board of Supervisors in 2006.

Jew's case and his claims of innocence have been ongoing this summer. His appearance in San Francisco Superior Court today was necessary after a judge in a preliminary hearing earlier this month ruled that the evidence against him was serious enough for a trial on felony charges.

His trial must by law occur within the next 60 days, but it will be Sept. 28 before Jew is likely to appear in court again. Jury selection for his trial will begin that day. A pretrial hearing is set for Sept. 10 but Jew will not be required to attend.

After the hearing Jew was met outside the Hall of Justice by about a half-dozen protesters chanting and waving signs that asked the supervisor to resign.

As Jew slowly made his way down Bryant Street flanked by protesters and members of the media, a pickup truck drove near and a man inside called out, "Hang in there, Ed."

The supervisor waved and responded, "Thank you! Thank you very much!"

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